Country Profile: Israel

Israel, established in 1948, is a dynamic nation situated in the Middle East, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt, and Lebanon. It boasts a rapidly growing population of approximately 9.4 million, primarily concentrated in urban areas like Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem. Economically, Israel has transformed into a high-income, technology-driven powerhouse, though it faces challenges including income inequality and structural economic issues. The governance of Israel is characterized as a parliamentary democracy, with significant historical and ongoing tensions resulting in a complex security environment.

Geography

Israel is located in the Middle East with a strategic position bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The country's diverse terrain includes the Negev Desert, low coastal plains, and the Jordan Rift Valley, rising to its highest point at Mitspe Shlagim. The climate is primarily temperate, with hot and dry conditions in the southern and eastern desert regions.

Total Area: 21,937 sq km (slightly larger than New Jersey)
Coastline: 273 km
Natural Resources: Includes timber, potash, copper ore, and natural gas.
Irrigated Land: 1,927 sq km (2022)
Major Lakes: The Dead Sea, shared with Jordan, is 431 meters below sea level.

People and Society

The population of Israel is approximately 9.4 million with a diverse demographic composition. The majority are Jewish (73.5%), followed by Arab citizens (21.1%). The urban population is highly concentrated, especially in major cities, with a median age of 30.1 years.

Urbanization Rate: 92.9% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
Life Expectancy: 83.1 years (2024)
Birth Rate: 19.1 births per 1,000 population (2024)
Total Fertility Rate: 2.92 children per woman (2024)
Infant Mortality Rate: 2.8 deaths per 1,000 live births (2024)

Economy

Israel has a high-income, technology-based economy, characterized by a strong high-tech sector. However, recent conflicts have led to economic contraction. The GDP growth is projected at 0.9% for 2024, while the GDP per capita stands at $47,300.

Real GDP: Approximately $472.177 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 3.2% (2024 est.)
Exports: Total exports estimated at $153.248 billion (2024)
Imports: Total imports estimated at $140.438 billion (2024)
Military Expenditure: 8% of GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Israel operates as a parliamentary democracy with Jerusalem as its capital. The government includes a diverse political landscape with multiple parties represented in the Knesset, and it has no formal constitution, relying instead on Basic Laws and judicial oversight.

Head of State: President Isaac HERZOG
Head of Government: Prime Minister Benjamin NETANYAHU
Legislative Structure: Unicameral Knesset with 120 seats
Suffrage: Universal suffrage at 18 years of age
Last Election Date: 1 November 2022

Military and Security

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) include ground forces, naval forces, and an air force, making it a formidable military entity. The country faces persistent security issues, particularly threats from groups such as Hamas.

Military Expenditures: 8% of GDP (2024)
Active Military Personnel: Approximately 170,000
Reserve Personnel: Over 400,000
Compulsory Service: Begins at age 18, lasting up to 32 months for enlisted men.
Primary Security Concerns: Iran, regional instability, and terrorist organizations.

Energy

Israel has a comprehensive energy sector heavily reliant on fossil fuels, although it has made strides in renewable sources. Electricity access is universal, with considerable investments in natural gas production.

Electricity Consumption: 63.964 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Production: 24.186 billion cubic meters (2023)
Installed Capacity: 22.612 million kW (2023)
Fossil Fuels Share: 89.5% of energy capacity from fossil fuels (2023)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 112.437 million Btu/person (2023)

Environment

Israel faces environmental challenges such as limited freshwater resources and air pollution. The government is a signatory to various international environmental agreements.

Arable Land: 12.5% of total land area (2023)
Urban Population: 92.9% (2023)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 64.401 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Waste Generation: 5.4 million tons of municipal solid waste annually (2024 est.)
Recycling Rate: 30.4% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)

Transportation

Israel boasts a developed transportation infrastructure, including an extensive rail system and a busy air travel industry.

Total Railways: 1,497 km (2021)
Airports: 40 (2025)
Merchant Marine: 41 vessels (2023)
Port Facilities: 5 major ports (2024) including Haifa and Ashdod
Civil Aircraft Registration: Prefix 4X

Communications

Israel has a highly connected society with an extensive telecommunications network and a high rate of internet usage.

Internet Users: 87% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 13.8 million (2022 est.)
Fixed-line Telephones: 2.905 million subscriptions (2023 est.)
Broadband Fixed Subscribers: 2.76 million (2023 est.)
Telephones per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,402,617 (2024 est.)
Area	21,937 sq km
GDP	$472.177 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.2% (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	112.437 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	19.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	83.1 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	2.92 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Major Urban Areas	4.421 million in Tel Aviv-Yafo (2023)