Israel Overview

Israel is located in the southwestern part of Asia. The country of Israel is surrounded by four South Asian countries - Lebanon on the north, Syria and Jordan on the east and the south west is bordered by Egypt.

The geography of Israel offers a wide range of variety and is divided into three main regions - the coastal plain, the mountain region and the Jordan Valley Rift. The western strip of the country is known as the coastal Plain that stretches from Rosh ha-Nikra to the Sinai Peninsula in the north and south respectively. The coastal plains include two of the main cities of Israel - Tel Aviv and Haifa.

The mountain region stretches from Lebanon to the Eilat Bay in the south. The region includes the Galilee in the north and the hills of Samaria and the Negev highlands. The third region is the Jordon Valley Rift which was caused by seismic activity in the country. A part of the Afro-Syrian rift, the Jordon valley Rift stretches from the Syrian-Turkish border to the Zambezi River in Africa. River Jordan also flows through this region which also includes the two lakes of the country - the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.

History of Israel dates back to the Hebrew Bible. According to the first chapter of the Bible, Jacob (one of the patriarchs of the country) is rechristened Israel after wrestling with an angel of God. Thereon the nation fathered by Jacob was called "The Children of Israel" or the "Israelites". Therefore after attaining Independent Status the country was named the State of Israel in 1948.

Israel is the only Jewish state in the world and therefore comprises of a large section of Jewish population. 73 percent of the population of Israel is Jews. According to the 2006 census, the total population of the country stood at 6,352,117.

The climate of Israel is divided into two main seasons: the hot summer months and the wet winter season. Israel offers the travelers the wide scope of skiing on Mt. Hermon during the winter months and swimming in the Bay of Eilat in the dry summer months.

The official language of Israel is Hebrew and Arabic. The Israelis also speak French, Spanish, Yiddish, Russian and Hungarian.

The currency of Israel is the New Israel Shekel (NIS). For the foreign travelers currency can be exchanged at the International Airport, banks, or licensed exchange agencies in the major cities of Israel. A passport is required while exchanging and the rates could vary from city to city.

One of the most important currency generators for the country is the Tourism industry. Tourism in Israel benefits from the presence of major historical sites relating to different religions including Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

If one is looking for a destination which is different from the rest of tourist attractions of the world then a visit to this Holy land of Israel is sure to satisfy you.