Israel
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Capital
Jerusalem
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Local time
10:00
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Population
8.75 m
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Driving side
Right
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Calling code
+972
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Currency
₪ ILS (shekel)
Israel
-
Capital
Jerusalem
-
Local time
10:00
-
Population
8.75 m
-
Driving side
Right
-
Calling code
+972
-
Currency
₪ ILS (shekel)
-
Average Salary
$ 2 405
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Petrol price
€ 1.88 pl
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Precipitation
435mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
20 770 km2
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Protected Area
20%
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Forest Area
8%
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Agricultural area
24%
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Railways
1277km
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Annual air passengers
6.51 m
Population
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Ethnicity
Jewish
non-Jewish - 19 %
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Religion
Judaism - 77 %
Islam - 16 %
Islam - 16 %
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Languages
Hebrew
Arabic
English
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Armed Forces
184 500
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Murders
1 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
3.1 l/person
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Smoking
41.2%
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Diabetes
7.5%
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Tuberculosis
4 per 100k
Economy
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Industries
high-technology products, communications, computer-aided products, medical electronics, wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, tobacco
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Agriculture
citrus, vegetables, cotton, beef, poultry, dairy products
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Natural Resources
timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand
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Energy Import
67%
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Natural Resources
timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand
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Renewable Energy
9%
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CO2 Emissions
64 602kt
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Ease of Business
54 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
101
What not to do when visiting Israel
Israel Don’t forget to shake hands warmly with direct eye contact when greeting (men). Handshakes may be combined with slight touches on arms or elbows. Women friends usually kiss once on the cheek.
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Israel Don't eat without tipping - it's still common wait staff at restaurants or cafes don't receive salary and rely on tips from generous patrons.
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Israel Don't be offended by direct, fast and loud conversations - it’s standard way and tone of conversing for locals.
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Did you know?
Israel’s official language of Hebrew is the only formerly dead language that has ever been reconstructed on a large scale in human history.
Israel Don't bare it all at Holy sites - dress modestly when visiting.
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Israel Don't shave before entering the Dead Sea - the mineral-rich mud and high salt content can relieve certain skin issues when freshly shaved.
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Israel Don't forget on Shabbat closures - most of public transport, kosher restaurant, banks and public offices are closed during Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, lasting from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday.
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Israel Don't have to finish your plate, but always compliment the chef.
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Israel Don’t put the thumb on between middle and index finger while making a fist - it’s an obscene gesture.
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Did you know?
Israel is the only country in the world where life revolves around the Hebrew calendar. Work and school holidays are determined by the Jewish holidays, and the official day of rest is Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath.
Israel Don’t show the soles of your feet nor use foot to move or pass anything around when dealing with the Muslim person(s).
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Israel Don’t use your left hand when giving or handing things with someone, especially with Muslims.
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Israel Don't expect to eat light breakfast - it's customary to have heavy and big breakfast.
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Israel Don't forget to do some haggling at outdoor markets, but not at indoor shops and restaurants.
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Israel Don't forget to check your taxi has the taxi meter on at the beginning of your trip.
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Israel Don't be alarmed by the military presence in unusual places like cafes, beaches…
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Israel Don't publicly criticise authorities in Gaza - you may risk reprisal by Hamas, including arrest, interrogation, seizure of property, and harassment.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Western Asia Don't bath naked or topless.
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