101 Facts you didn't already know about Israel

1

Israel has the most museums per capita than any country in the world. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a history buff, Israel has a museum for you. We recommend: the famous Tel Aviv Museum of Art or the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem.

 2

Israel is home to the lowest point on Earth! The Dead Sea is located 1,315 feet below sea level and is also one of the saltiest bodies of water. But don’t worry, with its 33% salt content you won’t sink. So grab a bathing suit and some sunscreen and lather yourself with the Sea’s mineral-filled mud and float away.

3

Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to its population in the world. Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University are two of the teensy country’s most famous universities.

4

The Weizmann Institute of Science has been voted the best university in the world for life scientists to conduct research by The Scientist magazine.

5

Israel has the leading number of scientists and technicians in the workforce, with 145 per 10,000 people. Over 25% of the country’s work force is employed in technical professions.

6

Most of Windows NT’s operating systems were developed by Microsoft-Israel. ‘Silicon Wadi’, Israel’s own version of Silicon Valley serves as a major contributor to the world of technology.

7

Israel’s engineers at Motorola Israel R & D Center developed the original cell phone technology. You can thank these brilliant Israelis for saying goodbye to landlines and for your sleek antenna-less, touch-screen smartphone that you can actually fit in your pocket.

8

Israeli company Mirabilis is credited with developing the software for the original instant messaging programs in 1996. Remember ICQ?

9

Israel was the only country in the world to actually have a net gain in its number of trees in the 21st Century. No, it’s not just desert! Spread the greenery throughout the country and plant a tree yourself through the JNF foundation. (jnf.org/support/tree-planting-center)

10

Israel has the world’s second highest per capita offering of new books. To celebrate Hebrew literature visit Israel’s annual Hebrew book week.

11

Israel is the only country in the world that uses kosher glue for its postage stamps. So if you’re keeping kosher, lick away!

12

More than 85% of solid waste in Israel is treated in an environmentally sound manner making it one of the most environmentally clean countries in the world.

13

The ancient land of Israel has thousands upon thousands of archaeological sites, 2,000 being in Jerusalem alone!

14

Dan Schectman was the 10th Israeli to win a Nobel Prize, (for Chemistry in 2011). In 2005, ‪Prof. Robert Aumann, an economist, was the fourth Israeli in four years to win a Nobel Prize.

 15

Life’s a Beach
Israel was honored by National Geographic this year naming Tel Aviv the 9th best beach city in the world…(not to mention 318 days of sunshine out of the year!)

16

The stats don't lie – Over 50 million Israeli flowers were sent to Europe for sale on Valentine’s Day. Next time you want to send your significant other flowers for love day, think of Israel.

17

Israel is about the size of New Jersey and a solid 6 hour drive from top to bottom. From the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the Dead Sea in the east, the width of Israel can be crossed by car in about 90 minutes.

18 

Israel’s varied topographical features encompasses that of an entire continent…from its desert, to mediterranean and sub-tropics, to mountain ranges.

19

Relative to its population, Israel is the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on Earth.

20

An Israeli company developed the world’s first jellyfish repellent. If you’ve ever been to the beach in June, you’ll know it’s much needed when the season hits!

21

To cater to Israel’s ultra-orthodox population, Nordau Beach offers a secluded beach that has separated days for men and women. The beach is sectioned off with a wall for the more conservative beach goer. It is open for women on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, while men rule the roost on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

22

Israel’s southern tip, in the city of Eilat is Duty-Free and declared a Free Trade Zone. All purchases are free of the 18% VAT so after snorkeling, tanning, and banana boating, be sure to get some shopping in. Use that 18% of extra cash on some drinks instead.

23

Israel has the leading number of scientists and technicians in the workforce, with 145 per 10,000 people. Over 25% of the country’s work force is employed in technical professions.

24

The world’s oldest copper mine is located in Israel’s desert just north of Eilat. (It is attributed to King Solomon!) Be sure to learn more about the area and its history.

25

50% of Israel’s irrigated water comes from recycled wastewater. The only country to come close is Spain at only 20% of water reuse.

26

Israel has the highest percentage of home computers per capita in the world so don’t worry about missing your friends’ latest tweets.

27

Israel is the only country in the world with a mandatory military service requirement for women.

28

One of the two official languages of Israel, Hebrew is the only language to be revived into a national language in all of world history. Hebrew had previously been a dead language not spoken for centuries.

29

Israel has more orchestras per capita than any other nation in the world. They say listening to classical music raises your IQ, which would explain a lot. Buy tickets to Israel’s famed Philharmonic Orchestra in Tel Aviv.

30

Holy Gardens- One of the holiest sites of the Bahai faith is located in Israel. The impeccable Bahai Gardens are comprised of a staircase of 19 terraces climbing up Mount Carmel.

31

Israel has the largest amount of start-ups per capita and is third in the world for venture capital availability.

32

Israelis, per capita, are the world’s biggest consumers of fruits and vegetables. It’s no surprise then that Israeli children don’t need reminding to eat their vegetables!

33
Israel is home to the oldest, continually used cemetery in the world. Tours of The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem run daily for those interested in visiting the historical site.

34
The largest Holocaust museum and memorial in the world can be found in Israel. Admission to the Yad Vashem site in Jerusalem is free.

35
60% of Israel’s total landmass is made up of the Negev desert.

36
Safed is considered one of Israel’s four holiest cities, together with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias.

37
At least 500 million birds of 200 different species fly across Israel each spring and autumn. The birds cross the country en route to and from Africa, Europe and Asia. Prime birdwatching spots are the Eilat region, Dead Sea area, Bet Shean Valley and the Hula Valley.

38
Israel’s famous Sea of Galilee is actually a lake. It’s had a variety of names since biblical times, but in Israel it’s called Lake Kinneret and it holds several distinctions: the largest freshwater reservoir in Israel, the only freshwater lake in Israel and the lowest freshwater lake in the world.

39
The second-largest bath complex in the entire Roman Empire was built in Israel. Spa-lovers can chill out in the 2,000 year old complex in Hamat Gader.

40
Israel won the top prize in an American Airlines international contest of gay-friendly places to visit. Tel Aviv was crowned the world’s Best Gay City – as visitors to the city’s annual spectacular Pride parade will attest.

41
Israel is home to the only Makhtesh in the world. Makhtesh Ramon is often mistaken for a crater but it is in fact the result of ancient formations of soft sandstone being covered by harder limestone and dolomite and then the whole area being uplifted by tectonic forces.

42
Israel has 137 official beaches. Most have nicknames based on the specific ‘types’ who grace their sands for about seven months out of the year. Israel is no doubt a haven for lovers of sun, sea and matkot!

43
There are 35 commercial wineries in Israel, and over 250 boutique wineries, producing anything from 600 to 13 million bottles a year. We recommend traveling north to take a tour of the Carmel Wineries.

44
THE STATS DON’T LIE- On a hot day, nothing is more refreshing than cold ice cream. Israelis agree! The average Israeli eats about 10 liters of ice cream per year, compared to 6.2 liters per capita in Italy, home of gelato.

45
Braille Bills- Israeli bank notes have braille on them so the blind can accurately  identify the amount. Visit Holon Children’s Museum to experience living in the dark through their inspiring exhibits.

46
Traveler’s Digest ranked Tel Aviv No. 10 on its 2012 list of Cities with the Best Looking Men and No. 7 on its companion list of Cities with the Best Looking Women.

47
Israeli palm trees produce over 10 times as many dates as an average palm tree (that’s 182kg a year!) The naturally-sweet tasting treats are exported all over the world.

48
Israel is home to one of the wackiest flavors of ice cream you’ll ever taste. Predictably

49
Voicemail technology was invented in Israel. Something to think about next time you leave your message after the beep!

50
Nine Israelis have won the Nobel Prize for achievements in Peace (3), Chemistry (3), Economics (2), and Literature (1).

51
Israel has won the Eurovision Song Contest on three occasions in 1978, 1979 and 1998. Israel has also never finished last.

52
Israel won a gold medal in this year’s 2012 Paralympic Games. Noam Gershony grabbed the headlines after beating David Wagner of the United States in straights in wheelchair tennis.

53
The design of the Israeli flag is based on a Tallit, the Jewish prayer shawl which men wear in synagogue.

54
The world’s only theatre company comprised entirely of deaf and blind actors can be found in Israel. The organization Nalaga’at is located in Jaffa, where prior to the performance, visitors can try their hand at eating completely in the dark, while being served by blind individuals.

55
Israeli Jaffa oranges have become so well known for their delicious juiciness that international shops have sought permission to use the name on produce not grown in their region during out-of-season periods.

56
Rummikub was invented in Israel. The man behind the much-loved game was Ephraim Hertzano, a Romanian Jew who immigrated to pre-state Israel in the 1930s. The game took off and became Israel’s number one export game. In 1977, it was the best-selling game in Israel.

57
Israel is home to an underwater restaurant. Enjoy a Middle Eastern meal with a difference at The Red Sea Star.

58
All McDonalds in Israel sell 100% kosher beef. *Although not all McDonalds in Israel are kosher.

59
The Israeli Diamond Industry is one of the most important and largest diamond centers worldwide. You can visit the diamond industry in Tel Aviv.

60
Life expectancy in Israel is among the highest in the world, at 81.6 years

61
When Golda Meir was elected Prime Minister of Israel in 1969, she was the world’s second elected female leader in modern times.

62
Israel’s ancient Herodian port city is still preserved and open to tourists in the town of Caesarea.

63
Israel is home to the only underwater museum in the world. In Caesarea, you’re able to dive through the underwater ruins of the ancient city.

64
Bauhaus Bliss- Israel is home to four world heritage sites declared by UNESCO: Jerusalem’s Old City walls; Masada; Akko’s Old City and Tel Aviv’s “White City

65
THE STATS DON’T LIE- Israel has the largest fleet of aircraft outside of the U.S and one of the most highly regarded air forces in the world.

66
Israel’s best repelling spot is located in the Keshet Cave in the Galilee. Adventurers can repel down the cave’s arch to its floor.

67
The Israeli opera event of the year is Opera at Masada, which is an annual 4-day opera festival where musicians perform under the stars

68
Israel’s most popular music export is electronic dance act Infected Mushroom, having sold over 250,000 albums world wide.

69
Israel’s Hebrew University of Jerusalem was ranked the 22nd best university in the world this year by the Center for World University Rankings.

70
Israel is the only country where the popular Starbucks coffee chain failed, as most locals enjoy their coffee from Israeli cafes like Aroma or Cafe Cafe.

71
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the holiest sites for Christians in Israel. Located in Jerusalem, this is where Jesus died and resurrected. Visitors can walk down the infamous Via Dolorosa, where Jesus took his final walk as well.

72
Israel is home to a Biblical Zoo, which features wildlife from the Hebrew Bible.

73
North of the Negev desert is Israel’s tallest mountain, Mt. Hermon. During the winter months, visitors can ski or snowboard down the snow peaked mountain.

74
On Yom Kippur, one of the most holy days for Jews, Israel shuts down. Traffic is nonexistent and by law, all stores must be closed. Radio and TV is also suspended.

75
Israel’s favorite beach snack for summer days is watermelon cut triangles with salty feta-like Bulgarian cheese sprinkled on top.

76
The Israeli series, Hatufim, translated to ‘Prisoners of War’, was the inspiration for the Emmy-winning TV thriller, Homeland.

77
Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation: 109 per 10,000 people.

78
Israel houses the manuscripts of the influential German writer, Franz Kafka. After a four-year battle, the manuscripts are now in the National Library in Jerusalem.

79
Israeli music producer, Shachar Lavi won first prize at the Grant’s True Tales 24 Hour Storytelling Marathon hosted by the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

80
Israel’s desert region, the Negev was just rated as the second best region in the world to visit in 2013 by Lonely Planet.

81
Be There, or be Square- Israel’s famed landmark, Zina Dizengoff Square is named for the wife of Tel Aviv’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff. Its 1930s design was called “the Étoile of Tel Aviv”.

82
THE STATS DON’T LIE- Israel’s dairy cows are the most productive dairy cows in the world. They average 25,432 pounds of milk per cow per year, compared to just 18,747 pounds from American cows; or 13,778 from European Union cows.

83
Israel is home to Better Place, which develops and sells battery-charging and battery-switching services for electric vehicles.

84
Israel has the third highest rate of entrepreneurship – and the highest rate among women and among people over 55 – in the world.

85
Outside the United States and Canada, Israel has the largest number of NASDAQ listed companies.

86
Israel is the only democratic country in the Middle East so you can actually use the saying, “Hey it’s a free country.”

87
About 20 % of Israelis adhere to the 600 rules of Orthodox Judaism concerning daily life.

88
1.8 percent of Israel’s population lives in 268 kibbutzim.

89
Israel has over 150 nature reserves and 65 national parks, encompassing nearly 400 square miles (almost 1,000 sq. km.) established throughout the country.

90
Israel’s national soccer team is in qualifying rounds to compete in the FIFA World Cup for 2014. The last time the team made it to the competition was in 1970.

91
Median marriage age is 27.3 for men and 24.4 for women. (That’s for first marriages).

92
In 2010, 2.4 million Israelis travelled abroad (some of them departed more than once, so that the total number of departures was 4.3 million

93
More woman than men earn science degrees in Israel. If you’re a budding Marie Curie, it’s the place to be!

94
The humble and juicy cherry tomato was cultivated in Israel.

95
Israeli basketball team, Maccabi Tel Aviv has won the Euroleague championship five times.

96
In 1952, Albert Einstein was offered the position of President of Israel. The famous scientist turned down the position.

97
The popular lady’s hair remover tool, the epilator, was invented in Israel, on Kibbutz HaGoshrim

98
as well as one of the highest per-capita rates of patents filed.

99
Israel is entirely able to generate electricity independently, channelling electricity from solar panels directly into homes.

100
The biblical Dead Sea Scrolls are located in Israel’s Jerusalem Museum. The manuscripts are known as the original version of the Hebrew Bible

101
Israel is the 100th smallest country in the world, just ahead of El Salvador.