Israel

Israel is a country located in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea between Egypt and Lebanon, covering an area of approximately 21,937 square kilometers. As of 2024, Israel has a population of over 9.4 million, with Hebrew as the official language, Arabic holding special status, and English widely used as a foreign language. The country features the Negev desert in the south, a low coastal plain, central mountains, and the Jordan Rift Valley, with a temperate climate that is hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas. Jerusalem serves as the capital, and the government operates as a parliamentary democracy.

Israel has a high-income, technology-driven economy with a GDP of $540.38 billion and a GDP per capita of $47,300, led by high-technology products including aviation, communications, medical electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Key industries also include wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food and beverages, cement, construction, metal products, and cut diamonds. Agricultural products include milk, chicken, potatoes, tomatoes, and citrus fruits, while natural resources include timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, and phosphate rock. The unemployment rate is 3.5% as of 2025, and life expectancy is 83.2 years. Israel’s high-tech sector has remained resilient despite economic challenges from regional conflicts, while construction and tourism have been among the hardest-hit sectors.