Israel is located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bounded on the north by Lebanon, on the northeast by Syria, on the east and southeast by Jordan, on the southwest by Egypt, and on the west by the Mediterranean Sea.

Before June 1967, the area composing Israel (resulting from the armistice lines of 1949 and 1950) was about 20,700 square kilometers, which included 445 square kilometers of inland water. Thus Israel was roughly the size of the state of New Jersey, stretching 424 kilometers from north to south. Its width ranged from 114 kilometers to, at its narrowest point, 10 kilometers. The area added to Israel after the June 1967 War, consisting of occupied territories.

Tel Aviv-Yafo, also Tel Aviv-Jaffa, city in Israel, on the Mediterranean Sea, south of the mouth of the Yarqon River. Tel Aviv-Yafo is Israel's second largest city after Jerusalem and the country's main commercial, financial, and manufacturing center. Among its diverse products are processed food, textiles, clothing, chemicals, metal and wood items, motor vehicles, and electrical and electronic equipment. Also important are diamond cutting and printing and publishing. The city, which enjoys a warm climate and is almost entirely fronted by beaches, has numerous hotels and is an important tourist center. The municipality consists of two distinct centers: historic Jaffa on the south, and modern Tel Aviv stretching to the north and east. Jaffa (ancient Joppa) is a former Arab town with old buildings and winding streets. Tel Aviv has wide avenues lined with trees and modern apartment buildings. Tel Aviv-Yafo is a major center of Israeli cultural life.

History

The people of Israel (also called the "Jewish People") trace their origin to Abraham, who established the belief that there is only one God, the creator of the universe. Abraham, his son Yitshak (Isaac), and grandson Jacob (Israel), are referred to as the patriarchs of the Israelites. All three patriarchs lived in the Land of Canaan, that later came to be known as the Land of Israel. They and their wives are buried in the Ma'arat HaMachpela, the Tomb of the Patriarchs, in Hebron.

The name Israel derives from the name given to Jacob (see Old Testament). His 12 sons were the kernels of 12 tribes that later developed into the Jewish nation. The name Jew derives from Yehuda (Judah) one of the 12 sons of Jacob (Reuben, Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Yisachar, Zevulun, Yosef, Binyamin). So, the names Israel, Israeli or Jewish refer to people of the same origin.

The descendants of Abraham crystallized into a nation at about 1300 BCE after their Exodus from Egypt under the leadership of Moses (Moshe in Hebrew). Soon after the Exodus, Moses transmitted to the people of this new emerging nation, the Torah, and the Ten Commandments. After 40 years in the Sinai desert, Moses led them to the Land of Israel, that is cited in The Bible as the land promised by G-d to the descendants of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The people of modern day Israel share the same language and culture shaped by the Jewish heritage and religion passed through generations starting with the founding father Abraham (ca.1800 BCE). Thus, Jews have had continuous presence in the land of Israel for the past 3,300 years.

The rule of Israelites in the land of Israel starts with the conquests of Joshua (ca.1250 BCE). The period from 1000-587 BCE is known as the "Period of the Kings". The most noteworthy kings were King David (1010-970 BCE), who made Jerusalem the Capital of Israel, and his son Solomon (Shlomo, 970-931 BCE), who built the first Temple in Jerusalem as prescribed in the Tanach (Old Testament).In 587 BCE, Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar's army captured Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled the Jews to Babylon (modern day Iraq).The year 587 BCE marks a turning point in the history of the region. From this year onwards, the region was ruled or controlled by a succession of superpower empires of the time in the following order: Babylonian, Persian, Greek Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine Empires, Islamic and Christian crusaders, Ottoman Empire, and the British Empire.

Israel is considered one of the most advanced countries in the Middle East in economic and industrial development. The country has been ranked highest in the region on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index as well as in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report. It has the second-largest number of startup companies in the world (after the United States) and the largest number of NASDAQ-listed companies outside North America. In 2007, Israel had the 44th-highest gross domestic product and 22nd-highest gross domestic product per capita (at purchasing power parity) at US$232.7 billion and US$33,299, respectively. In 2007, Israel was invited to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development which promotes cooperation between countries that adhere to democratic principles and operate free-market economies.

Despite limited natural resources, intensive development of the agricultural and industrial sectors over the past decades has made Israel largely self-sufficient in food production, apart from grains and beef. Other major imports to Israel, totaling US$47.8 billion in 2006, include fossil fuels, raw materials, and military equipment.Leading exports include fruits, vegetables, pharmaceuticals, software, chemicals, military technology, and diamonds; in 2006, Israeli exports reached US$42.86 billion. Israel is a global leader in water conservation and geothermal energy, and its development of cutting-edge technologies in software, communications and the life sciences have evoked comparisons with Silicon Valley.

The Israeli population is a linguistically and culturally diverse community. The 15th edition of Ethnologue lists 33 languages and dialects spoken in local communities, whether small or large.

The main language used for communication among Israeli citizens is Modern Hebrew, a language that emerged in the late 19th century, based on different dialects of ancient Hebrew and somewhat influenced by Slavic languages and German. Several laws determine the official status of languages and language policy in Israel. This confusing situation led to several appeals to the supreme court, whose rulings enforced the current policy of national and local authorities.

Israel was established as a homeland for the Jewish people and is often referred to as the Jewish state. The country's Law of Return grants all Jews and those of Jewish lineage the right to Israeli citizenship. Just over three quarters, or 76.1%, of the population are Jews from a diversity of Jewish backgrounds. Approximately sixty-eight percent of Israeli Jews are Israeli-born, twenty-two percent are immigrants from Europe and the Americas, and ten percent are immigrants from Asia and Africa (including the Arab world).The religious affiliation of Israeli Jews varies widely: eight percent define themselves as "Haredi Jews" and twenty percent consider themselves "secular Jews". The majority of Israeli Jews, fifty-five percent, say they are "traditional," The remaining seventeen percent define themselves as Orthodox Jews

Making up 16.2% of the population, Muslims constitute Israel's largest religious minority. Israeli Arabs, who comprise 19.8% of the population, contribute significantly to that figure as over four fifths (82.6%) of them are Muslim. Of the remaining Israeli Arabs, 8.8% are Christian and 8.4% are Druze

The city of Jerusalem enjoys a special place in the hearts of Jews, Muslims, and Christians as the home of sites that are pivotal to their religious beliefs, such as the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Other landmarks of religious importance are located in the West Bank, among them the birthplace of Jesus and Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, and the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. The administrative center of the Bahá'í Faith and the Shrine of the Báb are located at the Bahá'í World Centre in Haifa and the leader of the faith is buried in Acre. Apart from maintenance staff, there is no Bahá'í community in Israel, although it is a destination for pilgrimages

Israel has a Mediterranean climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool, rainy winters, as modified locally by altitude and latitude. The climate is determined by Israel's location between the subtropical aridity characteristic of Egypt and the subtropical humidity of the Levant or eastern Mediterranean. January is the coldest month, with temperatures from 5 C to 10 C, and August is the hottest month at 18 C to 38 C. About 70 percent of the average rainfall in the country falls between November and March; June through August are often rainless. Rainfall is unevenly distributed, decreasing sharply as one moves southward. In the extreme south, rainfall averages less than 100 millimeters annually; in the north, average annual rainfall is 1,128 millimeters. Rainfall varies from season to season and from year to year, particularly in the Negev Desert. Precipitation is often concentrated in violent storms, causing erosion and flooding. During January and February, it may take the form of snow at the higher elevations of the central highlands, including Jerusalem. The areas of the country most cultivated are those that receive more than 300 millimeters of rainfall annually; about one-third of the country is cultivable

The Israeli Sheqalim or Shekalim (ILS) is divided into 100 agorot (singular is agora).Notes are in denominations of ILS 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 New Sheqalim.Coins are in denominations of 5, 10, 50 agorot.

• Time: GMT+2 hours.
• Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
• Communications: Telephone: IDD is available.
• Country code: 972

Imports: Tobacco:250 cigarettes or 250 grammes of other tobacco products.Alcohol:2 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits.Perfume: 250ml.Gifts:valued USD 125.

Exports Prohibited: sporting guns, different kinds of weapon pharmaceuticals food vaccines,radionuclide toxic waste dairy products.

Note: Provided for personal use and re-exported, one video camera, one photographic camera, one movie camera, one tape recorder and up to a value of US$250 in film and video cassettes may be imported; subject to high deposits paid in cash or VISA credit card only. For flowers, plants and seeds, a health certificate is required.

Getting There by Air: Most of the international airlines operate flights to Israel. El Al, operates many direct flights from the United States, Europe, the Far East, and Africa. Other Israeli airlines such as Arkia and Israir operate flights from central locations in Europe. There are no direct flights to Israel from distant locations such as Australia or South Africa, or from countries that have no diplomatic relations with Israel. It is therefore a good idea to reserve a connecting flight from these places, or to arrive in Europe and then purchase a ticket to Israel.

Getting There by Land: Land entry into Israel is possible through Egypt and Jordan with whom Israel has peaceful relations. Border crossings are under the jurisdiction of the Israel Airports Authority.

Getting There by Sea: Several shipping lines offer scheduled sailings from Europe to Haifa Port. Another option for arrival by sea is to join a Mediterranean cruise which includes Israel in its itinerary. Passengers can board in Cyprus, Greece, Turkey or Egypt and enter Israel through Haifa Port, Tel Aviv, Ashdod or Eilat. After the passengers and vessels complete border and customs clearance procedures, they can continue to any of Israel’s marinas. (Besides those mentioned, there are marinas in Jaffa, Acre, Herzliya and Ashkelon.) Arrival via private yacht is also possible and requires reservations several weeks in advance for a berth in the marina of choice

Passports must be valid for at least six months after period of intended stay and visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay in Israel. Travellers intending to visit Arab countries (other than Egypt, Jordan or United Arab Emirates) after leaving Israel should ensure that their passport does not contain Israeli visas or stamps, otherwise entry into Arab countries with such passports will be denied; it is sometimes possible to have a separate sheet of paper stamped instead. However if travelling to the Occupied Territories proof of entry to Israel must be shown in passports. Since February 2007 all foreign nationals need a multiple re-entry visa to enter and exit Gaza through the Erez crossing point.

Note: American, Canadian, Austarlian, South Africans, New Zealanders, UK and Irish nationals are require to have a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

Timna Valley National Park in Eilat arranges guided tours for the visitors. The tourists can also hire bicycles to explore around the park and the Timna Lake. The lakeshore restaurant, Pundak Ha’agam serves the tourists with light meals amidst a strenuous tour around the national park. In addition to that the visitors can relax at the Bedouin tent situated by the Timna Lake and get treated with the light traditional Middle Eastern meal. The visitors in the Alson, Timna Valley National Park of Eilat can take a look at the antiquities, wildlife and rare plants.The Mushroom and Arches are other natural phenomena which keep pulling the tourists towards the Timna Valley National Park in Eilat.The travelers fron locals and around the world also take a look at the rock carvings in Timna national park such as the Chariot and the Shrine of Hathor.

The Via Dolorosa (Path of Sorrow or "Way of the Cross") in Jerusalem is the route tradition says prophet Jesus (pbuh) followed, from his condemnation by the Romans to the spot where he was buried after the crucifixion. The path begins near Lions Gate (St. Stephen's Gate), in the Muslim Quarter, and ends within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, in the heart of the Christian Quarter. This route is marked by the 14 Stations of the Cross.The name of "Via Dolorosa" (or "Via Crucis") is relatively recent; it dates from the sixteenth century, when a name was sought for the stretch of road, between the fortress Antonia and Golgotha, along which Christ walked bowed under the weight of the Cross. The present route, however, is somewhat different from the one Jesus walked. Of the fortress Antonia, for example, where Christ was judged before Pilate and where Herod the Great had his residence, only a few scraps of paving remain. This building, which stood near the Northwest corner of the Temple, was the starting-point for Jesus' painful walk toward Golgotha (Calvary), which at that time was outside the walls of the city. Every Friday afternoon the Franciscans lead a pious procession winding through the streets that witnessed Christ's suffering.

The Grotto of Gethsemane has conserved best its original appearance, that is, the appearance it had at the time of Christ's life on earth.The grotto was previously used by farmers to store grains, from the sixth century on it served some Christian communities as a cenacle.Inside the cave, which has an impressive stone vault, are three altars with murals over them. Over the high altar is a representation of Jesus Praying among the Apostles, while the paintings over the side altars depict the Assumption of the Virgin and the Kiss of Judas.

The Room of the Last Supper called Coenaculum, The Cenacle, and The Upper Room, lies just outside the Dormition Abbey behind the Franciscan house on Sion in Jerusalem. The whole area has been transformed by religious Jews into various Yeshivas (Schools of the Torah) especially due to the devotion for the Tomb of King David (pbuh) which is believed to be located beneath the Upper Room.This place, sacred in Christian tradition, is believed to be the site of the Last Supper where Christ (pbuh) established the rite of the Eucharist. In the same place, seven weeks later, the Holy Ghost appeared to Mary and the Apostles at the Pentecost.The cenotaph of King David (pbuh), on the ground floor, is, together with the Western Wall, one of the places most visited and venerated by people of Jewish faith.The massive, grandiose stone sarcophagus, draped in a red cloth with the star of David on it, is surmonted by twenty-two crowns of the Torah in solid silver; they represent the sovereigns who, after David (pbuh), succeeded each other on the throne of Israel.