Israel Facts

Israel in Brief
Israel in Brief provides capsule introductions to Israel
by collection of key facts and figures. 


Facts:

     • The Jewish republic established in 1948 from the
       British-controlled Palestine  
     • Area: 20,850 km² Between Jordan Valley and the
       Mediterranean Sea  
     • Forests: 5%
     • Desert: 61%
     • Coast strip: 190 km
     • Capital: Jerusalem
     • Population:  2006 (end of year): 7,116,700 inhabitants 
     • Languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English 
     • Form of government: Parliamentary democracy
     • Parliament: Knesset with 120 members in one chamber 
     • Religion: 79% Jews, 17.3% Muslims, 1.6% Druze and
       2.1% Christians 
     • Average life expectancy: Men 77.3 years and
       Women 81.2 years 
     • Most important export goods: Technology and agriculture
     • Currency: New Israel shekel (ILS) ( ¤ )
     • Time zone: GMT+2
     • Internet TLD: IL
     • Calling code: +972
     • Anthem: Hatikvah (The Hope)