Israel Economy, People, Culture, Flag

Over 82 per cent of the population is made up of Jews. The remainder 18 per cent consists of the Arabs who are mainly Muslims. Most of the people of Israel live in metropolitan areas and heavy concentration is found around the cities of Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv-Yafo, and Haifa. The people of Israel usually live in numerous communities of more than 2,000 people.

The talents in Israel are tremendous and this is precisely why the country has a rich culture to boast about. Israel's writers and performers, painters, sculptors, and photographers have always examined personal and social issues relating to Jewish identity and statehood.

Many Israeli artists and sculptors, including Yaacov Agam, Dani Karavan, and Reuvin Rubin, have even gained international recognition for their work. Filmmaking is also a growing market in Israel and had begun in the 1950s and since has developed strongly under the Israel Film Center.

The flag of Israel is white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen David (Shield of David), which is centered between two equal horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag.
Please click here to view the Flag of Israel

The economy of Israel has grown rapidly and the standard of living of the people is also quite high despite the fact that the country's defence spending remains one of the world's highest per capita and the growing influx of immigrants always manages to strain the availability of jobs and housing. Adding further to the challenges is the lack of natural resources and economic isolation from the Jewish states. In 2001, the total gross domestic product (GDP) of the country touched $108.32 billion and its per capita GDP of $17,020 was one of the highest in the world. Economic diversification, high investment, a skilled and educated workforce, and a commitment to research and development have contributed to this economic success of Israel.