With its southernmost tip dipping into one of the world’s most beautiful seas—the Red Sea—Israel is a tapestry of lush Mediterranean coasts, gentle hills, rugged mountains, and dramatic deserts. This dynamic mix of landscapes, climates, cultures, and traditions makes Israel one of the most fascinating and diverse countries on the planet—all packed into just 29,000 square kilometers.
Geographically, Israel is typically divided into three main areas: the coastal plain to the west, which stretches along the Mediterranean Sea; the central mountainous region; and the Jordan Valley to the east, a rift that runs the length of the country down to the shores of the Red Sea. The coastal plain—including subregions like the Galilee Plain, Akko Plain, Carmel, and the vast Southern Coastal Plain—is Israel’s most densely populated and developed area, home to about 70% of its residents. Fertile soils, abundant water, major transport routes, and large cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa drive a vibrant, modern economy and lifestyle.
Behind the coast rise the Lowlands, rolling green hills leading up to the country’s mountainous heart, home to places of biblical resonance: Galilee, Carmel, Samaria, and Judea. Cities and towns here—including Jerusalem (the holy city for Jews and Christians), Bethlehem (birthplace of Jesus), Jericho, and many others—are destinations in their own right. To the south sprawls the Negev, a vast desert region distinguished by impressive canyons carved over millennia.
To the east, the Jordan Valley—traced by Israel’s main river—marks the frontier with Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This unique valley stretches north to south along the state’s entire length, forming part of the Great Rift Valley, which continues with the Dead Sea (where the river ends) and the Wadi Arava, down to the Gulf of Aqaba. In addition to the Dead Sea (the world’s lowest point and a vast salt lake), the valley also contains the country’s largest freshwater basin: Lake Kinneret, or the Sea of Galilee. To the east, the Golan Heights rise, culminating at Mount Hermon (2224 meters), Israel’s highest peak and the Jordan River’s source.
Israel at a Glance
- Country: Israel
- Area: 20,700 km²
- Capital: Jerusalem
- Population: 5,643,500 inhabitants
- Languages: Hebrew (official), Arabic
- Religion: Jews 78.5%, Muslims 15.1%, Christians 2.1%
- Government: Republic
- Main cities: Tel Aviv, Netanya
Useful Information about Israel
- Currency: Shekel
- International dialing code: 00972
- International license plate: IL
- Driving side: Right
- Entry documents: Passport
- Required vaccinations: None
- Electric current: 220V
- Measurement system: Metric
- Time zone: +2
- Fixed holidays: April 24 – Independence Day
- Climate: Mediterranean. From April to October, expect warm, dry weather. From November to March, the weather is milder and cooler, especially in the hills.
- Average temperatures: 17.6°C (9°C in winter, 24°C in summer)
- Transport: The train network is limited, but buses are highly reliable, frequent, and affordable.
- Airports: Lod/Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv, Jaffa/Dov, Haifa
