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Israel

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description Israel Overview

Israel is a country on the eastern Mediterranean coast, established in 1948, with Hebrew as its main official language and Arabic holding special status; Tel Aviv is the principal commercial centre, while Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, a status not widely recognized internationally. It contains sites central to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Al-Aqsa compound. The terrain ranges from the Mediterranean coastline to the Negev desert and the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest land elevation on Earth.

help Israel FAQ

What is the capital of Israel — Jerusalem or Tel Aviv?

Israel declares Jerusalem as its capital and houses the Knesset there, but this status is not widely recognised internationally. Most foreign embassies remain in Tel Aviv, the country's principal commercial centre, although the United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018.

What currency is used in Israel?

Israel uses the new Israeli shekel (ILS), often shown with the ₪ symbol. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but small markets and buses often expect shekels in cash.

When is the best time of year to visit Israel?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer comfortable temperatures for walking Jerusalem's Old City and hiking. Summers are hot, especially in desert areas and around the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley, while winters are mild but rainy in the north.

How low is the Dead Sea, and can you really float in it?

The Dead Sea shore sits roughly 430 metres below sea level, the lowest land elevation on Earth. Its water is close to ten times as salty as the ocean, so swimmers bob on the surface with almost no effort — though the lake continues to shrink as its water level drops.