Israel

Israel is a small country in the Middle East on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a holy land for three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Israel has ancient cities, modern technology, and a diverse landscape.

Land and People

About 9.5 million people live in Israel. The capital claimed by Israel is Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world. Israel has beaches on the Mediterranean, mountains, deserts, and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.

Ancient temple ruins on top of a hill in Israel.
Ancient temple ruins on top of a hill in Israel. (Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

The Dead Sea is so salty that you float on the surface without trying. Hebrew, one of the oldest languages, was brought back to everyday use in Israel. People eat falafel, hummus, and shakshuka. Israel is a leader in farming technology and grows crops in the desert.

Fun Facts

  • The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth at about 1,400 feet below sea level.
  • The Dead Sea is so salty that you can float in it without swimming.
  • Hebrew was revived from an ancient language that had not been spoken daily for about 1,700 years.

Did You Know?

The Dead Sea between Israel and Jordan is almost ten times saltier than the ocean. It is so salty that no fish or plants can live in it, which is why it is called dead. People love to float in it effortlessly and cover themselves in its mineral-rich mud.