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With a population of about 7.2 million, the majority of whom are Jews, Israel is the world's only Jewish state. It is also home to Muslim Arabs, Christians and Druze, as well as other religious and ethnic minority groups. Jerusalem is the nation's capital, seat of government, and largest city.

Israel is considered one of the most advanced countries in the Middle East in economic and industrial development. The country has been ranked highest in the region on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index as well as in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report (15th worldwide – 2006). It has the second-largest number of startup companies in the world (after the United States) and the largest number of NASDAQ-listed companies outside North America.

Israel's GDP per capita, in 2006 was $28,169 – 21st among OECD members and gradually catching up. In the past years, a multi-year plan to reduce the gross debt and unemployment, as well as driving more people into the labor market has been implemented and showing gradual signs of success. Israel's economy is quite a stable one, and has proven its stability during conflicts. It is considered by many to be completely separated from current issues.

Israel specializes in high-tech industries and uses bases its growth and competitiveness on its human capital. Many foreign corporations have decided to place R&D centers in Israel, such as Intel and IBM. Another growing field is the financial services sector. Israel has proven to have a stable business environment and is working its way to as much international recognition as possible. Firms and banks such as Ernst and Young, HSBC, Citibank and the State Bank of India have branches in Israel.

Israel has also become a world leader in quality, high-yielding agriculture, with farmers and researchers cooperating in developing and applying sophisticated science-based methods in all agricultural branches. Known for the ability to maximally use water, Israel is a food exporter, especially to Europe during the winter.
The unit of currency in Israel is the NIS – New Israeli Shekel, divided into 100 agorot. Its exchange rate vs. the Euro and the US Dollar has remained stable throughout the passed 10 years and lately has been appreciating vs. the US Dollar.

For more general information about Israel please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs site

For Historical Information Click Here

For the Central Bureau of Statistics Map site Click Here

For information regarding the business climate, competitiveness and human capital in Israel visit Invest in Israel