Israel

ISRAEL
The State of Israel is a country located in the south-west of Asia, off the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, with an area of ​​22 thousand square meters. km. The capital is Jerusalem. Official languages ​​- Hebrew, Arabic.
Israel is a parliamentary multi-party democracy composed of legislative, executive and judicial branches. The head of state is the president. The unicameral parliament is elected by general election. The government, headed by the prime minister, is responsible for managing the current external and internal affairs of the state.
The oldest traces of human activity found on the territory of modern Israel are more than 1 million years old. The history of these lands is diverse and rich, a significant part of it is associated with the history of the Jewish people – from settlements and ancient statehood in the first millennium BC. e., up to centuries under the rule of Egypt, Persia, Romans, Caliphate, Ottoman Empire, Great Britain, until the proclamation of a new independent state in 1948.

Population
Israel is a country of immigrants, it is due to the return policy that its population has grown tenfold over half a century. Today, more than 9 million Israelis are a rich mosaic, diverse in their ethnic roots, lifestyle, religions, traditions and cultures. Jews make up about 75% of the population, Arabs – about 20%. Almost 90% of citizens live in urban settlements, and about 5% are members of unique agricultural cooperatives – kibbutzim and moshavs. In everyday life, Israelis often give preference to the language of the country of their former residence, due to this, many speak fluently in Russian, Romanian, Polish English. Most of the believing citizens profess Judaism, the Arab population is Islam, while not all strictly adhere to religious canons.

Economy
Israel is considered one of the most developed countries in Southwest Asia in terms of economic and industrial development, occupying the top positions in various rankings of the best countries for doing business.
In the structure of the economy, the leading place is occupied by the service sector (up to 75% of GDP). The structure of industrial production (its share in GDP is about 20%) is dominated by high-tech products, as well as paper and wood products, drinks, tobacco, construction and metal goods, mining, chemicals, plastic, diamond processing, textiles, footwear.
Agriculture is well developed, the most important industries: the production of citrus fruits, vegetables, cotton, beef, poultry, dairy farming. The country is almost completely self-sufficient in food products, while a significant share of agricultural products is exported.
The main imports to Israel are raw materials, weapons, means of production, rough diamonds, fuel, grain, and consumer goods. Main foreign economic partners: European Union, Hong Kong, USA, Great Britain, China, India.

Transport
The length of the country’s railways is more than 850 km, automobile roads – more than 18 thousand km, all of them are paved. Buses and trains are the main types of public transport, their routes connect almost all settlements. There are several dozen airports in Israel, including 4 international ones. Sea traffic is carried out through 4 Mediterranean ports.

Interesting
Tourism, including medical and pilgrimage, is an important source of income in the economy. Due to the unique geographical location in the country, you can simultaneously be on a hot sea beach and in the snow-capped mountains.
Transportation in Israel is closed on Shabbat (Friday night to Saturday night). The exception is taxis, which always work.
The national currency is the new Israeli shekel (NIS).
GMT: +3 hours (summer), +2 (winter).