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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Israel

Israel is a country in West Asia, located on the eastern Mediterranean coast and the northern coast of the Red Sea.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Israel is a country in West Asia on the eastern Mediterranean coast and the northern coast of the Red Sea. Established in 1948, it operates as a parliamentary democracy with a Jewish majority population and significant Arab minority communities.

Geography

Israel is situated in West Asia along the eastern Mediterranean coast, with a southern outlet to the Red Sea. Its land borders connect it with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian territories.

History

The modern State of Israel was established in 1948. Sources describe it as having been formed in the context of Zionist state-building and the end of the British Mandate period.

Government and society

Israel is described as a parliamentary democracy. Its population is majority Jewish, with substantial Muslim, Christian, and Druze minorities.

Language and symbols

Hebrew is the main official language, while Arabic retains a special legal status. The currency is the Israeli new shekel.

Key facts

  • Israel is located in West Asia on the eastern Mediterranean coast and has access to the Red Sea.
  • The state was established in 1948.
  • Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a Jewish majority and Arab minorities.
  • Jerusalem is listed as the capital, but its status is internationally disputed.
  • The population was about 9.7 million in 2023.
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Canadian context

Canada recognized Israel in 1949 and maintains diplomatic, trade, and people-to-people ties with the country. Israel is relevant to many Canadian readers through foreign policy, immigration, tourism, and Middle East peace and security issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is Israel?
Israel is a country in West Asia on the eastern Mediterranean coast. It was established in 1948 and is officially called the State of Israel.
What is the capital of Israel?
Jerusalem is widely listed as Israel’s capital in the provided sources.
What countries border Israel?
Israel borders Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, and it also borders the Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza.
What language is spoken in Israel?
Hebrew is the main official language. Arabic has a special legal status and is widely used by parts of the population.
When was Israel founded?
Israel was established in 1948.
What is the population of Israel?
The population was reported at about 9.7 million in 2023.

References

  1. Arabic Wikipedia — https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84
    Supports: Established in 1948; location in West Asia; official name; broad geographic description.
  2. Al Jazeera Arabic — https://www.aljazeera.net/encyclopedia/2010/12/15/%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84
    Supports: Official name, capital, administrative divisions, language status, borders, and 2023 population figure.
  3. Fanack — https://fanack.com/ar/israel/
    Supports: Location, borders, and area.
  4. Embassy of Israel — https://embassies.gov.il/AMMAN/ABOUTISRAEL/Pages/AboutIsraelContent.aspx
    Supports: Geographic location and bordering states.
  5. BBC News Arabic — https://www.bbc.com/arabic/middleeast-39114094
    Supports: Jewish majority and general facts about Israel.
  6. Marefa — https://www.marefa.org/%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84
    Supports: Official name and broad geographic description.
  7. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel
    Supports: Official country title and general identification as a country.