← Back to Countries
🇮🇱
🎯Sign Up to QuizIsrael
Middle East
State of Israel
🗺️ Jerusalem, Israel
Capital city
📍 31.7683°, 35.2137°View larger map →
📍 Essential Info
CapitalJerusalem
TimezoneUTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Population9.4M
Governmentparliamentary democracy
🔌 Practical Info
Driving SideRight
Electrical PlugsVaries
Internet Code.il
Internet Users87%
GDP per Capita$47,300
🌍 Geography
LocationMiddle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Lebanon
Size Comparisonslightly larger than New Jersey
Climatetemperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas
TerrainNegev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains; Jordan Rift Valley
👥 People & Culture
Ethnic GroupsJewish 73.5% (of which Israel-born 79.7%, Europe/America/Oceania-born 14.3%, Africa-born 3.9%, Asia-born 2.1%), Arab 21.1%, other 5.4% (2022 est.)
ReligionsJewish 73.5%, Muslim 18.1%, Christian 1.9%, Druze 1.6%, other 4.9% (2022 est.)
Median Age30.2 years
Life Expectancy83.1 years
National HolidayIndependence Day, 14 May (1948)
🎎 Cultural Tips
Greetings
Handshakes are common. Religious Jews may not shake hands with opposite gender - wait for them to extend their hand. Israelis are direct and informal.
Dining
Kosher dietary laws are observed by many. Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) affects restaurant availability. Hummus and falafel are staples. Tipping 10-15% is expected.
Key Phrases
Hello / Goodbye: שלוםThank you: תודהPlease: בבקשהYes / No: כן / לאHow much?: כמה זה עולה?
Destinations in Israel
Data sourced from the CIA World Factbook