Israel India | Business Guide | 2017

Israel-India > Business Guide > 2017 108 > More Information > The State of Israel Declarationof Independence: 14th May 1948 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. State emblem: The Menorah – a candelabrium 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 20th and was elected on 17 March 2015. 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, Labour Courts, Juvenile Courts, etc. Israel in numbers Facts about the State of Israel 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 enacted and its cultural, religious and national identity was formed; and there, its physical presence has been maintained through the centuries, even after the majority was exiled. President : The President is elected by the Knesset every seven years and his main duties are representational. The incumbent President, Mr. Reuven Rivlin, was sworn into office on 10th June 2014. The Prime Minister: The incumbent PrimeMinister,Mr. Binyamin Netanyahu, has been in office since 31st 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: in 2016, the population of Israel had reached 8.6 million. The population of Israel comprises the following ethnic groups: Jews 75% Arabs 20.7% Others: 4.3% Largest Cities (2016): Population 1 Jerusalem 865,720 2 Tel Aviv-Yafo 432,890 3 Haifa 278,900 4 Rishon LeZiyyon 243,970 5 Petah Tiqwa 230,980 6 Ashdod 220,170 7 Netanya 207,950 8 Be’er Sheva 203,600 9 Holon 188,830 10 Bene Beraq 182,800 The Knesset - Israel's Parliament View of Tel Aviv The Symbol of the State of Israel photo by: © Yehuda Bernstein Jerusalem wall photo by: © Beny Shlevich, Wikimedia Commons photo by: ©Wrangel photo by: © Eldadcarinm photos: Dreamstime.com