Israel is the world's only Jewish state. Its population is about 80% Jewish. The total population is 7 million; the land area 8,000 square miles (the size of El Salvador; or New Jersey).
Jews form a large worldwide diaspora, with nearly 6 million residing in the U.S.A. and 2 million in Europe.
Most believe that the area of Israel saw the origins of Judaism in the 10th century BC or earlier. Israel is a Holy Land to three major world religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The main cities in Israel are Jerusalem (capital, the scene of Christ's Passion, site of the al-Aqsa Mosque), Tel Aviv (economic capital), Haifa (main port), Nazareth (the hometown of Jesus), Akko (or Acre; historical city), Eilat (Israel's window on the Red Sea).
Historic areas include Belvoir Castle (Crusader castle above the Sea of Galilee), Beth Shean (remains of Canaanite, Egyptian and Romano-Byzantine cities), Caesarea (ruins of Roman city), Hazor, Masada etc.
Natural sites include the Dead Sea, the Trail of Israel (can be trekked or cycled), Ein Avdat canyon National Park or the Mitzpe Ramon crater.
A typical travel tour itinerary in Israel would include Tel Aviv - Beersheva - Arad - Massada - Jerusalem - Bethlehem - Jericho - Tiberias - Galilee - Upper Galilee and Golan Heights - Nazareth - Acre - Haifa.
Israel also offers relaxed beach vacations, both on the Mediterranean Coast and in Eilat, on the Red Sea.
The northern section of Israel has Mediterranean climate, with reasonable land and water resource.
Israel has developed both agriculture and industry with considerable expertise and efficiency. Collective cultivation, irrigation schemes and reclamation of desert land formed the main features of agricultural development. Citrus fruits are the main exports. Wine-making is an extensive-industry. In diamond cutting, Israel ranks next only to Belgium. The valley of Jordan and the Dead Sea yield rock salt, sulphur and potash.
Israel is surrounded by the Muslim countries of the South West Asia. It is the only Jewish country in the word. It was created in 1948 as a result of the promises made by the allied forces. It has an area of 20770 sq. km. It is a republic and its capital is Jerusalem and the language Hebrew.
Food processing, textile weaving, chemical manufacture and metal working industries are flourishing though at small scale. Israel, though small in size is pragmatic, forward looking and culturally westernized. Tel Aviv, Jaffa and Hafia are its important ports.
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Natural sites include the Dead Sea, the Trail of Israel (can be trekked or cycled), Ein Avdat canyon National Park or the Mitzpe Ramon crater.