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 and Christianity 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
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
MasadaMasada 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 site
Caesarea
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.
