Flag band for country tag
 

Israel

Country information

Flag of Israel with the Star of David and blue stripes, symbol of the news on Innovando News

Discover how Israel is using innovative technologies and sustainable solutions to drive growth on Innovando.News: Israel, located in the Middle East, borders Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt, and has coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. With a surface area of ​​approximately 22.145 km², the archipelago is characterized by mountains, deserts such as the Negev and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. The population of approximately 9,5 million is distributed mainly in the cities of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israel boasts an advanced economy with a GDP of approximately 500 billion USD, strongly focused on high technology, defense and advanced agriculture. The country is known as the "Startup Nation" for the high number of startups per capita. Israel is also at the forefront of research and development and technological innovation. Israeli culture is a fusion of Jewish, Arab and Western traditions, with Jerusalem as the declared capital and home to important holy sites.

Summary data on Israel

  • Total population: Approximately 9,6 million inhabitants.
  • Population growth rate: About 1,9% per year, with growth supported by a relatively high birth rate and an influx of immigrants.
  • Capital: Jerusalem, with approximately 900.000 inhabitants.
  • Main cities: In addition to Jerusalem, other significant cities include Tel Aviv, Haifa, Rishon LeZion and Petah Tikva.
  • Countries it borders: Israel borders Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, Egypt to the southwest, and has a long coastline on the Mediterranean Sea to the west. It also borders the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza.
  • Nominal GDP: Approximately USD 500 billion.
  • Pro-capite GDP: Around USD 52.000, one of the highest in the Middle East.
  • GDP growth rate: Around 4,5% in 2022, mainly supported by the technology, industrial and export sectors.
  • Inflation: About 4%, but it is subject to fluctuations related to global consumer goods prices and changes in the energy market.
  • Unemployment rate: Around 3,5%, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world.
  • Trade balance: Negative, with Israel importing a large amount of goods, but making up for it with its advanced technology exports.
  • Major business partners: United States, China, Germany, India, Netherlands and United Kingdom.
  • Public debt: Around 60-70% of GDP, considered relatively sustainable, with broad fiscal control.
  • Public spending on R&D (Research and Development): Very high, about 4,9% of GDP, one of the highest rates in the world. Israel is a global leader in technological and scientific innovation.
  • Main economic sectors: Technology (especially high-tech and start-ups), defense, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, advanced agriculture and tourism.
  • Currency: New Israeli Shekel (ILS).
  • Interest rate: Approximately 1,25%, set by the Bank of Israel.
  • Foreign exchange reserves: Approximately USD 200 billion.
  • Main exports: Technology products (software, hardware, cybersecurity), diamonds, medicines, machinery, and electronic equipment.
  • Main imports: Petroleum and derivatives, machinery, vehicles, raw materials, and chemicals.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): Very high, with a score of around 0,919.
  • Literacy rate: About 98%, with a well-developed education system and world-class universities.
  • Life expectancy: About 82 years old.
  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Israel ranks among the world's top countries in the global innovation index, thanks to its investments in R&D, entrepreneurship and technology.
  • Corruption Perception Index: Low perception of corruption, with a score of around 60 out of 100.

Insights into Israel

1. Country Name

  • Official Country Name: State of Israel (Medinat Yisrael in Hebrew, Dawlat Israel (in Arabic).
  • Short form and long form: Israel (short form); State of Israel (long form).

2. Geography

  • Geographical position: Located in the Middle East, it borders Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest; it has coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
  • Area Approximately 22.145 km² (including disputed territories).
  • Description of the landscape: Israel offers a variety of landscapes: mountains in the north (Galilee), coastal plains, deserts such as the Negev in the south, and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. The climate varies from Mediterranean to desert.

3. Population

  • Number of inhabitants: Approximately 9,5 million people (2023).
  • Population growth rate: Approximately 1,8% per annum.
  • Major cities and population distribution:
    • Tel Aviv: Economic and cultural center.
    • Jerusalem: Declared capital, sacred city for Jews, Christians and Muslims.
    • Haifa: Main port and industrial center.

4. Capital and main cities

  • Name of the capital: Jerusalem (with partial international recognition).
  • Information on the main cities:
    • Jerusalem: Historic and political city with monuments such as the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
    • Tel Aviv: Heart of technological innovation and tourism.
    • Haifa: Known for its multicultural community and the Bahá'í Gardens, a UNESCO heritage site.

5. economy

Nominal GDP and GDP per capita

Nominal GDP is around USD 500 billion, with GDP per capita of around USD 55.000 (2023).

Main economic sectors (agriculture, industry, services)

  • Agriculture: Advanced production through irrigation and agricultural technology; export of citrus fruits, avocados and flowers.
  • Industry: Leader in high technology (cybersecurity, semiconductors, biotechnology) and defense.
  • Services: Tourism, financial services and healthcare are pillars of the economy.

GDP growth rate and inflation

Economic growth is stable, around 3-4% per year. Inflation is under control, around 2-3%.

Unemployment rate and trade balance

The unemployment rate is low, around 3-4%. The trade balance is supported by exports of advanced technology.

Public debt

Sustainably managed, equal to approximately 60% of GDP.

Main exports and imports

  • Main exports: Technology products, weapons, diamonds, chemicals and food.
  • Main imports: Raw materials, fuels and consumer goods.

6. Political system and government

  • Type of government: Parliamentary republic.
  • Political structure: The President is the head of state (ceremonial role), while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The parliament, the Knesset, is unicameral.
  • Main political parties and electoral organization: The main parties include Likud, Yesh Atid, Shas and the Labor Party.

7. History and culture

Brief historical overview of the country

Founded in 1948, Israel is the result of a long Zionist movement to create a Jewish state. It has faced numerous regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions. Its history is intertwined with that of the Abrahamic religions and the Middle East.

Cultural and linguistic traditions

The official languages ​​are Hebrew and Arabic. The culture combines Jewish, Arabic and Western traditions. Israeli music, dance and literature reflect this diversity.

Cultural heritage (monuments, UNESCO sites, cultural events)

  • UNESCO Sites: Masada, the Old City of Jerusalem, the Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa.
  • Cultural events: The Jerusalem Film Festival and Tel Aviv Pride are notable events.

8. Innovation and development

  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Among the top 10 in the world.
  • R&D (Research and Development) Spending: About 4,9% of GDP, one of the highest in the world.
  • Advanced technological sectors and main innovations of the country: Medical technology, artificial intelligence, agritech and defense.

9. Education and health

  • Literacy rate: About 97%.
  • Structure of the education system: Free and compulsory primary and secondary schools; excellence in universities such as the Technion and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
  • Quality and accessibility of the health system: Universal healthcare system; Israeli hospitals are known for the quality of their care.
  • Life expectancy: About 83 years old.

10. International rankings

  • Position in the Human Development Index (HDI): Among the top 20 in the world.
  • Position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): Relatively good, with occasional challenges.
  • Position in global economic indices: High in economic competitiveness and innovation rankings.

11. Environmental policies

  • The country's efforts in terms of sustainability: Pioneer in desalination and efficient water use. Promoting renewable energy.
  • Environmental policies and international commitments: Participation in climate agreements and reforestation initiatives.

12. Curiosities and peculiarities

  • Interesting or unique facts about the country:
    • Israel is known as the “Startup Nation” due to its high number of startups per capita.
    • The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth.
    • Tel Aviv is a global hub for the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Important events, national holidays, gastronomic specialties:
    • Yom Ha'atzmaut: Independence Day.
    • Local cuisine: It includes falafel, hummus, shakshuka and sabich, combining Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.

Map of articles