| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | ILISO 3166 [2024] |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | ISRISO 3166 [2024] |
| Capital | JerusalemGeoNames [2024] |
| Continent | AsiaGeoNames [2024] |
| Common name | IsraelCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Official name | State of IsraelCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Local name | Yisra'elCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Etymology | named after the ancient Kingdom of Israel; according to Biblical tradition, the Jewish patriarch Jacob received the name Israel (meaning "He who struggles with God") after he wrestled with an angel of the LordCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Government type | Parliamentary democracyCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Independence | 14 May 1948 (following League of Nations mandate under British administration)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National holiday | Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note: Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar, so the holiday can occur in April or MayCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Head of state | Yitzhak HERZOG (Pres.)CIA World Leaders [2025] |
| Currency code (ISO 4217) | ILSISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Currency | New Israeli SheqelISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Administrative subdivisions | 6ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Subdivision names | Al Awsaţ / Al Janūbī / Al Quds / Ash Shamālī / Tall Abīb / ḨayfāISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Historical overview | "Research completed December 1988." Supercedes the 1978 ed. of Israel : a country study, edited by Richard F. Nyrop. Includes bibliographical references (p. 361-386) and index. Also available in digital form.LoC FRD Country Studies [2026] |
| National symbols | Star of David (Magen David), menorah (seven-branched lampstand)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National anthem | title: "Hatikvah" (The Hope); lyrics/music: Naftali Herz IMBER/traditional, arranged by Samuel COHEN; history: adopted 2004, unofficial since 1948; used as the anthem of the Zionist movement since 1897; the 1888 arrangement by Samuel COHEN is thought to be based on the Romanian folk song "Carul cu boi" (The Ox-Driven Cart)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National colors | blue, whiteCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Citizenship rules | citizenship by birth: no; citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Israel; dual citizenship recognized: yes, but naturalized citizens are not allowed to maintain dual citizenship; residency requirement for naturalization: 3 out of the 5 years preceding the application for naturalization; note: Israeli law (Law of Return, 5 July 1950) provides for the granting of citizenship to any Jew - defined as a person being born to a Jewish mother or having converted to Judaism while renouncing any other religion - who immigrates to and expresses a desire to settle in Israel on the basis of the Right of aliyah; the 1970 amendment of this act extended the right to family members including the spouse of a Jew, any child or grandchild, and the spouses of children and grandchildrenCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
named after the ancient Kingdom of Israel; according to Biblical tradition, the Jewish patriarch Jacob received the name Israel (meaning "He who struggles with God") after he wrestled with an angel of the Lord
description: white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen David (Star of David or Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag history: the design resembles a traditional Jewish prayer shawl ( tallit ), which is white with blue stripes; the hexagram as a Jewish symbol dates back to medieval times
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
