Introduction to Israel

Quick Overview

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, bordering Egypt among others.

• Latitude/longitude: 31°47' N, 35°13' E.

• Local time: Heure : 2359

• Capital(s): Jerusalem (not internationally recognised) and/or Tel Aviv... or none according to the UN and other international bodies.

• Nature of the state: parliamentary democracy.

• Official languages: Hebrew and Arabic.

• Currency: new shekel.

• Population: 8,424,904 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: between 22,000 and 28,000 km² depending on the recognition of certain territories under Israeli jurisdiction/occupation.

• Density: between 301 and 383 inhabitants/km² depending on the area considered.

• Highest point: Mount Meron (1,208 m).

• Lowest point: Dead Sea (-428 m).

• Coastline: 187 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

Unique in its kind, the country offers, despite recurring tensions, a highly nationalist policy that is far from unanimous, and a context that is not always easy, all the ingredients of a holiday destination with a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural sites, and beaches spread across two seas.

Each year, Israel welcomes many visitors (4.121 million, generating over 5 € billion in revenue in 2018), with attendance fluctuating slightly depending on current events or the situation at the time. Many visitors come for religious or affinity reasons. Among them, Americans are by far the most numerous (nearly one in four visitors), followed by the French (346,000 in 2018), Russians, Germans, British, Ukrainians, Italians, and more recently, the Chinese, who have entered the top 10 of visitors.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for somewhat experienced travellers.

• By air: France-Tel Aviv.

• Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after the entry date.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★★; Culture ★★★★; Relaxation-holidays ★★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 22/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $36,400 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +0.2% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 4.2% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 22% (2014)

• Life expectancy: 82.7 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +2.2 (2017)

• Population growth: +1.49% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 97.8% (2016)

• Urban population: 92.4% (2018)

• Press freedom: 87/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: flawed democracy (30/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook