Israel
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Name: The State of Israel History: Palestine is the ancient homeland of the Jews till they were dispersed by the Romans and in first century AD, then in nineteenth century European Jews began to settle in Palestine and in 1948 the new Jewish Homeland was created. After the World War II British withdrew from their mandate of Palestine and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and Jewish state of Israel. Arab rejected the proposal and fought 4 wars with Israel in 1948, 1956, 1967 and 1973. Israel in 1967 occupied Jordanian land west of river Jordan, the Gaza strip held by Egypt and Golan Heights which were Syrian and Sinai. After 15 years in 1983 Israel withdrew from the Sinai and headed it back to Egypt on the terms of Israel – Egypt Peace Treaty, tension between two sides and Israel continues. Boundaries: Egypt on the south west, Lebanon on the north and Syria and Jordan on the east. Coastlines: 273 km Location: Eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea between Lebanon and Egypt. It covers most of the historical area of Palestine. Area: 20,770 sq km, slightly smaller than New Jersey. Terrain: Most of the population lives in Low Coastal Plain with fertile soil. In the north east are high lands of Galilee and disputed Golan Heights, Jerusalem and disputed West Bank territory which are hilly. To the south is the dry triangle of the Negev desert and to the east lays the Jordan Rift Valley which includes Red Sea and Rift Valley of Eastern Africa, Dead Sea which is much below the sea level also lies in this valley. Climate: Temperate, hot in summer and mild in winter. It is dry in southern and eastern desert areas and north receives more rainfall than south. Ethnic Group: About 76.4% of the people are Jews. Israel born Jews are 67.1%, European American born 22.6%, African born 5.9%, Asia born 4.2% non Jewish (mostly Arabs) are 23.6%. Religion: Jews 76.45, 16% Muslims, Arab Christians 1.7%, other Christians 0.45, Druze 1.6% and unspecified 3.9%. Language: Both Hebrew and Arabic are official languages. Arabic is used for Arab minority and English is commonly used foreign language. Capital: Jerusalem Currency: New Israel Sheqel (ILS) Literacy: 95.4% of the total population, 97.3% of males and 93.6% of females. Independence: 14 May 1948 from league of national mandate under British administration. Nationality: Israeli Population: 7.1 million (2006est) Population Growth Rate: 1.18% (2006est) National Holiday: Independence Day (14 May) according to Jewish calendar it may occur in April or May. Government: Parliamentary Democracy Constitution: Israel has not completed the written constitution yet, in 1948 Basic Laws of Parliament (Knesset) and the Israeli citizenship law was filled by Declaration of Establishment. Legal system: Government of Israel functions according to the laws of Knesset including the basic laws of Israel. It is mixture of English common law, British mandate regulation and in personal matters, Jewish, Christian and Muslim Legal system. Suffrage: 18 years Executive Branch: President is the chief of the state and Prime Minister is the head of the government. The Cabinet is selected by the Prime minister and approved by Knesset (Parliament). President is elected by Knesset for 7 year term and has a ceremonial role. President assigns a Knesset member (leader of the largest party) the task of forming the governing coalition. Legislative Branch: Unicameral Knesset has 120 seats and members elected by popular vote to serve 4 year term. Judicial Branch: Supreme Court is highest court of Israel seated in Jerusalem. Israel is not the member of International Criminal Code and Supreme Court has a dual role of highest court o appeal and as the body for a separate institution known as High Court of Justice (HCOJ). Flag: It was adopted on 28 October 1948. It has a Blue Star of David known as Magen David (Shield of David) centered between 2 equal horizontal blue strips near the top and bottom edges of the flag. National Anthems: Hatikvah (“The Hope”) Coat of Arm: It shows a menorah surrounded by an olive branch on each side, Israel is written in Hebrew below it. Olive branch symbolizes peace and menorah was a symbol of Judaism and is used in ancient temples in Jerusalem. This coat of arm is also depicted on the cover of Israeli passport. Economy: Israel’s economy in spite of poor natural recourses has grown rapidly in the Middle East. It depends on import of crude oil, grains, raw materials and military equipment. Agriculture provides large part of the nation’s food and water from Lake Tiberius (Sea of Galilee) is used for irrigation which has tripled Israel’s farming since 1948. There is a wide range of Manufacturing and processing including diamond cutting. Military Industries are highly advanced. World’s financial crisis of 1970 – 1980 and cost of defense plunged it into debt half of its debt is owed to the United States which is the major source of economic and military aid. Exports: Cut Diamonds, high technology equipment and agriculture products (fruit and vegetables), chemicals, software, textile and apparel. GDP Growth Rate: 4.8% (2006est) Imports: Raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, raw diamond, fuels, and grain and consumer goods. Internet Country Code: .il Calling Code: +972 |