A Brief Description
The small (densely populated) State of Israel occupies about 75% of an area long known as Canaan. This historic, volatile spot is significant for Christians, Muslims and Jews alike, as Jerusalem is recognized as a holy city by all three religious faiths. Additional Canaan/Palestine/Israel history here.
The Old Testament of the Bible (the Jewish Torah), describes how, after being led out of Egypt by Moses into this land of Canaan, Hebrew tribes, descendants of the 12 sons of Jacob, settled, and later formed the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Centuries passed, and then (by decree) on May 14, 1948, (an agreed to partition of Palestine) between the Jews and Arabs, and one later recommended by a special committee of the United Nations in 1947, was the force that formed the official State of Israel.
A map of that suggested land division is here. That agreement was later summarily rejected by the Arabs, as it conflicted with their long-held historical ties to Palestine.
Today the West Bank (shown on the map above) is partially Israeli occupied, but Israel, in September, 2005, withdrew all Israeli settlers and soldiers and dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip. Nonetheless, Israel controls maritime, airspace, and most access to the Gaza Strip.
Recently, the country of Israel and Hezbollah forces within Lebanon are fighting a bloody war; one with thousands of civilians caught in the middle. On Monday, August 14th, 2006, a cease fire took effect, and hopefully, it will prevail until an international peace-keeping force is put in place.
Learn more about the fascinating history and people of Israel here
For information and links regarding Palestine, its people and its history, try this page
Floating on the Dead Sea, Israel
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Facts and Figures
Name Israel
(long form) State of Israel
Population 6,276,900
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Jerusalem (712,000)
Currency New Israeli Shekel (ILS)
Currency Converter
here
Languages Hebrew (official) Arabic and English (widely spoken)
Flag here
National Day May 12
Religions Jewish (75%), Muslim (15%), others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
31º 46' N, 35º 14' E
Relative Location Israel is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of western Asia. The country is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, and by the countries of Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria.
Land Statistics
Coastline 170 miles (273 km)
Land Areas
(land) 7,849 sq miles (20,330 sq km)
(water) 170 sq miles (440 sq km)
(TOTAL) 8,019 sq miles (20,770 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms
The country of Israel has four distinct geographical areas:
A fertile (and mostly flat) coastal plain fronts the Mediterranean Sea coastline; rolling hills dissect the country, including the central Samarian hills and the mountains and hills of Galilee in the north; the Great Rift Valley runs south to the Gulf of Aqaba along its southern border with Jordan, and the Negev Desert (part of the Sinai Desert) dominates the southern landscape.
The Dead Sea is the lowest point (below sea level) on the planet. The River Jordon is the most significant river, and it forms the natural border between Israel and Jordan.
 Highest Point Mt. Meron - 3,963 ft. (1,208m)
 Lowest Point Dead Sea - (-1,349 ft.) (- 411 m) below sea level
Land Divisions 6 districts, including: Central, Haifa, Jerusalem, Northern, Southern and Tel Aviv.
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Maps
Israel (large color) Map here
Israel Outline Map here
Israel CIA version here
Israel Maps at UT here
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Asia Continent (printable) here
Asia Outline Map here
Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here
Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here
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Indian Subcontinent Map here
Middle East Landforms here
Middle East Map here
Middle East Outline Map here
Middle East Rivers here
Tsunami Map (December 2004) here
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World Outline Maps (printable) here
World Time Zone Map here
Recommended Links
Israel (Complete) info on the (GDP)
economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here!
Embassy of Israel (Washington DC) here
Haaretz (on-line newspaper) here
Israel Government here
Israel Photos at TrekEarth.com here
Israel Tourism (a useful information site) here
Palestinian Territories (information and links) here
Dome of the Rock's golden dome, Israel
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Time and Weather
Climate
Summers in Israel are hot and dry, and especially hot in the eastern and southern desert areas. Winter brings milder temperatures to the Mediterranean coastline, as well as the mountain areas of the north.
Traveler Info
Attractions
Israel is a remarkable, fascinating and controversial country, all in one, and for Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, the capital city of Jerusalem is one of the most revered cities on earth.
Major attractions within the country include tours of, or to, the Dome of the Rock, Mount Zion, the Wailing Wall, the Tomb of David and the Israel Museum, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls; Tel Aviv, Israel's business center, with it nightlife, shopping and sandy beaches; Galilee and its biblical history and spa resorts; the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea; the "City of Palm Trees", Jericho, one of the planet's most continuously inhabited sites and the oldest fortified city in the world, and of course Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ.
The U. S. Department of State and other world governments urge their citizens to carefully weigh the necessity of their travel to Israel due to unsafe conditions. The U.S. Department of State also urges American citizens to defer unnecessary travel to the West Bank and avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip.
Militants have abducted Western citizens and held them for short periods, and terrorist organizations have threatened attacks against U.S. interests.
Country Dialing Code 972
Electricity Israel uses 230 volts AC (50 Hz)
Electrical adapters, products and tips here
Travel Warnings
here
PASSPORTS - TRAVEL VISAS
NOTE: Before making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding all passport and visa requirements. The experienced people at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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