Israel Fast Facts
Here is a look at Israel, which declared independence in 1948. It borders the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt, the Red Sea, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon in the Middle East. Since its founding, Israel has experienced conflict with its neighbors, mainly Arab and Muslim countries, and Palestinians living in Israeli-occupied territories.
About Israel
Population: 8,787,045 (July 2021 est., includes Golan Heights and East Jerusalem)
Median age: 30.4
Ethnic Groups: Jewish 74.4%, Arab 20.9%, other 4.7% (2018 est.)
Religion: Jewish 74.3%, Muslim 17.8%, Christian 1.9%, Druze 1.6%, other 4.4% (2018 est.)
Unemployment: 3.81% (2019 est.)
Israel is a parliamentary democracy comprised of legislative, executive and judicial branches.
Timeline
November 2, 1917 – The British government expresses support for the establishment of a permanent Jewish state in Palestine with a letter called the Balfour Declaration.