2016 Edition

Background

Following World War II, Britain withdrew from its mandate of Palestine, and the UN proposed partitioning the area into Arab and Jewish states, an arrangement rejected by the Arabs. Nonetheless, an Israeli state was declared in 1948, and Israel subsequently defeated the Arab armies in a series of wars that did not end deep tensions between the two sides. (The territories Israel has occupied since the 1967 war are not included in the Israel country profile, unless otherwise noted.) On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. In keeping with the framework established at the Madrid Conference in October 1991, Israel conducted bilateral negotiations with Palestinian representatives and Syria to achieve a permanent settlement with each. Israel and Palestinian officials on 13 September 1993 signed a Declaration of Principles (also known as the "Oslo Accords"), enshrining the idea of a two-state solution to their conflict and guiding an interim period of Palestinian self-rule. The parties achieved six additional significant interim agreements between 1994 and 1999 aimed at creating the conditions for a two-state solution, but most were never fully realized. Outstanding territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved in the 26 October 1994 Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty. Progress toward a final status agreement with the Palestinians was undermined by Israeli-Palestinian violence between 2001 and February 2005. Israel in 2005 unilaterally disengaged from the Gaza Strip, evacuating settlers and its military while retaining control over most points of entry into the Gaza Strip. The election of HAMAS to head the Palestinian Legislative Council in 2006 temporarily froze relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Israel engaged in a 34-day conflict with Hizballah in Lebanon from July-August 2006 and a 23-day conflict with HAMAS in the Gaza Strip from December 2008-January 2009. In November 2012, Israel engaged in a seven-day conflict with HAMAS in the Gaza Strip. Direct talks with the Palestinians most recently launched in July 2013 but were suspended in April 2014. The talks represented the fourth concerted effort to resolve final status issues between the sides since they were first discussed at Camp David in 2000. Three months later HAMAS and other militant groups launched rockets into Israel, which led to a 51-day conflict between Israel and militants in Gaza.

Area

20,770 sq km 20,330 sq km 440 sq km

land

20,330 sq km

total

20,770 sq km

water

440 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than New Jersey

Climate

temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas

Coastline

273 km

Elevation

508 m lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m highest point: Har Meron 1,208 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point

Har Meron 1,208 m

mean elevation

508 m

Environment - current issues

limited arable land and natural freshwater resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling Marine Life Conservation

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

Marine Life Conservation

Geographic coordinates

31 30 N, 34 45 E

Geography - note

Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) is an important freshwater source; the Dead Sea is the second saltiest body of water in the world (after Lake Assal in Djibouti); in 2014, there were 423 settlements in the Israeli-occupied territories - 42 settlements in the Golan Heights, 381 sites in the occupied Palestinian territories to include 212 settlements and 134 outposts in the West Bank, and 35 settlements in East Jerusalem; there are no Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip because all were evacuated in 2005 (2014 est.)

Irrigated land

2,250 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

1,068 km Egypt 208 km, Gaza Strip 59 km, Jordan 307 km, Lebanon 81 km, Syria 83 km, West Bank 330 km

border countries (6)

Egypt 208 km, Gaza Strip 59 km, Jordan 307 km, Lebanon 81 km, Syria 83 km, West Bank 330 km

total

1,068 km

Land use

23.8% arable land 13.7%; permanent crops 3.8%; permanent pasture 6.3% 7.1% 69.1% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

23.8%

forest

7.1%

other

69.1% (2011 est.)

Location

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Lebanon

Map references

Middle East

Maritime claims

12 nm to depth of exploitation

continental shelf

to depth of exploitation

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts; periodic earthquakes

Natural resources

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

Population - distribution

population concentrated in and around Tel-Aviv, as well as around the Sea of Galilee; the south remains sparsely populated with the exception of the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba

Terrain

Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains; Jordan Rift Valley

Age structure

27.73% (male 1,159,980/female 1,106,946) 15.52% (male 648,199/female 620,218) 37.15% (male 1,552,754/female 1,484,059) 8.51% (male 340,601/female 355,382) 11.09% (male 405,511/female 500,877) (2016 est.)

0-14 years

27.73% (male 1,159,980/female 1,106,946)

15-24 years

15.52% (male 648,199/female 620,218)

25-54 years

37.15% (male 1,552,754/female 1,484,059)

55-64 years

8.51% (male 340,601/female 355,382)

65 years and over

11.09% (male 405,511/female 500,877) (2016 est.)

Birth rate

18.3 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Death rate

5.2 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Dependency ratios

64.1% 45.7% 18.4% 5.4% (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

18.4%

potential support ratio

5.4% (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

64.1%

youth dependency ratio

45.7%

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

rural

0% of population

total

0% of population (2015 est.)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

5.9% of GDP (2013)

Ethnic groups

Jewish 74.8% (of which Israel-born 75.6%, Europe/America/Oceania-born 16.6%, Africa-born 4.9%, Asia-born 2.9%), non-Jewish 25.2% (mostly Arab) (2015 est.)

Health expenditures

7.8% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Hospital bed density

3.3 beds/1,000 population (2012)

Infant mortality rate

3.5 deaths/1,000 live births 3.5 deaths/1,000 live births 3.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

female

3.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

male

3.5 deaths/1,000 live births

total

3.5 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Hebrew (official), Arabic (used officially for Arab minority), English (most commonly used foreign language)

Life expectancy at birth

82.4 years 80.6 years 84.4 years (2016 est.)

female

84.4 years (2016 est.)

male

80.6 years

total population

82.4 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 97.8% 98.7% 96.8% (2011 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

96.8% (2011 est.)

male

98.7%

total population

97.8%

Major urban areas - population

Tel Aviv-Yafo 3.608 million; Haifa 1.097 million; JERUSALEM (proclaimed capital) 839,000 (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

5 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

29.7 years 29.1 years 30.4 years (2016 est.)

female

30.4 years (2016 est.)

male

29.1 years

total

29.7 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

27.3 (2011 est.)

Nationality

Israeli(s) Israeli

adjective

Israeli

noun

Israeli(s)

Net migration rate

2.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

25.8% (2014)

Physicians density

3.34 physicians/1,000 population (2012)

Population

8,174,527 (includes populations of the Golan Heights of Golan Sub-District and also East Jerusalem, which was annexed by Israel after 1967) (July 2016 est.) approximately 20,500 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights; approximately 211,640 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2014)

note

approximately 20,500 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights; approximately 211,640 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2014)

Population distribution

population concentrated in and around Tel-Aviv, as well as around the Sea of Galilee; the south remains sparsely populated with the exception of the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba

Population growth rate

1.53% (2016 est.)

Religions

Jewish 74.8%, Muslim 17.6%, Christian 2%, Druze 1.6%, other 4% (2015 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2015 est.)

rural

0% of population

total

0% of population (2015 est.)

urban

0% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

16 years 16 years 16 years (2014)

female

16 years (2014)

male

16 years

total

16 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female 0.81 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.05 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.05 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.81 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.01 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.66 children born/woman (2016 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

10.6% 10.1% 11.1% (2014 est.)

female

11.1% (2014 est.)

male

10.1%

total

10.6%

Urbanization

92.1% of total population (2015) 1.37% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.37% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

92.1% of total population (2015)

Administrative divisions

6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa, Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv

Capital

Jerusalem: note - while Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, the international community does not recognize it as such; the US, like all other countries, maintains its embassy in Tel Aviv-Yafo 31 46 N, 35 14 E UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) +1hr, Friday before the last Sunday in March; ends the last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, Friday before the last Sunday in March; ends the last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

31 46 N, 35 14 E

name

Jerusalem: note - while Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, the international community does not recognize it as such; the US, like all other countries, maintains its embassy in Tel Aviv-Yafo

time difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of Israel yes, but naturalized citizens are not allowed to maintain dual citizenship 3 out of the 5 years preceding the application for naturalization Israeli law (Law of Return, 5 July 1950) provides for the granting of citizenship to any Jew - defined as a person being born to a Jewish mother or having converted to Judaism while renouncing any other religion - who immigrates to and expresses a desire to settle in Israel on the basis of the Right of aliyah; the 1970 amendment of this act extended the right to family members including the spouse of a Jew, any child or grandchild, and the spouses of children and grandchildren

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of Israel

dual citizenship recognized

yes, but naturalized citizens are not allowed to maintain dual citizenship

note

Israeli law (Law of Return, 5 July 1950) provides for the granting of citizenship to any Jew - defined as a person being born to a Jewish mother or having converted to Judaism while renouncing any other religion - who immigrates to and expresses a desire to settle in Israel on the basis of the Right of aliyah; the 1970 amendment of this act extended the right to family members including the spouse of a Jew, any child or grandchild, and the spouses of children and grandchildren

residency requirement for naturalization

3 out of the 5 years preceding the application for naturalization

Constitution

no formal constitution; some functions of a constitution are filled mostly by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic Laws, and the Law of Return (as amended); Basic Laws amended several times, last in 2014 (2016)

Country name

State of Israel Israel Medinat Yisra'el Yisra'el named after the ancient Kingdom of Israel; according to Biblical tradition, the Jewish patriarch Jacob received the name "Israel" ("He who struggles with God") after he wrestled an entire night with an angel of the Lord; Jacob's 12 sons became the ancestors of the Israelites, also known as the Twelve Tribes of Israel, who formed the Kingdom of Israel

conventional long form

State of Israel

conventional short form

Israel

etymology

named after the ancient Kingdom of Israel; according to Biblical tradition, the Jewish patriarch Jacob received the name "Israel" ("He who struggles with God") after he wrestled an entire night with an angel of the Lord; Jacob's 12 sons became the ancestors of the Israelites, also known as the Twelve Tribes of Israel, who formed the Kingdom of Israel

local long form

Medinat Yisra'el

local short form

Yisra'el

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Daniel B. SHAPIRO (since 29 September 2011) 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 6343229 [972] (3) 519-7475 [972] (3) 516-4390

chief of mission

Ambassador Daniel B. SHAPIRO (since 29 September 2011)

embassy

71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 6343229

FAX

[972] (3) 516-4390

telephone

[972] (3) 519-7475

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Ron DERMER (since 3 December 2013) 3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 364-5500 [1] (202) 364-5607 Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco

chancery

3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Ron DERMER (since 3 December 2013)

consulate(s) general

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco

FAX

[1] (202) 364-5607

telephone

[1] (202) 364-5500

Executive branch

President Reuven RIVLIN (since 27 July 2014) Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU (since 31 March 2009) Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the Knesset president indirectly elected by the Knesset for a 7-year term (limited to 1 term); election last held on 10 June 2014 (next to be held in 2021 but can be called earlier); following legislative elections, the president, in consultation with party leaders, tasks a Knesset member (usually the member of the largest party) with forming a government Reuven RIVLIN elected president in second round; Knesset vote - Reuven RIVLIN (Likud) 63, Meir SHEETRIT (The Movement) 53 , other/invalid 4

cabinet

Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the Knesset

chief of state

President Reuven RIVLIN (since 27 July 2014)

election results

Reuven RIVLIN elected president in second round; Knesset vote - Reuven RIVLIN (Likud) 63, Meir SHEETRIT (The Movement) 53 , other/invalid 4

elections/appointments

president indirectly elected by the Knesset for a 7-year term (limited to 1 term); election last held on 10 June 2014 (next to be held in 2021 but can be called earlier); following legislative elections, the president, in consultation with party leaders, tasks a Knesset member (usually the member of the largest party) with forming a government

head of government

Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU (since 31 March 2009)

Flag description

white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen David (Star of David or Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag; the basic design resembles a traditional Jewish prayer shawl (tallit), which is white with blue stripes; the hexagram as a Jewish symbol dates back to medieval times

Government type

parliamentary democracy

Independence

14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; withdrew acceptance of International Criminal Court jurisdiction in 2002

International organization participation

BIS, BSEC (observer), CE (observer), CERN, CICA, EBRD, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW (signatory), OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 14 judges) judges selected by the Judicial Selection Committee consisting of 3 Supreme Court judges, 2 Cabinet members including the Minister of Justice as chairman, 2 Knesset members, and 2 representatives from the Israel Bar Association; judges can serve up to mandatory retirement at age 70 district and magistrate courts; national and regional labor courts; special and religious courts

highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 14 judges)

judge selection and term of office

judges selected by the Judicial Selection Committee consisting of 3 Supreme Court judges, 2 Cabinet members including the Minister of Justice as chairman, 2 Knesset members, and 2 representatives from the Israel Bar Association; judges can serve up to mandatory retirement at age 70

subordinate courts

district and magistrate courts; national and regional labor courts; special and religious courts

Legal system

mixed legal system of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious laws

Legislative branch

unicameral Knesset (120 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) last held on 17 March 2015 (next to be held in 2019 but can be called earlier) percent of vote by party - Likud 23.4%, Zionist Camp 18.7%, Joint List 10.6%, Yesh Atid 8.8%, Kulanu 7.5%, The Jewish Home 6.7%, Shas, 5.7%, Yisrael Beitenu 5.1%, UTJ 5.0%, Meretz 3.9%, Yachad 3.0%, other 1.6%; seats by party - Likud 30, Zionist Camp 24, Joint List 13, Yesh Atid 11, Kulanu 10, The Jewish Home 8, Shas 7, Yisrael Beitenu 6, UTJ 6, Meretz 5

description

unicameral Knesset (120 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)

election results

percent of vote by party - Likud 23.4%, Zionist Camp 18.7%, Joint List 10.6%, Yesh Atid 8.8%, Kulanu 7.5%, The Jewish Home 6.7%, Shas, 5.7%, Yisrael Beitenu 5.1%, UTJ 5.0%, Meretz 3.9%, Yachad 3.0%, other 1.6%; seats by party - Likud 30, Zionist Camp 24, Joint List 13, Yesh Atid 11, Kulanu 10, The Jewish Home 8, Shas 7, Yisrael Beitenu 6, UTJ 6, Meretz 5

elections

last held on 17 March 2015 (next to be held in 2019 but can be called earlier)

National anthem

"Hatikvah" (The Hope) Naftali Herz IMBER/traditional, arranged by Samuel COHEN adopted 2004, unofficial since 1948; used as the anthem of the Zionist movement since 1897; the 1888 arrangement by Samuel COHEN is thought to be based on the Romanian folk song "Carul cu boi" (The Ox Driven Cart)

lyrics/music

Naftali Herz IMBER/traditional, arranged by Samuel COHEN

name

"Hatikvah" (The Hope)

note

adopted 2004, unofficial since 1948; used as the anthem of the Zionist movement since 1897; the 1888 arrangement by Samuel COHEN is thought to be based on the Romanian folk song "Carul cu boi" (The Ox Driven Cart)

National holiday

Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the holiday may occur in April or May

National symbol(s)

Star of David (Magen David), menorah (seven-branched lampstand); national colors: blue, white

Star of David (Magen David), menorah (seven-branched lampstand); national colors

blue, white

Political parties and leaders

Balad [Jamal ZAHALKA] Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (HADASH) [ODEH] Kulanu [Moshe KAHLON] Labor [Yitzhak HERZOG] Likud [Binyamin NETANYAHU] Meretz [Zehava GALON] SHAS [Arye DERI] Tekumah/National Union (Ichud Leumi) [Uri ARIEL] The Jewish Home (Habayit Hayehudi) [Naftali BENNETT] The Movement (Hatnuah) [Tzipora "Tzipi" LIVNI] United Arab List-Ta'al [Masud GANAIM] United Torah Judaism or UTJ [Yaakov LITZMAN] (an alliance of three parties) Yesh Atid [Yair LAPID] Yisrael Beiteinu [Avigdor LIEBERMAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Breaking the Silence [Yehuda SHAUL, executive director] collects testimonies from soldiers who served in the West Bank and Gaza Strip B'Tselem [Hagai EL-AD, executive director] monitors human rights abuses Peace Now [Yariv OPPENHEIMER, secretary general] supports territorial concessions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip YESHA Council [Avi ROEHD, chairman] promotes settler interests and opposes territorial compromise

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products

Budget

$77.22 billion $83.53 billion (2015 est.)

expenditures

$83.53 billion (2015 est.)

revenues

$77.22 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-2.1% of GDP (2015 est.)

Central bank discount rate

0.1% (15 December 2015) 0.25% (31 December 2014)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

3.46% (31 December 2015 est.) 3.91% (31 December 2014 est.)

Current account balance

$12.27 billion (2015 est.) $11.54 billion (2014 est.)

Debt - external

$89.36 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $96.13 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

42.8 (2013) 39.2 (2008)

Economy - overview

Israel has a technologically advanced free market economy. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and pharmaceuticals are among its leading exports. Its major imports include crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Israel usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by tourism and other service exports, as well as significant foreign investment inflows. Between 2004 and 2013, growth averaged nearly 5% per year, led by exports. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 spurred a brief recession in Israel, but the country entered the crisis with solid fundamentals, following years of prudent fiscal policy and a resilient banking sector. Israel's economy also weathered the 2011 Arab Spring because strong trade ties outside the Middle East have insulated the economy from spillover effects. Slowing domestic and international demand and decreased investment resulting from Israel’s uncertain security situation reduced GDP growth to an average of roughly 2.6% per year during 2014-15. Natural gas fields discovered off Israel's coast since 2009 have brightened Israel's energy security outlook. The Tamar and Leviathan fields were some of the world's largest offshore natural gas finds in the last decade. Political and regulatory issues have delayed the development of the massive Leviathan field, but production from Tamar provided a 0.8% boost to Israel's GDP in 2013 and a 0.3% boost in 2014. One of the most carbon intense OECD countries, Israel generates about 57% of its power from coal and only 2.6% from renewable sources. Income inequality and high housing and commodity prices continue to be a concern for many Israelis. Israel's income inequality and poverty rates are among the highest of OECD countries, and there is a broad perception among the public that a small number of "tycoons" have a cartel-like grip over the major parts of the economy. Government officials have called for reforms to boost the housing supply and to increase competition in the banking sector to address these public grievances. Despite calls for reforms, the restricted housing supply continues to impact the well-being of younger Israelis seeking to purchase homes. Tariffs and non-tariff barriers, coupled with guaranteed prices and customs tariffs for farmers have kept food prices high through 2015. In the long term, Israel faces structural issues, including low labor participation rates for its fastest growing social segments - the ultraorthodox and Arab-Israeli communities. Also, Israel's progressive, globally competitive, knowledge-based technology sector employs only about 8% of the workforce, with the rest mostly employed in manufacturing and services - sectors which face downward wage pressures from global competition. Expenditures on educational institutions remain low compared to most other OECD countries with similar GDP per capita.

Exchange rates

new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.8869 (2015 est.) 3.5779 (2014 est.) 3.5779 (2013 est.) 3.86 (2012 est.) 3.5781 (2011 est.)

Exports

$56.29 billion (2015 est.) $63.76 billion (2014 est.)

Exports - commodities

machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural products, chemicals, textiles and apparel

Exports - partners

US 27.5%, Hong Kong 8%, UK 6.1%, China 4.9% (2015)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

55.3% 22.3% 18.6% 0.9% 31.2% -28.3% (2015 est.)

exports of goods and services

31.2%

government consumption

22.3%

household consumption

55.3%

imports of goods and services

-28.3% (2015 est.)

investment in fixed capital

18.6%

investment in inventories

0.9%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

2.1% 27.2% 69.1% (2015 est.)

agriculture

2.1%

industry

27.2%

services

69.1% (2015 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$33,700 (2015 est.) $33,500 (2014 est.) $33,300 (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars

note

data are in 2015 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

2.6% (2015 est.) 2.6% (2014 est.) 3.3% (2013 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$296.1 billion (2015 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$281.9 billion (2015 est.) $274.8 billion (2014 est.) $268 billion (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars

note

data are in 2015 US dollars

Gross national saving

24.4% of GDP (2015 est.) 23.9% of GDP (2014 est.) 23.5% of GDP (2013 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

1.7% 31.3% (2010)

highest 10%

31.3% (2010)

lowest 10%

1.7%

Imports

$59.49 billion (2015 est.) $70.36 billion (2014 est.)

Imports - commodities

raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough diamonds, fuels, grain, consumer goods

Imports - partners

US 13%, China 9.3%, Switzerland 7.1%, Germany 6.1%, Belgium 5.3%, Italy 4% (2015)

Industrial production growth rate

3.2% (2015 est.)

Industries

high-technology products (including aviation, communications, computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics, fiber optics), wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, and tobacco, caustic soda, cement, construction, metal products, chemical products, plastics, cut diamonds, textiles, footwear

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

-0.6% (2015 est.) 0.5% (2014 est.)

Labor force

3.846 million (2015 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

1.1% 17.3% 81.6% (2015)

agriculture

1.1%

industry

17.3%

services

81.6% (2015)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$183.4 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $148.8 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $122.9 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Population below poverty line

22% Israel's poverty line is $7.30 per person per day (2014 est.)

note

Israel's poverty line is $7.30 per person per day (2014 est.)

Public debt

63.3% of GDP (2015 est.) 65.9% of GDP (2014 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$90.58 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $86.1 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of broad money

$246 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $155.6 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$89.39 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $79.69 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$104.1 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $93.28 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$211.6 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $201.2 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$63.41 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $43.13 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

26.1% of GDP (2015 est.)

Unemployment rate

5.3% (2015 est.) 5.9% (2014 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

62.5 million Mt (2014 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - imports

285,600 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - production

390 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

13.95 million bbl (1 January 2016 es)

Electricity - consumption

59.83 billion kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity - exports

4.8 billion kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

97.4% of total installed capacity (2014 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2014 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2014 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

2.6% of total installed capacity (2014 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

16.25 million kW (2014 est.)

Electricity - production

57 billion kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity access

100% (2016)

electrification - total population

100% (2016)

Natural gas - consumption

7.98 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - exports

2.605 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

80 million cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - production

7.9 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

199 billion cu m (1 January 2016 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

224,700 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

144,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

68,920 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

309,600 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Broadcast media

state broadcasting network, operated by the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), broadcasts on 2 channels, one in Hebrew and the other in Arabic; 5 commercial channels including a channel broadcasting in Russian, a channel broadcasting Knesset proceedings, and a music channel supervised by a public body; multi-channel satellite and cable TV packages provide access to foreign channels; IBA broadcasts on 8 radio networks with multiple repeaters and Israel Defense Forces Radio broadcasts over multiple stations; about 15 privately owned radio stations; overall more than 100 stations and repeater stations (2008)

Internet country code

.il

Internet users

6.35 million 78.9% (July 2015 est.)

percent of population

78.9% (July 2015 est.)

total

6.35 million

Telephone system

most highly developed system in the Middle East good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; all systems are digital; competition among both fixed-line and mobile cellular providers results in good coverage countrywide country code - 972; submarine cables provide links to Europe, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2015)

domestic

good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; all systems are digital; competition among both fixed-line and mobile cellular providers results in good coverage countrywide

general assessment

most highly developed system in the Middle East

international

country code - 972; submarine cables provide links to Europe, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2015)

Telephones - fixed lines

3.412 million 42 (July 2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

42 (July 2015 est.)

total subscriptions

3.412 million

Telephones - mobile cellular

10.57 million 131 (July 2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

131 (July 2015 est.)

total

10.57 million

Airports

47 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

5 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

6

2,438 to 3,047 m

5

914 to 1,523 m

11

over 3,047 m

2

total

29

under 914 m

5 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

14 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

3

total

18

under 914 m

14 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

4X (2016)

Heliports

3 (2013)

Merchant marine

cargo 1, container 7 48 (Bermuda 3, Georgia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia 34, Malta 3, Moldova 2, Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3) (2010)

by type

cargo 1, container 7

registered in other countries

48 (Bermuda 3, Georgia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia 34, Malta 3, Moldova 2, Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3) (2010)

total

8

National air transport system

6,064,478 758,633,996 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

758,633,996 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

6,064,478

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

60

number of registered air carriers

6

Pipelines

gas 763 km; oil 442 km; refined products 261 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Ashdod, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa Ashdod (1,176,000), Haifa (1,238,000)

container port(s) TEUs)

Ashdod (1,176,000), Haifa (1,238,000)

major seaport(s)

Ashdod, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa

Railways

1,250 km 1,250 km 1.435-m gauge (2014)

standard gauge

1,250 km 1.435-m gauge (2014)

total

1,250 km

Roadways

18,566 km 18,566 km (includes 449 km of expressways) (2011)

paved

18,566 km (includes 449 km of expressways) (2011)

total

18,566 km

Military branches

Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Force (IN), Israel Air Force (IAF) (2010)

Military expenditures

5.58% of GDP (2014) 5.53% of GDP (2013) 5.69% of GDP (2012) 5.87% of GDP (2011) 5.69% of GDP (2010)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druze) military service; 17 years of age for voluntary (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are obligated to military service; conscript service obligation - 32 months for enlisted men and 24 months for enlisted women (varies based on military occupation), 48 months for officers; pilots commit to 9 years service; reserve obligation to age 41-51 (men), age 24 (women) (2015)

Disputes - international

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel continues construction of a "seam line" separation barrier along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel withdrew its settlers and military from the Gaza Strip and from four settlements in the West Bank in August 2005; Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied (Lebanon claims the Shab'a Farms area of Golan Heights); since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization headquartered in Jerusalem monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the region

Illicit drugs

increasingly concerned about ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin abuse; drugs arrive in country from Lebanon and, increasingly, from Jordan; money-laundering center

Refugees and internally displaced persons

31,708 (Eritrea); 6,333 (Sudan) (2015) 15 (2015)

refugees (country of origin)

31,708 (Eritrea); 6,333 (Sudan) (2015)

stateless persons

15 (2015)