Israel, a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea, is regarded by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the biblical Holy Land. Its most sacred sites are in Jerusalem. Within its Old City, the Temple Mount complex includes the Dome of the Rock shrine, the historic Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Israel's financial hub, Tel Aviv, is known for its Bauhaus architecture and beaches.
Languages: Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language
Ethnic Groups: Jewish 76.4% (of which Israel-born 67.1%, Europe/America-born 22.6%, Africa-born 5.9%, Asia-born 4.2%), non-Jewish 23.6% (mostly Arab)
Belief Systems: Jewish 75.5%, Muslim 16.8%, Christian 2.1%, Druze 1.7%, other 3.9%
Demographics:
Population: 7.94 million people (World Rank: 96th) (2014 estimate)
Population Density: 1012 people/mi^2 (People per Square Mile) (World Rank: 33rd) (2014 estimate)
Population Growth: 1.61 %/yr (World Rank: 77th) (2013 estimate)
Life Expectancy: 81.8 years (World Rank: 14th) (2013 estimate)
Median Age: 30.1 years (World Rank: 73rd) (2010 estimate)
Sites for More Information:
Map of Israel
Worldatlas.com
Israel - Country Profile
U.S. Library of Congress
Israel - General Information
Encyclopedia.com
Travel Info for Israel
Travelnotes.org
Government related sites
Israeli Embassy
in Washington D.C.
