Facts about Israel
There are 5,534,670 people in Israel . That is 651 people per square mile . Most speak Hebrew or Arabic . The secondary language is English . 82% are Jewish , Christian 2% , Muslam 14% , and Druze 2% .
The capital of Israel is Jerusalem , it means " The City of Peace ". It has 602,100 people . The weather in Jerusalem is mostly pleasant year round . In Jerusalem there are many famous places , such as the Dome of the Rock , the Western Wall , and the Isreal Museum . Other important cities in Israel are Tel Aviv , the largest city in Israel , and Beersheba , the chief city of eastern Israel and an important industrial center .
The climate varies widely . High in the mountains it is cold and low in the deserts it is hot during the day and frezzing at night .
The natural resouces of Israel include : citrus fruits , vegetables , and cut diamonds . Other products include : metal products , fertilizers , chemicals , and electronics .
The wildlife in Israel mostly consists of hooved animals , such as : wild sheep , boars and mountain goats . Also there are wild mice and desert hares .
Although Israel does not trade with Arab neighbors , it trades with other countries . It has excellent land for farming .
The national flag is the #1 symbol of Israel . It has a blue Star of David in between two blue horizonal lines .
The national anthem is " Hatikvah " which means " the Hope " .
The type of government is Democratic Republic . All citizens over 18 years old are allowed to vote . The prime minister ( Yitzhak Rabin ) is the head of government under the president .
The Israeli currency is Shekels . The average annual income is $6,270 in U.S. currency .
There are 22 daily newspapers . The leading papers are the Hebrew " Ha'aretz " and the " Davar ". And the English " Jerusalem Post " .
The Hebrew Language
Hebrew is the official language of Israel . It is written from right to left . The Hebrew language has no vowels . Vowel sounds are indicated by a small dot or dash .
English-Hebrew
Yes - Ken
No - Lo
Thanks - Toda
Greetings - Shlom
Good-bye - Le te hote
Pardon - Selicha
Evening - Erev
The Dome of the Rock
In Muslam beliefs the Holy Rock tried to follow Muhammad as he assended into Heaven . The angel , Gabriel , kept it back . This legend holds that the foot print of Muhammad's steed and Gabriels handprint can still be seen on the rock .
In Jewish beliefs the rock is the one that Abraham offered Issac as a sacrifice to God .
The Dome of the Rock is the building that holds the Holy Rock . Muslams gather there to pray .
The Dome of the Rock and The Western Wall
Info from :
-Enchantment of the World : Israel
-Encarta CD Rom
-Israel : Places and People
-DK World Refrence Atlas
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