🇮🇱map Israel [Overview]

Israel, called Yisra’el in Hebrew, sits on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Egypt, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. The country’s landscape ranges from the Negev Desert in the south to mountains and fertile plains in the center and north, with the Jordan River running down to the Dead Sea. Its population ranks about 98th in the world, and it skews relatively young compared with many Western countries. One detail that surprises many first-time visitors: the Dead Sea is not only famously salty, it also lies about 400 meters below sea level, making it the lowest inland body of water on earth.

Jerusalem, the capital, blends layers of history with daily life; it contains sites sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, all packed into a compact, walkable Old City. Tel Aviv, by contrast, is the modern commercial heartbeat—fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and beach-facing—while Haifa in the north anchors much of the country’s port and industrial activity. Urban living dominates; most residents are city-based, with good access to parks, museums, and cultural centers. With distances relatively short, you can watch a desert sunrise and still make an evening swim in the Mediterranean.

Economy

Israel’s economy leans heavily toward services, with comparatively smaller shares from agriculture and industry. Tel Aviv and its surrounding area function as the country’s business and cultural engine, while Haifa’s port underscores the importance of trade and logistics. The south’s Negev region and the northern industrial zones support manufacturing and related services, and urban hubs drive finance, healthcare, education, and tourism. Local food culture supports a lively hospitality scene—from street-side falafel to contemporary kitchens—and that, too, feeds jobs.

Connectivity is a practical strength. Maritime routes through Mediterranean ports link Israel to Europe and beyond, and the country is closely tied into regional and global trade flows. Air links connect major cities to business and travel networks across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Politically, Israel operates as a parliamentary democracy with the Knesset as the legislature, and its legal and business environment reflects a blend of local Basic Laws and elements of English common law—familiar territory for many international companies planning market entry or regional operations.

Culture

Hebrew is the dominant language in public life, and Arabic is widely spoken, especially among Palestinian Arabs. The people of Israel largely identify within two broad national communities—Jewish and Palestinian—each closely linked to deep religious and cultural traditions. Jerusalem’s quarters and neighborhoods, long inhabited and reimagined over millennia, reflect that shared yet contested history, while Tel Aviv and Jaffa show how modern urban life and ancient roots sit side by side. Across cities and towns, you’ll find contemporary arts, spirited café culture, and a social rhythm that mixes weeknight buzz with a quieter weekend for many.

Religion shapes the calendar and the pace of life. The Jewish Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday, when families gather for a hearty meal—often with braided challah bread—and many businesses slow down. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, brings apples and honey to the table to symbolize hopes for a sweet year ahead. Muslim and Christian communities mark their own holidays and observances, and Jerusalem hosts sacred sites important to all three faiths. Shared foods—hummus, grilled meats, eggplant dishes, and strong, Turkish-style coffee—cut across communities, offering everyday common ground for conversations that can stretch long into the evening.

Ahmed
Ahmed is a business development consultant and cultural advisor originally from Dubai, UAE, with over 14 years of experience in Middle Eastern markets and international corporate expansions. Having worked for major multinational corporations and regional conglomerates across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Ahmed has extensive experience facilitating the relocation of international talent to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other key Middle Eastern markets.