Country Profile: Israel

Israel, established in 1948, is a dynamic nation in the Middle East bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt, and Lebanon. Its population of approximately 9.4 million is predominantly Jewish, with a significant Arab minority. Israel boasts a high-income economy that has transitioned from agricultural roots to a highly developed technological and industrial base, driven by a robust high-tech sector and a significant defense industry. The country operates as a parliamentary democracy, navigating complex political landscapes and ongoing security challenges.

Geography

Israel is located in the Middle East, situated between the Mediterranean Sea and its border countries, including Egypt and Lebanon. The country features diverse terrain, from the Negev desert in the south to the central mountains and the Jordan Rift Valley. The climate is temperate, with hot and dry areas in the southern and eastern regions.

Area: 21,937 sq km (slightly larger than New Jersey)
Coastline: 273 km
Highest Point: Mitspe Shlagim at 2,236 m
Lowest Point: Dead Sea at -431 m
Natural resources: Timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas

People and Society

Israel has a population estimated at 9,402,617 in 2024, with a majority being Jewish and a substantial Arab minority. The society is marked by high urbanization, predominantly found in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The nation is also characterized by a youthful demographic, with a median age of 30.2 years.

Urban Population: 92.9% of the total population (2023)
Life Expectancy: 83.1 years (2024 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 2.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Birth Rate: 18.89 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Languages: Hebrew (official), Arabic (special status), and English

Economy

Israel's economy is high-income and heavily reliant on technology and industrial sectors. Recent conflicts have led to economic contraction, but the high-tech sector remains resilient. The nation's GDP (PPP) is projected at $472.177 billion in 2024, showcasing its significant economic capacity despite recent challenges.

GDP Growth Rate: 0.9% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 3.2% (2024 est.)
Exports: $153.248 billion (2024 est.)
Imports: $140.438 billion (2024 est.)
Agriculture: Contributes 1.3% to GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Israel is a parliamentary democracy with no formal constitution, instead relying on a series of basic laws. The capital is Jerusalem, which has been a point of international contention. The government structure includes an executive, legislative, and judicial branch.

Executive Branch: President Isaac HERZOG and Prime Minister Benjamin NETANYAHU lead the government.
Legislature: The Knesset (parliament) consists of 120 seats with proportional representation.
Suffrage: Universal voting rights at 18 years of age.
Administrative Divisions: 6 districts including Central, Haifa, and Jerusalem.

Military and Security

Israel operates military forces known as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which are tasked with both defense and some domestic security. The nation faces ongoing security challenges, particularly from groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

Military Expenditure: 8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active Personnel: Approximately 170,000 (2025)
Reserves: More than 400,000 personnel
Major Threats: Iran and terrorist organizations

Energy

Israel’s energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, but there is a growing emphasis on renewable sources. The country has a well-established electricity infrastructure with 100% access for the population.

Electricity Generation: 89.5% from fossil fuels (2023)
Natural Gas Production: 24.186 billion cubic meters (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 63.964 billion kWh (2023)
Installed Capacity: 22.612 million kW (2023)

Environment

Israel faces environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and air pollution. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Urban Population: 92.9% as of 2023
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 64.401 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 1.78 billion cubic meters (2022)

Transportation

Israel boasts a comprehensive transport system, featuring airports, railways, and an extensive road network facilitating both domestic and international travel.

Airports: 40 in total (2025)
Merchant Marine: 41 vessels (2023)
Railways: 1,497 km of standard gauge railway (2021)

Communications

Israel maintains a highly developed communications infrastructure with a high percentage of internet users and mobile subscriptions.

Internet Users: 87% of the population (2023 est.)
Telephones - Mobile: 13.8 million subscriptions (2022)
Broadband Subscriptions: 2.76 million (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,402,617 (2024 est.)
Area	21,937 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$472.177 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.2% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	18.89 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	83.1 years	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	112.437 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Total Agricultural Land	24.8% of total area	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditure	8% of GDP	(2024 est.)
Internet Users	87% of population	(2023 est.)