Israel is located in Western Asia, and its capital is Jerusalem. It has a population of approximately 9,974,400 and covers an area of about 22,070 km². Its official currency is the Israeli new shekel (ILS).
What stands out
People & place
452 /km² across 22,070 km²
Israel has a recorded population of 9,974,400 and a reported surface area of 22,070 km².
Economic snapshot
$540.38 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $540.38 billion and GDP per capita at $54,177 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Israeli new shekel (ILS)
Israel uses Israeli new shekel (ILS), calling code +972, internet domain .il.
About Israel
Israel, a small yet dynamic nation on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, blends ancient heritage with cutting‑edge innovation, offering a mosaic of history, faith, and modernity.
The country's landscape ranges from sun‑kissed beaches along the Mediterranean coast to the rugged hills of the Galilee, the stark desert of the Negev, and the iconic, deep basin of the Dead Sea—the lowest point on Earth's surface.
Israel's culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from Jewish, Arab, and Mediterranean influences, celebrated through lively festivals, world‑renowned cuisine such as falafel and hummus, and a thriving arts scene that spans literature, music, and dance.
A pivotal moment in Israeli history occurred in 1948 when the modern State of Israel was declared, marking the culmination of Zionist aspirations and reshaping the political landscape of the Middle East.
Key facts
Israel is the only country in the world where Hebrew is the official language.
Tel Aviv is known as the "Startup Nation" and has the highest number of startups per capita globally.
The Dead Sea's salinity is about 34%, allowing swimmers to effortlessly float.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Israel has a recorded population of approximately 9,974,400 people.
How big is Israel?
Israel covers an area of about 22,070 km².
What is the population density of Israel?
Israel has a population density of roughly 452 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Israel?
Israel has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $540.38 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Israel?
Israel has a GDP per capita of approximately $54,177.
What currency is used in Israel?
Israel uses the Israeli new shekel (ILS), with the symbol ₪.
Where is Israel located?
Israel is located in Western Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Israel?
The native name of Israel is יִשְׂרָאֵל.
What are people from Israel called?
People from Israel are referred to as Israeli.
What is the phone calling code for Israel?
The international dialing code for Israel is +972.
What is the internet domain for Israel?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Israel is .il.
What time zone is Israel in?
Israel uses the Asia/Jerusalem time zone.
What is Israel known for?
Israel, a small yet dynamic nation on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, blends ancient heritage with cutting‑edge innovation, offering a mosaic of history, faith, and modernity.
Western Asia