Israel

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Israel (orthographic projection) with occupied territories

Israel - Location Map (2012) - ISR - UNOCHA

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Merneptah Steli (cropped)

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Israel is a country located in the Middle East, on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea. It has land borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. It is the world's only Jewish-majority state, with Judaism being the religion of approximately 74.2% of its population, while the country's Arab citizens, who are primarily Muslims, Christians, and Druze, make up the largest minority group.

History

The history of Israel is a subject of significant importance in both world history and the history of religions. The modern state of Israel was established in 1948, following the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the United Nations' approval of the partition plan, which sought to create separate Jewish and Arab states in the territory. The declaration of the state of Israel was met with opposition from many Arab countries, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Since its establishment, Israel has fought several wars with neighboring Arab countries, and its borders have changed over time through both conflict and negotiations.

Geography

Israel's geography is characterized by its diverse landscapes, ranging from desert areas in the south, such as the Negev Desert, to fertile lands in the north and central regions. The country also features the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth's surface, and the Sea of Galilee, which is a significant source of freshwater. The Jordan River runs along the eastern border of Israel, serving as a natural boundary with Jordan.

Government and Politics

Israel operates under a parliamentary democracy with a multi-party system. The Knesset serves as its legislative body, and the Prime Minister of Israel is the head of government. The President of Israel acts as the state's ceremonial head of state. Israel's political landscape is often complex, with issues such as security, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and religious and secular relations dominating the discourse.

Economy

The economy of Israel is considered advanced, with significant activity in the high-technology and industrial sectors. It has a high standard of living and is one of the world's leaders in innovation and research and development, particularly in fields such as information technology, biotechnology, and clean energy. Despite its limited natural resources, Israel has developed a strong agricultural sector, thanks in part to its innovations in water technology and desert agriculture.

Culture

Israel's culture is as diverse as its population, blending traditional Jewish culture with elements from the many immigrant communities that have settled in the country. Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages, with English widely spoken as a second language. The country has a vibrant arts scene, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts, reflecting the various cultural backgrounds of its citizens.

Education and Science

Israel places a strong emphasis on education and science, boasting some of the world's leading universities and research institutions. The country has a high percentage of citizens holding tertiary education degrees, and it invests heavily in scientific research and development.

Tourism

Tourism is a significant industry in Israel, with millions of visitors drawn to its historical, religious, and natural sites each year. Key attractions include the ancient cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, and the Masada fortress.