Israel’s history spans thousands of years, blending ancient traditions with modern advancements. You’ll discover fascinating insights about its unique geography, such as the fact that it has both desert landscapes and lush, fertile valleys. The country’s cultural tapestry is equally diverse, with influences from Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Baha’i communities.
Additionally, Israel is renowned for its contributions to science and technology, with innovations in agriculture, medicine, and high-tech industries. You’ll also find out about the vibrant city life in places like Tel Aviv, known for its nightlife and culinary scene, contrasting with the spiritual and historical significance of Jerusalem.
Prepare to be amazed by the intriguing stories and lesser-known facts about this remarkable nation. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or modern achievements, these 30 facts will provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Israel.
Fact – 1
Israel is a young state of small size (just over 22 thousand square kilometers), located in the Middle East.
May 14, 1948 is considered the official date for the creation of Israel.
Fact – 2
Due to the military confrontation with Palestine and other Arab countries, Israel still does not have clear state borders.
Fact – 3
The official capital of Israel is Jerusalem. However, most business meetings, including those of national importance, are held in the city of Tel Aviv.
Fact – 4
Israel is a multinational state. Representatives of different nationalities and population groups live here – Lebanese Arabs, Druze, Circassians, Arameans, immigrants from the USSR, etc.
Fact – 5
The nationality of the Jews, unlike most other nations, is determined by the mother, not the father.
Jews believe that the identity of the mother is beyond doubt, but who the real father of the child is not always known even to the mother herself.
Fact – 6
More than 13% of the residents who moved from the Soviet Union now live in Israel.
Fact – 7
Israel does not have a Constitution, and instead uses a set of “Basic Laws”.
By the way, New Zealand and Great Britain also exist with unwritten constitutions.
Fact – 8
The official languages in Israel are Hebrew and Arabic. However, in some areas and cities, Hebrew is not used at all.
Fact – 9
The hoopoe became the national symbol of Israel in 2014. This bird symbolizes wisdom, respect for elders, love and nobility.
Fact – 10
In Israel, there are significantly fewer women than the male population.
At the same time, this is the only country in which women are required to serve in the army.
Fact – 11
In Israel, people of different religions cannot marry each other.
Fact – 12
Believing Jews eat only kosher products, which are sold only in special stores where only Jews can work.
There are even kosher McDonald’s in Israel.
Fact – 13
Israel has very high prices for goods, utilities and real estate. Therefore, most people rent rather than buy.
Fact – 14
In Israel, the average life expectancy is 82.4 years. This country is among the top ten countries where people live long.
Fact – 15
In Israel, poor people who rent apartments cannot be evicted.
Fact – 16
Since 1991, in every dwelling, apartment or house, there is a room specially equipped for bacteriological and chemical protection.
Fact – 17
Israel has a very powerful air force, numbering 34,000 people. After the United States, Russia and China, Israel’s air force is the fourth largest.
Fact – 18
Israel is one of nine countries in the world that develop the space industry and launch satellites and spacecraft into orbit.
Fact – 19
In Israel, you can get one of the best education in the world. About 25% of the working population of the country have a higher education, and 12-13% – an academic degree.
Fact – 20
The level of education and culture in Israel is very high. For the first time in the world, computer science was taught as a subject in local schools.
In addition, this country publishes the most books that have been translated into Hebrew from other languages.
Fact – 21
An antivirus program was first developed by three computer scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1998.
Fact – 22
The flash drive was invented and patented by the Israelis in 1999.
In 2000, M-Systems introduced the first flash drive.
Fact – 23
Residents of Israel have received more Nobel Prizes per capita than anywhere else in the world.
Fact – 24
Israeli medicine is considered to be one of the best in the world.
The doctors of this country manage to achieve the highest percentage of cures for cancer.
Fact – 25
Health care for all working citizens of Israel is free.
Fact – 26
Israel has a very expensive service sector. Here, it is cheaper to buy a new thing than to repair an old one.
Fact – 27
In Israel, at the cemetery in Ramla, there is the grave of Harry Potter, a private in the British army, who died at the age of seventeen and in 1939.
After the J. K. Rowling series of books about the young wizard came out, this grave became a landmark of the country.
Fact – 28
Not far from Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives is the oldest cemetery in the world, which is more than 2.5 thousand years old.
Fact – 29
Letters addressed to God come to Jerusalem by the thousands. This correspondence is sorted by mail, and then the rabbi lays them between the stones in the Wailing Wall.
Fact – 30
In addition, Israel is also known for the fact that the unique world-famous Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee, are located on its territory.
The sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth, and the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest on the planet.
