Economy - General

A positive upsurge in Israel's economic activity - led by a remarkable 6.4% growth rate of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - was last registered in the year 2000. Deteriorating security circumstances have since been the chief cause of a distinct slow-down in almost all branches of economic activity. For the first time in close to five decades, the GDP actually decreased in 2001: its real growth being -0.6% took the country far away from its heyday (in the first half of the 1990s), when it was listed as enjoying the fastest GDP-growth-rate among world economies. Israel's per capita GDP ($US 18,400 in 2000 which placed it 22nd in the world) has fallen to $US 17,300 in 2001.

With a population of only 6.5 million, Israel has been internationally acclaimed throughout the years, in particular for its extraordinary achievements in agriculture, irrigation, and various high-tech industries and electronic start-ups. Free trade agreements with Europe (EU and EFTA) and the United States during the past two decades facilitated Israel's expanding exports of goods and services (which exceeded $45 billion in 2000), as well as its participation in international business enterprises (which contributed to the country's accelerated growth during most of the 1990s).

Political Structure

Israel is a parliamentary democracy consisting of legislative, executive and judicial branches. Its institutions are the presidency, the Knesset (parliament), the government (cabinet of ministers) and the judiciary.

The system is based on the principle of separation of powers, in which the executive branch (the government) is subject to the confidence of the legislative branch (the Knesset) and the independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by law.

Administrative Hirarchy

Introduction

Israel is an old-new country, small in size, but with a culturally active, heterogeneous population. Four thousand years of Jewish heritage, over a century of Zionism, and more than half a century of modern statehood have contributed to a culture which has already created an identity of its own, while preserving the uniqueness of 70 different communities.

A largely immigrant society, Israel's creative expression has absorbed many different cultural and social influences, as it blends tradition and innovation, and strives to steer a course between Israeli particularism and universalism.

The constant search for cultural identity is expressed through creativity in a broad range of art forms, appreciated and enjoyed by a great many people as part of daily life.

Israel's international cultural ties

World-wide culture ties focus on cooperation in a broad range of fields, including language, literature, the arts, science, media and sports. Based on cultural agreements with more than 70 countries, in addition to links with many others, activities range from student and academic exchange programs and reciprocal tours by dance troupes, theater companies, art exhibits, musicians and orchestras, to participation in book fairs, film festivals and sports competitions as well as the teaching of the language and cultural traditions of both countries.the end

National Emblem

The official emblem of the State of Israel is a candelabrum, whose shape is said to be derived from the seven-branched moriah, a plant know since antiquity. The olive branches on either side represent Israel's yearning for peace.

National Flag

The flag of the State of Israel is based on the design of the Jewish proyer shawl, with a blue Shield of David.