Israel

World Book Index

Introduction

Background
The State of Israel was declared in 1948, after Britain withdrew from its mandate of Palestine. Israel joined the UN in 1949 and saw rapid population growth, primarily due to migration from Europe and the Middle East. The Israeli economy has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last 25 years, led by cutting-edge high-tech sectors.

Geography

Area
total : 21,937 sq km
land: 21,497 sq km
water: 440 sq km

Climate
temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas

Natural resources
timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand

People and Society

Population
total: 9,402,617 (2024 est.)

Ethnic groups
Jewish 73.5% (of which Israel-born 79.7%, Europe/America/Oceania-born 14.3%, Africa-born 3.9%, Asia-born 2.1%), Arab 21.1%, other 5.4% (2022 est.)

Languages
Hebrew (official), Arabic (special status under Israeli law), English (most commonly used foreign language)

Religions
Jewish 73.5%, Muslim 18.1%, Christian 1.9%, Druze 1.6%, other 4.9% (2022 est.)

Population growth rate
1.58% (2024 est.)

Government

Government type
parliamentary democracy

Capital
name: Jerusalem

Executive branch
chief of state: President Isaac HERZOG (since 7 July 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Benyamin NETANYAHU (since 29 December 2022)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Yechiel (Michael) LEITER (since 4 February 2025)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Mike HUCKABEE (21 April 2025)

Economy

Economic overview
high-income, technology- and industrial-based economy; economic contraction and fiscal deficits resulting from war in Gaza; labor force stabilizing following military reservist mobilization; high-tech industry remains resilient while construction and tourism among hardest-hit sectors

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$472.177 billion (2024 est.)
$468.095 billion (2023 est.)
$459.698 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$47,300 (2024 est.)
$47,500 (2023 est.)
$48,100 (2022 est.)

Exports
$153.248 billion (2024 est.)
$154.638 billion (2023 est.)
$164.407 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - partners
USA 29%, China 10%, Ireland 6%, Germany 4%, Hong Kong 4% (2023)

Exports - commodities
integrated circuits, diamonds, broadcasting equipment, medical instruments, refined petroleum (2023)

Imports
$140.438 billion (2024 est.)
$140.432 billion (2023 est.)
$153.388 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - partners
China 17%, USA 12%, Germany 7%, Turkey 6%, Italy 4% (2023)

Imports - commodities
cars, diamonds, crude petroleum, broadcasting equipment, garments (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.919, ranking it 27th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 2nd out of 158 countries tested with a score of 7.667. (more information)