Israel, in Hebrew Medinat Israel, a republic of south - western Asia. It is bounded on the north by Lebanon and Syria; on the east by Syria and Jordan; on the south by the Gulf of Aqaba ( Gulf of Eilat); on the southwest by the United Arab Republic ( Egypt) and the Gaza Strip; and on the west by the Mediterranean Sea.

Country name: Israel ( Yisra'el ) or State of Israel ( Medinat Yisra'el )

Area: Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics cites 22,072 sq km (8,522 sq miles), including Jerusalem and Golan

Monetary unit: 1 new Israeli shekel (NIS) = 100 new agorot

Capital: Jerusalem

Population: 7.2 million (UN, 2009)

Life expectancy: 79 years (men), 83 years (women) (UN)

Nationality: Israeli

Ethnic groups: Jewish - Israel-born 67.1%, Europe/America - born 22.6%, Africa - born 5.9%, Asia - born 4.2%, non-Jewish 23.6% (mostly Arab)

Religions: Jewish, Muslim, Arab Christians, Druze

Languages: Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language

Administrative divisions: 6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa, Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv

Main exports: Computer software, military equipment, chemicals, agricultural products

GNI per capita (Israel only): US $24,700 (World Bank, 2008)

Internet domain: .il

International dialling code: +972

The cell phone was developed in Israel by Israelis working in the Israeli branch of Motorola, which has its largest development center in Israel.

Most of the Windows NT and XP operating systems were developed by Microsoft-Israel.

The Pentium MMX Chip technology was designed in Israel at Intel.

Both the Pentium-4 microprocessor and the Centrino processor were entirely designed, developed and produced in Israel.

Voice mail technology was developed in Israel.

Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside the US in Israel.

The technology for the AOL Instant Messenger ICQ was developed in 1996 by four young Israelis.

Israel has the fourth largest air force in the world (after the U.S, Russia and China).

In addition to a large variety of other aircraft, Israel's air force has an aerial arsenal of over 250 F-16's. This is the largest fleet of F-16 aircraft outside of the U.S.

Israel's $100 billion economy is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined.

Israel has the highest percentage in the world of home computers per capita.

Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to the population in the world.

Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin - 109 per 10,000 people - as well as one of the highest per capita rates of patents filed.

The best way to see the Old City of Jerusalem is by walking the narrow, ancient alleyways that twist and turns like a maze. Parts of the Old City like the Shouk (market) where the hustle and bustle crushes around you amid the presence of the past is pedestrianised. Jerusalem - [ Through the ages it has been called by many names: Urusalim, Salem, Mount Moriah, Adonai Urah, Jebus, Jerusalem, Zion, the City of David, Ariel (Lion of God) God has declared that this is the place He will establish His Name and will dwell there forever. Jerusalem is a religious center sacred to all three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.] Read more

The Dead Sea (Sea of Salt) is a salt lake between the West Bank and Israel to the west, and Jordan to the east, said to be the lowest point on Earth (420 meters below sea level). The sea is called "dead" because its high salinity means no macroscopic aquatic organisms such as fish or water plants can live in it.

The Dead Sea attracts many visitors for thousands of years due to its extremely salty water, which has 30 percent salinity.

The Dead Sea’s climate and its unique conditions created by its low elevation have made it a popular center for several types of therapies, such as sun radiation treatment, treatment that exploits black mud of the Dead Sea, bathing treatment and others.

The hotels located in the area are Prima Oasis, Hod Hamidbar, Le Meridien, Caesar Premier, just a short distance from ancient biblical and historical sites. Some Dead Sea hotels, like Sheraton Moriah, stretch alongside a private beach; luxurious sites, overlooking the Dead Sea, provide a wonderful resort.

Historical sites present in the area include fortresses and palaces build by King Herod (the stronghold of Massada), Greek monasteries, Qumran caves.

The Dead Sea is known as one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world.

Tel Aviv was founded on empty dunes north of the existing city of Jaffa.

The Tel-Aviv Port, which is now celebrating its 70th year is located at the meeting point between the Yarkon River and the sea- creating a beautiful view of the river flowing into the sea.

You can take advantage of the cool morning weather at the Yarkon Park. Reminiscent of a miniature version of New York’s Central Park, you will find vast stretches of green lawns and gardens, an artificial lake with rental boats, bicycle paths, and an amphitheater for shows and concerts. Children can enjoy a train ride around the park and the playgrounds, featuring large wooden climbing frames.

The park also features the Zapari Bird Park and the Meimadion Water Park. Read more

The Holocaust began with Hitler's rise to power in January of 1933 and ended on VE Day (May 8, 1945). During this time, more than 6 million Jews and millions of other groups that caught the negative attention of Nazi Germany. While all the murders were devastating to native populations, none were so devastating than that of the Jews. During this period, 5,000 Jewish communities were wiped out and the total that died represented 1/3 of all Jewish people alive at that time.

Due to a series of events, Hitler assumed dictatorial powers in March 23, 1933 when the Enabling Act was passed.

With total power available to him, he quickly developed a sophisticated police and military force and used them to squelch anyone who criticized his authority. Read more