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Parliamentary Democracy President Knesset 12 Standing Committees Elections Government
Parliamentary Democracy President Knesset 12 Standing Committees Elections Government
Population: 8,412,000
Capital: Jerusalem
Languages: Hebrew, Arabic
Currency: New Israeli Shekel
President: Reuven Rivlin
Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel Flag: The flag of the State of Israel is based on the design of the Jewish prayer
shawl (tallit), with a blue Shield of David (Magen David).
National Emblem: The official emblem of the State of Israel is a candelabrum
(menorah). The olive branches on either side represent Israel's yearning for peace.
Location: Israel is located in the Middle East, along the eastern coastline of the
Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. It lies at the junction
of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa.
System of Government: Israel is a parliamentary democracy with legislative, executive
and judicial branches. The head of the state is the president, whose duties are mostly
ceremonial and formal; the office symbolizes the unity and sovereignty of the state.
The Knesset, Israel's legislative authority, is a 120-member unicameral parliament which
operates in plenary session and through 12 standing committees. Its members are
elected every four years in universal nationwide elections. The government (cabinet of
ministers) is charged with administering internal and foreign affairs. It is headed by a
prime minister and is collectively responsible to the Knesset.
Industry: Israel's industry concentrates on manufacturing products with a high added
value that are primarily based on technological innovation. These include medical
electronics, agrotechnology, telecommunications, computer hardware and software,
solar energy, food processing and fine chemicals.
Foreign Trade: Trade is conducted with countries on six continents. Some 48% of
imports and 32% of exports are with Europe, boosted by Israel's free trade agreement
with the EU (concluded in 1975). A similar agreement was signed with the United States
(1985), whose trade with Israel accounts for 12% of Israel's imports and 35% of its
exports.
The State of Israel, a member of the United Nations since 1949, maintains relations with
the majority of the world's countries. With memories of centuries of persecution, the
shattering experience of the Holocaust, and the decadeslong Arab-Israeli conflict,
Israels foreign policy has been geared to advance peace in the region while ensuring
the countrys security and promoting cooperation with all nations.
commodities worth more than one billion dollars. Israel is also cooperating with Jordan
in two agricultural projects and in public health.