Fast Facts

 

Population​9,500,000 and growing due to high birthrate but also through immigration. 15 million by 2050.

CapitalJe​rusalem. The 3000 years old City of Peace is a multicultural tourist destination with high tech.

LanguagesHebrew & Arabic. Most people speak English. Very many speak French. Many speak Russian.

 

+972 Dialing Code​Area codes start with "0" (Jerusalem: 02; Tel Aviv: 03). If outside Israel use +972 and drop the 0.

Currency (NIS)New Israeli Shekel​. 2.8 NIS = 1 CAD but it varies so check. You cannot use other currency in Israel.

Electricity 230V/50HzMost computers & smartphones work in Israel. Non-computer appliances may not. Check before visiting.

 

Political SystemDemocracy​. Parliament elected on proportional representation basis. Parliament elects Prime Minister.

IndependenceMay 14, 1948. We celebrate by the (lunar) Hebrew calendar so it varies. Israel became a United Nations member on May 11, 1949

 

National Symbols

• The Flag

  Israel's flag is based on the design of the "tallit" (Jewish prayer shawl) with a Star of David in the middle ("Magen David" - literally translated: David's Shield). It is a symbol of sovereignty regained after centuries of national dispersion. This is the third time the Jews have established a sovereign state in Israel. The first in almost 2000 years.

  

• National Emblem

  The "Menorah" (candelabrum) whose shape is derived from the 7 branched "moriah", a plant known since antiquity. The olive branches represent our desire for peace. With the opening of Chad's Embassy in Israel (Feb 2023) over 50% of the Arab world lives in countries with diplomatic relations and growing business ties with Israel. We now know there is an expiry date to the Arab-Israel conflict as we progress further down the road of partnership.