Israel

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Israel

Israel, located in Western Asia, is a land rich in history, culture, and diverse landscapes.

Area: Approximately 22,145 sq. km (8,630 sq. miles), with 21,671 sq. km being land area. It is about 420 km in length and 115 km across at its widest point.

Population: Around 9,756,600 (2023 estimate).

Language: The official language is Hebrew. Arabic also has a special status.

Currency: New Israeli Sheqel (NIS).

Religion: The majority of the population is Jewish (approximately 73.8%). Other significant religious groups include Muslim (18%), Christian (1.9%), and Druze (1.6%).

Capital: Jerusalem.

Major Cities: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Rishon LeZion, Petah Tikva, Netanya, Ashdod, Beersheba.

Attractions & Wonders:

  • The Dead Sea: Israel’s most iconic natural wonder, known for its high salt content allowing effortless floating.
  • Jerusalem Old City: A unique blend of history, culture, and spirituality, sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Key sites include the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
  • Masada: An impressive ancient fortress perched above the Dead Sea, famous for a historical Roman siege.
  • Tel Aviv Beaches: Beautiful sandy beaches along the Mediterranean coast, perfect for relaxation and water sports.
  • The Sea of Galilee: A freshwater lake with significant religious and historical importance.
  • Eilat’s Coral Beach: Known for its vibrant underwater world.
  • The Baha’i Gardens in Haifa: A stunning example of nature and design.
  • The Negev Desert: Offers opportunities for hiking, camel trekking, and stargazing. Highlights include the Ramon Crater and the ancient city of Avdat.
  • Akko (Acre): A charming coastal city with well-preserved Crusader-era buildings, Ottoman architecture, and bustling markets.
  • Soreq Cave: A subterranean marvel in the Judean Hills, famous for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
  • Beit Guvrin Cave City: A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient cities and underground chambers.

Architecture: Israel’s architecture is a fascinating mix of historical and modern styles. You can find Byzantine churches, Crusader castles, Islamic madrasas, Ottoman architecture, Russian Orthodox onion domes, International Style modernist buildings (especially in Tel Aviv, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Bauhaus architecture), sculptural concrete Brutalist architecture, and contemporary glass-sided skyscrapers.

Roads:

  • Scenic Roads:
    • Road 899 (Galilee)
    • Highway 98 (Golan Heights)
    • Switzerland Forest Scenic Road (Road 7677)
    • Mount Gilboa Scenic Road
    • Mount Carmel Scenic Road
    • Route 395 (Jerusalem mountains)
    • Route 386
    • Route 225 (The Big Crater)
    • Route 40 (Mitzpe Ramon-Tzichor intersection)
  • Famous Streets in Tel Aviv: Ben-Gurion Boulevard, Rothschild Boulevard (known for Bauhaus buildings), Herzl Street, Dizengoff Street (shopping), King George Street, Bograshov Street, Bialik Street (oldest houses and unique architecture), Sheinkin Street, Hayarkon Street (parallel to the coastline, with Bauhaus buildings and embassies).

Hotels: Many international and local hotel chains operate in Israel, including Hilton, Hyatt Regency, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, ibis, and Leonardo Hotels. Local chains like Isrotel and Atlas Boutique Hotels also have a strong presence.

Restaurants & Cuisine: Israeli cuisine is a rich fusion of dishes brought from the Jewish diaspora and Middle Eastern influences. It incorporates elements from various Jewish communities (Mizrahi, Sephardic, Yemenite, Iraqi) and Arab cuisine. Popular dishes include:

  • Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea balls.
  • Hummus: A dip made from mashed chickpeas.
  • Shakshouka: Eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions.
  • Msabbaha: A variation of hummus with whole chickpeas.
  • Za’atar: A spice blend.
  • Challah: Braided bread.
  • Jachnun & Malawach: Yemenite Jewish pastry dishes.
  • Gefilte Fish: A traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish.
  • Hamin: A slow-cooked Shabbat stew.
  • Me’orav Yerushalmi: A mixed grill dish from Jerusalem.
  • Sufganiyot: Israeli doughnuts, especially popular during Hanukkah.
  • Burekas: Savory pastries with Balkan and Turkish influences.
  • Skhug: A spicy chili sauce.
  • Kubane: A Yemenite Jewish bread.
  • Amba: A tangy mango pickle.
  • Kubba: Dumplings or meatballs.
  • Sabich: A sandwich with fried eggplant and hard-boiled eggs.
  • Hamutzim: Pickled vegetables.

You’ll find a wide range of dining experiences, from casual eateries and street food to fine dining. Popular chains include McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, KFC, and local chains like Burger Ranch and Arcaffe. Notable independent restaurants include Machneyuda (Jerusalem), Eucalyptus (Jerusalem), and Anastasia (Tel Aviv – vegan).

Annual Travel: In 2019, Israel welcomed an all-time high of 4.55 million international visitors. While numbers were affected by the pandemic, they have been recovering, with around 3 million visitors in 2023. Tourists are drawn by religious and historical sites, vibrant cities, and diverse natural landscapes.