Country Guide • Israel
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 | 20,770km² (8,019mile²) |
| Population | 6,115,000 |
| Continent | Middle East |
| Population per mile² | |
| Capital City | Jerusalem |
| Religions | Judaism 82%, Muslim (mostly Sunni Muslim) 15%, Druze 5%, Christians 2% |
| Language | Hebrew, Arab and 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 and dairy products |
| Industry | Metal, defence, machinery, technology, diamonds, chemicals |
| Tourism | The British and 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 and earthquakes |
| Health Risks | None |
| Climate | Israel has a Mediterranean climate with long hot and 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°C in January to 18 to 31°C 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 | Embassy Details |
Information Only
The content above is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.
