Israel Africa | Business Guide | 2020

T he Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael) is the birthplace of the Jewish people. It is in Israel where a significant part of the nation’s history was enactedand its cultural, religious andnational identitywas formed; and there, its physical presence has been maintained through the centuries, even after the majority was exiled. Declaration of Independence: 14 th May 1948 State emblem: The Menorah – a candelabrum, and olive branches representing peace. Official languages: Hebrew, Arabic. Currency: The New Israeli Shekel (NIS), which is divided into 100 Agorot. Capital: Jerusalem. Governing system: Democratic - Parliamentary. Legislative branch: The Knesset is the Parliament of the State of Israel. It is located in Jerusalem and has 120 members. The present Knesset is the 23 and was elected on 02 March 2020 . Executive branch: Includes the Government and Government Ministries. The Judiciary: Includes the system of courts: the Supreme Court, the District Courts, Magistrates Courts, Courts for Local Affairs, Religious Courts, Traffic Courts, Labor Courts, Juvenile Courts, etc. President: The Knesset elects the President every seven years and his main duties are representational. The incumbent President, Mr. Reuven Rivlin, was sworn into office on 10 th June 2014 . The Prime Minister: The incumbent Prime Minister, Mr. Binyamin Netanyahu, has been in office since 31 st March 2009 . Local authorities: Municipalities, local councils and regional councils. These authorities have governmental and administrative powers in their areas of jurisdiction and are responsible for provision of services to their constituencies. All mayors are directly elected to serve a five-year term. Location: The State of Israel is located on the southwest tip of the Asian continent, on the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea. The State of Israel lies at a latitude between 29 ° and the 33 ° north of the Equator. Area of the country: 22 , 072 sq. km. (as of - 1967 including East Jerusalem and as of 1982 - including the Golan Heights). Land area: 21 , 643 sq. km. Area of lakes: 429 km. (Sea of Galilee - 164 sq. km., the Dead Sea - 265 sq. km.) Land border: Total length of border: 857 km. Coastline: Length of Mediterranean Sea Coast 194 km. Length of Red Sea Coast: About 12 km. Population: The population of Israel had reached more than 9 . 2 million people. The population of Israel comprises the following groups: Ethnic groups: Jews 74 . 2 % ● Arabs 20 . 9 % ● Others: 4 . 8 % 10 Largest Cities Population 1 Jerusalem 919 , 440 2 Tel Aviv-Yafo 451 , 500 3 Haifa 283 , 640 4 Rishon 251 , 7 5 Petah Tiqwa 244 , 275 6 Ashdod 224 , 6 7 Netanya 217 , 24 8 Beer Sheva 209 , 00 9 Bnei Brak 198 , 863 10 Holon 194 , 273 Flag: The colours blue and white were chosen according to the colours of the ‘Tallit’ – the Jewish prayer shawl. The Star of David has been a Jewish symbol for many centuries. Israel in numbers Facts about the State of Israel Israel Africa > Business Guide > 2020 20 > General Information > The State of Israel