Flag of Israel

Israel is a state in western Asia (Near East) bordering the Mediterranean Sea and bordering on Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian territories.

With an area of 20,330 km2, it has a population of 7.59 million (2012). These figures refer to the internationally recognized territory within its pre-1967 borders. In fact, the Israeli state controls a larger territory, which includes the Golan Heights in Syria, and parts of the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), where settlements are located.