The state is located in the southwestern part of Asia Israel. It shares its northeastern borders with Syria, the north with Lebanon, the east with Jordan, the southwest with the Gaza Strip and Egypt. This country gained independence in 1948 in accordance with the UN Plan for the partition of Palestine. However, until now, the officially clear borders of Israel have not been determined due to a number of historical factors.
The western outskirts of the country are washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and the southern - by the Red. The eastern border is defined by the Jordan River.
Israel is a multinational state, the predominant part of the population of which is Jews (75%). Arabs who profess Islam or Christianity, Bedouins, Druze, Samaritans and Circassians make up a small percentage of the people of Israel. The country has many refugees and returnees, immigrants from other countries. Most of the Jews who came here after the opening of the Iron Curtain came from the former USSR. The total population is 7.8 million.
The country has two official languages: Arabic and Hebrew.
The monetary unit of Israel is the so-called new shekel (since 1985). Since 2003, this currency has become freely convertible.
The predominant religion is Judaism (75%), other areas of religion are represented insignificantly: 16.9% - Muslims, 2.1 - Christians, 1.7% - Druze. Atheists - about 3.9%.
Israel is the capital and major cities.
The capital of the state of Israel is the city of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is considered the greatest religious world center. All major biblical shrines are here. Jerusalem has become an important city for the religious development of Judaism, Islam and Christianity.
It is located at an altitude of 840 meters above sea level. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. The population is 780.2 thousand people.
Other major cities in Israel are Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Israel - holidays and tours
One of the main components of the public sector in Israel has become tourism. The historical relics concentrated on the territory of this state are important and significant objects of contemplation, both for the Israelis themselves and for many visiting guests. Religious tourism is the largest part of all visits to Israel. Pilgrimage to holy places annually collects millions of people from the relics of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth.
Proximity to the seas and excellent climatic conditions gave impetus to the development of the beach tourism industry and the construction of hospitals. The natural source of all kinds of useful elements for the body is the Dead Sea. It is on its coast that an incredible number of resorts are concentrated, which give tourists the opportunity not only to have a great rest, swimming in the most salty waters of the world, but also to significantly improve their health. Mineral baths in combination with mud wraps have an amazing effect. People come here to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system, heart, respiratory tract, skin, joints.
For lovers of exotic Eilat opens its beauties with a unique climate and a large number of coral formations. Here is an underwater aquarium that provides an opportunity from a depth to see the life of coral reefs.
Recently, rural tourism is gaining popularity. This type of relaxation is preferred by those vacationers who want privacy and peace. They can stay for a few days in a rural house and spend time outdoors.
Israel - Attractions
The main place of concentration of religious relics was Jerusalem. Here are:
• The Wailing Wall is a symbol of Jewish faith and a place of finding peace and hope.
• Church of the Holy Sepulcher - the place of execution, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is here that the annual ceremony of the convergence of the blessed fire occurs.
• Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Since pilgrimage has become the predominant part of tourism in Israel, it is mainly the guests of the country who prefer to go to the many shrines that are located in other cities.
In total, there are 7 monuments in the country that are part of the world treasury - UNESCO List:
• Massada Fortress,
• The Old City of Jerusalem,
• The ancient part of Acre,
• White City, located in Tel Aviv,
• Hatzor, Megido and Be'er Sheva,
• Bahai Gardens,
• The road of spices.
There are many museums in Israel. The most significant of them are the Holocaust Museum (detailed information regarding this tragedy is collected here), Ein Harod Meuhad - a large art gallery in the north of the country, and many others.
Statistics show that Israel has the largest number of galleries and museums per capita.
Israel - weather (climate)
Israel is a country with a typical Mediterranean subtropical climate. In different parts of it there is a different amount of precipitation: in the Galilee, for example, 1080 mm per year, and in the eastern part of the Negev, only 100 mm. In the mountainous areas it is quite humid - 700mm, and in Eilat - almost a desert - 20mm.
The air temperature is also not the same: in the mountains the winter is cold, precipitation in the form of snow is possible. In the capital, Jerusalem, at least one good snowfall also happens. And in Tel Aviv it is wet in winter, it is raining. But the summer here is hot and long. Since the beginning of the warm season, precipitation in Israel is extremely rare.
Weather in Israel now:
Israel - cuisine
Israeli cuisine is diverse not only in the recipe, but also has a rich set of products used for cooking.
The Israelis cook well themselves, and even borrowed useful recipes from peoples who at different times influenced the development of this country.
But the Jews adhere to strict rules on food, which were dictated in due time by the religious founders. In Israel, they do not eat pork, and saltwater fish must be with scales. Meat and dairy products should not be consumed together. You can’t eat the meat of rodents and artiodactyls. Properly prepared food is considered kosher, and these rules are strictly observed in many places of public catering in the country.
But tourists should not be afraid that they will have to temporarily become a Jew in food. Throughout Israel, there have long been establishments that are not considered kosher; European dishes familiar to Europeans are prepared here.
Israel - interesting facts
Israel is characterized by selectivity in the celebration of certain events. In a big way, at the state level, only official religious Jewish holidays are celebrated, as well as some significant dates.
But the dates of the celebrations are shifting from year to year, since Israel uses a different calendar and calendar. In addition, a new day in Israel begins with the sunset, and not 24-00, as is customary in the world.
Israel - visa application
Israel has a visa regime. To apply for a visa, the trip participant must personally apply to the Consulate of Israel. He needs to provide a standard set of documents:
• Two passports - civil and foreign,
• Application form
• Photo,
• Invitation,
• Inquiries (from places of study, work, residence, on the purchase of the required amount of foreign currency),
• Health insurance.
An ordinary visa will be issued in 5 business days. The consular fee is 17 German marks in ruble terms.
Israel - Embassy
In Moscow, the Israeli Embassy is located at 56 Bolshaya Ordynka Street. Tel .: 8 (495) 735-47-00.
Map of Israel
