ISRAEL
ISRAEL
HISTORY
OF ISRAEL
The State of Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948 after almost two millennia of Jewish dispersal and persecution around the Mediterranean. From the late 19th century the Zionist movement worked towards the goal of recreating a homeland for the Jewish people. Israeli independence has been marked by massive immigration of Jews, by conflict with the Palestinians and by wars with neighbouring Arab states. Since about 1970 the USA has been the principal ally of Israel. In 1979, an uneasy peace was established with Egypt and in 1994, with Jordan. About 42% of the world's Jews live in Israel today.
Modern Israel is roughly located on the site of ancient Jewish kingdoms which were the birthplace of Judaism andChristianity and contains sites sacred to all of the world's principal monotheistic religions. The Jews were mostly driven out of the country by the Romans over the course of centuries of conflict, although some Jews remained. In the Middle-Ages, the area formed the focal point of conflict between Christianity and Islam. The expulsion of the Jews from Spain led to an increased, though still small, Jewish presence. In modern times, persecution in Europe led to the creation of the Zionist movement, which was able to win international support and establish the world's only Jewish-majority state.
INFLITION
RATE
The
inflation rate in Israel was last reported at 2.7 percent in October
of 2011. From 1952 until 2010, the average inflation rate in Israel
was 33.14 percent reaching an historical high of 486.23 percent in
November of 1984 and a record low of -2.74 percent in March of 2004.
Inflation rate refers to a general rise in prices measured against a
standard level of purchasing power. The most well known measures of
Inflation are the CPI which measures consumer prices, and the GDP
deflator, which measures inflation in the whole of the domestic
economy. This page includes: Israel Inflation Rate chart, historical
data and news.
UNEMPLOYMENT
RATE
Unemployment
rate: 6.7% (2010 est.)
7.5% (2009 est.)
Definition: This entry contains the percent of the labor force that is without jobs. Substantial underemployment might be noted.
7.5% (2009 est.)
Definition: This entry contains the percent of the labor force that is without jobs. Substantial underemployment might be noted.
|
Year
|
Unemployment
rate
|
Percent
Change
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
1980
|
4.78
|
|
|||
|
1981
|
5.115
|
7.01
%
|
|||
|
1982
|
5.048
|
-1.31
%
|
|||
|
1983
|
4.562
|
-9.63
%
|
|||
|
1984
|
5.893
|
29.18
%
|
|||
|
1985
|
6.693
|
13.58
%
|
|||
|
1986
|
7.078
|
5.75
%
|
|||
|
1987
|
6.057
|
-14.42
%
|
|||
|
1988
|
6.428
|
6.13
%
|
|||
|
1989
|
8.881
|
38.16
%
|
|||
|
1990
|
9.567
|
7.72
%
|
|||
|
1991
|
10.585
|
10.64
%
|
|||
|
1992
|
11.155
|
5.38
%
|
|||
|
1993
|
10.015
|
-10.22
%
|
|||
|
1994
|
7.828
|
-21.84
%
|
|||
|
1995
|
6.863
|
-12.33
%
|
|||
|
1996
|
6.75
|
-1.65
%
|
|||
|
1997
|
7.675
|
13.70
%
|
|||
|
1998
|
8.575
|
11.73
%
|
|||
|
1999
|
8.9
|
3.79
%
|
|||
|
2000
|
8.75
|
-1.69
%
|
|||
|
2001
|
9.325
|
6.57
%
|
|||
|
2002
|
10.325
|
10.72
%
|
|||
|
2003
|
10.75
|
4.12
%
|
|||
|
2004
|
10.35
|
-3.72
%
|
|||
|
2005
|
8.975
|
-13.29
%
|
|||
|
2006
|
8.425
|
-6.13
%
|
|||
|
2007
|
7.325
|
-13.06
%
|
|||
|
2008
|
6.15
|
-16.04
%
|
|||
|
2009
|
7.575
|
23.17
%
|
|||
|
2010
|
6.65
|
-12.21
%
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MAIN
PRODUCT
-Israel’s
main products are guns and weponrAy
EXPORTED
AND IMPORTED ITEMS OF ISRAEL
Israel's
main exports continued to be farm products, such as olive oil, wine,
and grains Israel imported raw materials such as tin, lead, silver,
copper, iron, gold (1
Kgs 10.10-12),
and timber
ISRAEL
FOREIGN TRADE
Israel
is a relatively small country with limited natural resources and an
affluent, bourgeois citizenry; as such, it is highly dependent on
international trade, both to supply its industry with natural
resources, and to purchase its value-added products. In 2000,
foreign trade amounted to 27% of national income. Exports that year
totaled $31.4 billion, up 19% from the previous year. Imports,
meanwhile, also grew to $35.7 billion. The vast majority (66%) of
Israeli exports are manufactured goods and their primary
destinations are the US and the EU, which together buy 65% of
Israel's exports. Imports are primarily industrial resources
(63%)—other large sectors are capital goods (19%) and consumer
products (11%).
Cut
diamonds top the list of Israel's export commodities (25%),
reflecting 17.5% of the world's total diamond exports. Machinery and
equipment, including telecommunications equipment (13.6%) and other
electrical machinery (11.3%) are important exports.
ECOTOURISM
ISRAEL
|
National
Parks
|
 |
An
ornate synagogue and ancient therapeutic baths
The seventeen springs of the city of Hamat Tiberias emanate from a source tens of meters underground. In ancient times, the springs were thought to have therapeutic and restorative powers. |
 |
The
largest waterfall in Israel and the remains of an ancient
city
The Banias spring begins at the foot of Mount Hermon and its water rushes with great force through a canyon-like channel, losing 190 meters in altitude over the course of three and a half kilometers and forming the Banias waterfall, one of the most beautiful in Israel. |
 |
A
vulture's nest and a breathtaking view
The Nimrod Fortress National Park grace the slopes of Israel's highest mountain, Mount Hermon, above the Banias spring. The fortress overlooks the forested dales and magnificent landscape of the area. |
 |
A
Jewish city in a basalt landscape overlooking the Sea of
GalileeThe city of Corazim was first mentioned during the
Second Temple period, when it was famous for the high-quality
wheat grown by its residents. Corazim flourished during the
mishnaic and talmudic periods.
|
TOURIST
SPOTS IN ISRAEL
Masada
Masada is a historic place in the country’s South District where troops who do not want to surrender during the First Jewish-Roman War committed mass suicide. At the site, visitors can find Roman-style bathhouses, storehouses and Roman soldiers barracks. Aside from these, guests can also see a museum that features archaeological findings from the site when it was excavated.Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
The zoo is found at Malha in Jerusalem. The place is popular for featuring animals that are featured in the Hebrew Bible. The zoo plays home to the Golden Lion Tamarin, macaw and cockatoo species. In addition, people can also find ibis, Asian elephant and Persian fallow deer at the siteCaesarea
A town found at the District of Haifa in Caesarea Maritima, Caesarea features several historic sites. One of the most popular sites at the town is the Caesarea port remains. The town has a business park where tourists can shop and eat. Moreover, travelers can enjoy playing golf at the Caesarea Golf and Country Club.Zoological Center of Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan
Also known as the Ramat Gan Safari, the Zoological Center of Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan covers a total area of 250 acres in Ramat Gan. Some of the species housed at the center are the Asian and African elephants, orangutan, gorilla and lions. The total number of animals at the site is approximately 1,600.
Masada is a historic place in the country’s South District where troops who do not want to surrender during the First Jewish-Roman War committed mass suicide. At the site, visitors can find Roman-style bathhouses, storehouses and Roman soldiers barracks. Aside from these, guests can also see a museum that features archaeological findings from the site when it was excavated.Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
The zoo is found at Malha in Jerusalem. The place is popular for featuring animals that are featured in the Hebrew Bible. The zoo plays home to the Golden Lion Tamarin, macaw and cockatoo species. In addition, people can also find ibis, Asian elephant and Persian fallow deer at the siteCaesarea
A town found at the District of Haifa in Caesarea Maritima, Caesarea features several historic sites. One of the most popular sites at the town is the Caesarea port remains. The town has a business park where tourists can shop and eat. Moreover, travelers can enjoy playing golf at the Caesarea Golf and Country Club.Zoological Center of Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan
Also known as the Ramat Gan Safari, the Zoological Center of Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan covers a total area of 250 acres in Ramat Gan. Some of the species housed at the center are the Asian and African elephants, orangutan, gorilla and lions. The total number of animals at the site is approximately 1,600.
Israel’s foreign debt falls 53% to record low
Israel’s
net balance of external liabilities totaled $14 billion at the end
of 2006, 53% less than at end of 2005, and the lowest ever figure as
a proportion of GDP, the Bank
of Israel reports.
Israel's
net external surplus (debt instruments) rose by of $10 billion
during 2006 to reach a record $31.5 billion at the end of 2006. The
short-term asset (debt-instrument) surplus rose by $8.3 billion to
$47 billion at the end the year.
LAND AREA OF ISRAEL IN TERMS OF SQUARE MILES
Area:
8,367 sq mi (21,671 sq km).
TOTAL
POPULATION IN ISRAEL
YEARS NUMBER
OF POPULATION
1960 2.144
Million
1965 2.563
Million
1970 2.974
Million
1975 3.455
Million
1980 3.878
Million
1985 4.233
Million
1990 4.66
Million
1995 5.545
Million
2000 6.289
Million
2005 6.93
Million
2010 7.625
Million
TYPE
ECONOMIC SYSTEM
-a
technologically advanced market economy.
Israel operates
on a mixed economy with substantial state ownership.
A
"mixed" economy is a mix between socialism and capitalism.
It is a hodgepodge of freedoms and regulations, constantly changing
because of the lack of principles involved. A mixed-economy is a
sign of intellectual chaos. It is the attempt to gain the advantages
of freedom without government having to give up its power.
They
have signed free trade agreements with EU, US, Turkey, Mexico,
Jordon, Canada and Egypt. They have a large diamond industry and
apparently they are the world leaders in software development. This
is all I know about their economy, If you want more information
refer to Wikipedia
ECONOMIC POLICIES
The
committee recommends setting the two following goals for the years
2008-2010; this time period reflects a commitment to deal with the
fundamental long-term problems, as well as determination to do so in
a vigorous manner in the short-term as well:
1. The employment goal: increasing the employment rate between the ages of 25-64 by 71.7% by 2010, as opposed to the current rate of 69.1%. In other words, an average annual increase of approximately 0.9% in the employment rate between 2008 and 2010. The significance of meeting the goal is equalizing the employment rate in Israel to the current average employment rate in OECD countries.
2. The goal to reduce poverty: income for the lowest socio-economical quintile will increase by 10% (1.1 times more) of the per capita growth rate. Thus, the weaker sectors will enjoy a significant portion of the fruits of growth. To achieve this goal, and in conjunction with the employment goal, the portion of income from employment out of the total income will increase from 43% to 45%. The significance of meeting this goal is a gross monthly addendum of NIS 495, i.e., a net annual addendum of NIS 5,500 to income for the average household in the first five years.
1. The employment goal: increasing the employment rate between the ages of 25-64 by 71.7% by 2010, as opposed to the current rate of 69.1%. In other words, an average annual increase of approximately 0.9% in the employment rate between 2008 and 2010. The significance of meeting the goal is equalizing the employment rate in Israel to the current average employment rate in OECD countries.
2. The goal to reduce poverty: income for the lowest socio-economical quintile will increase by 10% (1.1 times more) of the per capita growth rate. Thus, the weaker sectors will enjoy a significant portion of the fruits of growth. To achieve this goal, and in conjunction with the employment goal, the portion of income from employment out of the total income will increase from 43% to 45%. The significance of meeting this goal is a gross monthly addendum of NIS 495, i.e., a net annual addendum of NIS 5,500 to income for the average household in the first five years.
