Geography
- Full country name: The State of Israel
- Population: 7.3 million (UN, 2010)
- Border countries: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria.
- Climate: largely a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. For further details see BBC Weather Country Guides: Israel
.
- Terrain: varied with rolling hills, forested areas, coastal plains and rock desert.
- Natural hazards: sandstorms, drought and occasional earthquakes.
Living in Israel
- Cost of living: Israel enjoys a standard of living comparable with Western Europe, but there are still many low-paid workers and poverty does exist. Property prices are fairly high, but renting is usually reasonable, depending on the area. Public transport is well-organised and reasonably priced.
- Utilities: prices vary depending on location.
- Internet domain: .il
- Health: Israel has a well-developed healthcare service. However, healthcare is not free and treatment can be expensive. Hospitals may take legal action to delay departure until treatment is paid for. Visitors to Israel are strongly advised to take out comprehensive health and travel insurance. No special vaccinations are necessary to enter the country, but insect repellents are recommended in late summer/autumn to avoid mosquito bites which may carry the West Nile virus.
- Laws and customs: visitors should be sensitive to different attitudes and customs. For example, you should dress modestly in Orthodox Jewish areas, as well as in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. There are strict border controls and an intense security presence to prevent drug smuggling. Penalties for bringing drugs into the country are high. When travelling around Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you should carry identification at all times. Due to the volatile political situation, armed police and soldiers are a feature of everyday life.
Economy and finance
- Currency: New Israeli Shekel (NIS)
- Type of economy: market economy.
- Health of economy: has remained relatively healthy despite the global slowdown. Much of this is due to the high-tech sector, particularly innovation and technology, which continues to grow. However, the long-term outlook is dependent on developments in the conflict with the Palestinians and the political situation in the region.
- Unemployment rate: 6.7%
- Main exports: computer software, military equipment, chemicals, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and cut diamonds.
Culture
- People: Jews (76%), Muslims (16.1%), Christians (3.4%) and Druze.
- Major religion: Judaism. Other religions include Islam and Christianity.
- History: see BBC Timeline: Israel
.
- Local etiquette: visitors should be sensitive to attitudes and customs of diverse groups. Certain groups, for example, prefer modest dress.
Politics
- Type of government: parliamentary democracy.
- Major political parties: Kadima, Likud, Israel Beitenu, Labour, Shas, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), Meretz, National Union, Jewish Home, United Arab List, Hadash, Balad.
Travel advice
Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
website.
