Israel

Israel is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. This profile lays out the stable classification facts that anchor Israel in international data systems, then gives you a method for verifying the volatile figures (population, currency, government, economy, travel rules) without freezing them. It distinguishes statistical coding from political or territorial claims, and directs you to the named sources for anything that changes.

Classification facts

The United Nations Statistical Commission assigns stable codes for data exchange. These are classification facts, not political positions:

• UN M49 code: 376
• ISO alpha-2: IL
• ISO alpha-3: ISR
• UN region: Asia
• UN subregion: Western Asia
• UN member state: Yes (admitted 11 May 1949)

The authoritative reference for this coding is the UN M49 overview at https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/overview/. The M49 standard is a statistical geography: it groups countries for data collection, not for political recognition or border definition. A country’s M49 code is stable, but its status in UN bodies, regional groupings, and statistical programs can differ from its M49 region.

Capital and official status

Israel’s capital is Jerusalem, as stated in its Basic Law: Jerusalem, Capital of Israel (1950). International recognition of Jerusalem as the capital is not universal, and the status of the city is disputed. Many countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv. For current diplomatic positions, consult the United Nations member state pages and individual foreign ministry statements. This profile makes no territorial claim; it reports the official position of the State of Israel and notes that other governments and international bodies take different positions.

How to verify current data

No single database is the single source of truth for every statistic about Israel. Different agencies use different definitions, collection dates, and methodologies. The figures below are intentionally not frozen; instead, this section shows you where to find the current numbers and what to check before citing them. Treat every number you see here as a snapshot with a source and a reference year, not as a permanent fact.

Population and demographic data

Population figures change between censuses and are produced by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). The UN Population Division also publishes annual estimates, and the World Bank provides a harmonized series. The three sources rarely match exactly because they use different reference dates, coverage, and methodology. When you compare countries, do not mix the UN’s estimate for one country with the World Bank’s estimate for another; use one source for all countries in a comparison.

For a current total, consult the United Nations World Population Prospects, which is updated every two years (the 2024 revision is the latest as of 2025). The World Bank’s total for Israel is available through its API. The World Bank country page also provides a data catalog and metadata for each indicator. The World Bank API endpoint https://api.worldbank.org/v2/country/IL?format=json returns country metadata, but population values are available through the indicator endpoint (SP.POP.TOTL). The CIA World Factbook publishes its own estimate with a different reference date. When comparing figures, note that the UN’s annual estimates are projections based on the most recent census, not a live count. The Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics publishes the official national estimates; those figures may differ from UN estimates because of differing definitions of the resident community and territorial coverage. Always state the source and year when you quote a number.

Official languages

Hebrew is the primary official language. Arabic has a special status under Israeli law. English is widely used in public signage, business, and higher education, but is not an official language. Language statistics change with migration patterns; the most recent census and labor force surveys from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) are the reference for current speaker numbers. For a cross-country view of language data, see the UNESCO education and language statistics. Many public signs, government documents, and services also use English and Russian. For current language policy, cite the Israeli authorities or the CIA World Factbook, which publishes a languages field with percentages and notes.

Currency

The currency is the Israeli new shekel (ILS), symbol ₪. Exchange rates fluctuate daily. For current rates, use a named source such as the Bank of Israel or a major financial data provider; do not rely on a static figure. For comparing costs across countries, use GDP per capita (PPP), which adjusts for local price levels, rather than nominal exchange rates.

Government type

Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a president (ceremonial head of state) and a prime minister (head of government). The Knesset is the unicameral legislature. For an authoritative, current description of the government structure, use the CIA World Factbook entry for Israel and the official website of the Knesset. For the current government composition, coalition status, and election results, consult the official Knesset website and the Israeli government portal. Political and territorial claims, including the status of Jerusalem and the occupied territories, are disputed; attribute any statement to the relevant government or UN resolution rather than presenting it as settled fact.

Economy

For GDP, income grouping, and poverty measures, use the World Bank country profile and specify the indicator and year. The World Bank classifies Israel as a high-income economy; confirm the current classification year and figures directly. The Bank of Israel publishes monetary data; the Central Bureau of Statistics publishes national accounts. Use World Bank or IMF for cross-country comparability, and note whether figures are nominal or PPP-adjusted. For composite development data, check the UNDP Human Development Report; for health metrics, WHO; for education, UNESCO. Each agency updates at different times, so state the reference year for every number.

People, language and culture

Israel’s society is a mix of Jewish and Arab citizens and other minorities. Hebrew is the majority language; Arabic has a special status. English is widely used in business and government-facing contexts. Official statistics come from the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Language data, religious affiliation, and ethnicity are collected differently across sources, so attribute any figure to its survey year and methodology.

Travel and entry information

Do not rely on third-party summaries. Check your own government’s travel advisory and the IATA Travel Centre for current visa and entry rules. Entry rules change frequently and depend on nationality, purpose of visit, and bilateral agreements. No page on this site is a substitute for official border information.

Country comparison

If you want to compare Israel with other countries on population, GDP, inequality, or health metrics, use the country comparison tool. It uses the same data sources described here, so figures are consistent and traceable.

Source literacy

For a broader guide to reading official statistics, see the Source Literacy guide. It explains why official figures can differ from independent estimates and how to check which number is right for your question.