Israel is a country in the Middle East, situated at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. It is known as the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity and holds profound religious significance for Islam as well. The country is also recognized for its advanced technology sector and diverse landscapes, ranging from Mediterranean coastline to desert.
- Capital
- Jerusalem
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- Western Asia
- Area
- 20,770 km²
- Coordinates
- 31° N, 35° E
- Languages
- Arabic, Hebrew
- Currency
- ILS ₪
- Domain
- .il
- Calling code
- +972
On the world map
Bordering countries
Egypt
Jordan
Lebanon
SyriaCountry facts
- Hebrew, one of the world's oldest languages, was revived as a modern spoken language in Israel during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The Dead Sea, located on Israel's eastern border, is the lowest point on Earth's surface.
- Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, becoming a modern state after the British Mandate for Palestine ended.
- The menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum rooted in ancient Jewish tradition, is the official symbol on Israel's state emblem.
- Israel has a strong tradition of agricultural innovation, including pioneering the widespread use of drip irrigation technology.
Capital facts
- Jerusalem is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history spanning thousands of years.
- The Old City of Jerusalem is divided into four quarters: the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters.
- The Western Wall, a remnant of the ancient Second Temple complex, is the holiest site where Jews are permitted to pray.
- Jerusalem's Old City was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
- The Dome of the Rock, an Islamic shrine built in the late 7th century CE, stands on the Temple Mount and is one of Jerusalem's most recognizable landmarks.