Introduction: Israel is located in the Middle East along the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bound by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Lebanon to the north, Syria to the north east, Jordan to the east and Egypt to the south west.

Official Name: State of Israel
Area: 20,770 Sq Km (8,019 Sq Miles)
Population: 6,115,000
Continent: Middle East
Density per square mile:
Capital City: Jerusalem
Religions: Judaism 82%, Muslim (mostly Sunni Muslim) 15%, Druze 5%, Christians 2%

Language: Hebrew, Arab & English
Government: Republic.

Currency: Shekel
GDP: $122 billion
GDP Per Head: $19,000

Natural Resources: timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand
Land Use: Arable Land 18%
Agriculture: Citrus fruits, vegetables, cotton, beef, poultry & dairy products.
Industry: Metal, defence, machinery, technology, diamonds, chemicals

Tourism: The British & Foreign Commonwealth Office advise against travel to the West Bank and Gaza where there have been serious clashes between Israelis and Palestinians They also advise against travel along Israel’s border with Lebanon, where there have been clashes between the Israeli army and Hizbollah; and against travel close to the Israeli side of the Israel/Gaza border because of the risk of stray shots, sniper fire or mortars.

Natural Hazards: Sandstorms may occur during spring and summer, OCCASIONAL droughts & earthquakes .
Health Risks: None

Climate: Israel has a Mediterranean climate with long hot & dry summers and short warm wet winters. Around 17% of the annual rainfall occurs between November and February in violent storms. Average temperature ranges in Jerusalem are from 5 to 13 degrees Celsius in January to 18 to 31 degrees Celsius in August.

Time: GMT/UTC + 2 hours
National Days: May 14

Visas: Unless you are a citizen of some African or Central American countries, India, Singapore or some ex-Soviet republics, you do not need a visa to enter Israel. Most tourists are allowed a three-month stay.

British Embassy Details