Israel lies at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Egypt on the west, Syria and Jordan on the east, and Lebanon on the north. Its maritime plain is extremely fertile. The southern Negev region, which comprises almost half the total area, is largely a desert. The Jordan, the only important river, flows from the north through Lake Hule (Waters of Merom) and Lake Kinneret (also called Sea of Galilee or Sea of Tiberias), finally entering the Dead Sea, 1,349 ft (411 m) below sea level—the world's lowest land elevation.
Climate and Weather
Israel is located, between 29°-33° north of the equator, which is characterized as a subtropical region, between the temperate zone and the tropical zone. The northern and coastal regions of Israel show Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers and cool rainy winters. Whereas the southern and eastern areas of Israel are characterized by an arid climate.
The rainy season extends from October to early May, and rainfall peaks in December through February. Rainfall varies considerably by regions from the North to the South. Highest rainfall is observed in the North and center parts of the country and decreases in the southern part of Israel, from the Negev Desert to Eilat where rainfall is negligible.
Heavy snow falls only in the northernmost part of Golan Heights where the Mount Hermon summit (2,224 m above sea level) remains generally snow covered from December to March. In other parts of the country snow is observed rarely.
Population
With a population of about 7.28 million, the majority of whom are Jews, Israel is the world's only Jewish state. It is also home to Arab Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Samaritans, as well as other religious and ethnic minority groups.
Transportation
Although Israel is a very small country - some 470 kilometers (290 miles) long, and only 135 kilometers (85 miles) across at its widest point - it has a well-developed network of roads and railroads, as well as modern ports and airports. However, infrastructure development failed to keep pace with rapid population growth, boosted by the arrival of some one million immigrants over the last decade, and by a surge in economic growth and rising affluence. In response, much greater priority was given to investment in transport during the 1990s, and the government is now seeking to upgrade the transportation sector across the board, to introduce greater competition and to encourage private enterprise.
Top Attractions
1. Masada.
2. Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
3. Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif).
4. Western Wall (HaKotel HaMaaravi).
5. Via Dolorosa.
6. Yad VaShem.
7. The Israel Museum.
8. Citadel or Tower of David.
9. Bethlehem.
10. The Dead Sea.
Best Travel Time
In the early spring when the entire country even much of the desert areas is green from the winter rains and the weather is still not hot or October-November when again it isn't too hot and the evenings are cool. Both these periods are ideal for touring.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Falafel (deep fried balls of mashed chickpeas) in pitta, with hummus (ground chickpeas), tahina (sesame seed sauce) and salads.
• Salads, which include savoury vegetable dishes served cold, such as aubergines.
• Shishlik (charcoal grilled meat on a skewer).
• Shwarma (slices of grilled meat served in a pitta bread with salad).
• Bean stews, with ful beans.
• Ashkenazi classics like cholent (Shabbat meat stew) and gefilte fish, a white fish dish.
National drinks:
• Soft drinks - Israelis are among the world’s largest consumers.
• Fresh fruit juices - very popular and widely available, made from all kinds of fruit.
• The wines of Israel range from light white to dry red and sweet rosé. The best come from the Golan and Carmel regions.
• Gold Star and Maccabe, Israeli beers.
• Sabra (chocolate and orange liqueur). A center for liqueurs is the monastery at Latrun on the road between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Local Products/Shopping
Favorite buys are batik cloth, woodcarvings and sculpture, silverwork, woven baskets and hats, bamboo articles, krises (small daggers), paintings and woven cloth. At stalls and small shops, bartering might be necessary.
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1. Masada.
In the early spring when the entire country even much of the desert areas is green from the winter rains and the weather is still not hot or October-November when again it isn't too hot and the evenings are cool. Both these periods are ideal for touring.