Country Guide

Sweden Facts

Geography People and Society Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues

Geography

Location:
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway


Geographic coordinates:
62 00 N, 15 00 E


Map references:
Europe


Area:
total:450,295 sq kmcountry comparison to the world: 56
land:410,335 sq km
water:39,960 sq km


Area - comparative:
slightly larger than California


Land boundaries:
total:2,233 km
border countries:Finland 614 km, Norway 1,619 km


Coastline:
3,218 km


Maritime claims:
territorial sea:12 nm (adjustments made to return a portion of straits to high seas)
exclusive economic zone:agreed boundaries or midlines
continental shelf:200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation


Climate:
temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north


Terrain:
mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west


Elevation extremes:
lowest point:reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.4 m
highest point:Kebnekaise 2,111 m


    Natural resources:
iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten, uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, hydropower


Land use:
arable land:5.8%
permanent crops:0.02%
other:94.18% (2011)


Irrigated land:
1,597 sq km (2007)


Total renewable water resources:
174 cu km (2011)


Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
174 cu km (2011)

Natural hazards:
ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic


Environment - current issues:
acid rain damage to soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea


Environment - international agreements:
party to:Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified:none of the selected agreements


Geography - note:
strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas

People and Society

Nationality:
noun: Swede(s)
adjective:Swedish


Ethnic groups:
indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks


Languages:
Swedish (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities


Religions:
Lutheran 87%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 13%


Population:
9,723,809 (July 2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 91


Age structure:
0-14 years:16.9% (male 847,611/female 800,213)
15-24 years:12.3% (male 617,054/female 582,755)
25-54 years:39.2% (male 1,937,091/female 1,872,070)
55-64 years:11.7% (male 571,079/female 568,093)
65 years and over:20.5% (male 882,653/female 1,045,190) (2014 est.)


Dependency ratios:
total dependency ratio:58.3 %
youth dependency ratio:27.1 %
elderly dependency ratio:31.1 %
potential support ratio:3.2 (2014 est.)


Median age:
total:41.2 years
male:40.2 years
female:42.2 years (2014 est.)


Population growth rate:
0.79% (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 140


Birth rate:
11.92 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 167


Death rate:
9.45 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 57


Net migration rate:
5.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 25


Urbanization:
urban population:85.2% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization:0.74% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)


Major urban areas - population:
STOCKHOLM (capital) 1.385 million (2011)


Sex ratio:
at birth:1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.06 male(s)/female
15-24 years:1.06 male(s)/female
25-54 years:1.04 male(s)/female
55-64 years:1 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.81 male(s)/female
total population:0.98 male(s)/female (2014 est.)


Mother's mean age at first birth:
28.9 (2010 est.)


Maternal mortality rate:
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)


Infant mortality rate:
total:2.6 deaths/1,000 live birthscountry comparison to the world: 219
male:2.88 deaths/1,000 live births
female:2.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)


    Life expectancy at birth:
total population:81.89 yearscountry comparison to the world: 12
male:80.03 years
female:83.87 years (2014 est.)


Total fertility rate:
1.88 children born/woman (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 142


Health expenditures:
9.4% of GDP (2011)


Physicians density:
3.8 physicians/1,000 population (2010)


Hospital bed density:
2.7 beds/1,000 population (2010)


Drinking water source:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 100% of population
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 0% of population
total: 0% of population (2012 est.)


Sanitation facility access:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 100% of population
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 0% of population
total: 0% of population (2012 est.)


HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.1% (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 145


HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
8,100 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 111


HIV/AIDS - deaths:
fewer than 100 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 149


Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
18.6% (2008)country comparison to the world: 104


Education expenditures:
7% of GDP (2010)country comparison to the world: 20

Literacy:
definition:age 15 and over can read and write
total population:99%
male:99%
female:99% (2003 est.)


School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total:16 years
male:15 years
female:17 years (2011)


Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
total:23.7%country comparison to the world: 45
male:25%
female:22.3% (2012)

Government

Country name:
conventional long form: Kingdom of Sweden
conventional short form:Sweden
local long form:Konungariket Sverige
local short form:Sverige


Government type:
constitutional monarchy


Capital:
name:Stockholm
geographic coordinates:59 20 N, 18 03 E
time difference:UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time:+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October


Administrative divisions:
21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarna, Gavleborg, Gotland, Halland, Jamtland, Jonkoping, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Norrbotten, Orebro, Ostergotland, Skane, Sodermanland, Stockholm, Uppsala, Varmland, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland, Vastmanland, Vastra Gotaland


Independence:
6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)


National holiday:
National Day, 6 June (1983); note - from 1916 to 1982 this date was celebrated as Swedish Flag Day


Constitution:
several previous; latest adopted 1 January 1975; amended several times, last in 2011 (2011)


Legal system:
civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and customary law


International law organization participation:
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction


Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal


Executive branch:
chief of state:King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977)
head of government:Prime Minister Fredrik REINFELDT (since 5 October 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Jan BJORKLUND (since 5 October 2010)
cabinet:Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections:the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister


Legislative branch:
unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional representation basis to serve four-year terms)
elections:last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014)
election results:percent of vote by party - SAP 30.7%, Moderate Party 30.1%, Green Party 7.3%, FP 7.1%, C 6.6%, SD 5.7%, KD 5.6%, V 5.6%, others 1.3%; seats by party - SAP 112, Moderate Party 107, Green Party 25, FP 24, C 23, SD 20, KD 19, V 19


Judicial branch:
highest court(s):Supreme Court of Sweden (consists of 16 justices including the court chairman; Supreme Administrative Court (consists of 18 justices including the court president)
judge selection and term of office:Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court justices nominated by the Board of Judges, a 9-member nominating body consisting of high-level judges, prosecutors, and members of Parliament; justices appointed by the Government; following a probationary period, justices' appointments are permanent
subordinate courts:first instance and appellate general and administrative courts; specialized courts that handle cases such as land and environment, immigration, labor, markets, and patents


    Political parties and leaders:
Center Party (Centerpartiet) or C [Annie LOOF]
Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna) or KD [Goran HAGGLUND]
Green Party (Miljopartiet de Grona); [spokespersons Asa ROMSON and Gustav FRIDOLIN]
Left Party (Vansterpartiet) (formerly Communist Party) or V [Jonas SJOSTEDT]
Liberal People's Party (Folkpartiet) or FP [Jan BJORKLUND]
Moderate Party (Moderaterna) or M [Fredrik REINFELDT]
Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna) or SDP [Stefan LOFVEN]
Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna) or SD [Jimmie AKESSON]


Political pressure groups and leaders:
Children's Rights in Society


International organization participation:
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC


Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Bjorn O. LYRVALL (since 12 September 2013)
chancery:The House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone:[1] (202) 467-2600
FAX:[1] (202) 467-2699
consulate(s) general:New York


Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Mark Francis BRZEZINSKI (since 14 November 2011)
embassy:Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31, SE-11589 Stockholm
mailing address:American Embassy Stockholm, US Department of State, 5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750
telephone:[46] (08) 783 53 00
FAX:[46] (08) 661 19 64


Flag description:
blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors reflect those of the Swedish coat of arms - three gold crowns on a blue field


National symbol(s):
three crowns; lion


National anthem:
name:'Du Gamla, Du Fria' (Thou Ancient, Thou Free)

lyrics/music:Richard DYBECK/traditional
note:in use since 1844; the anthem, also known as 'Sang till Norden' (Song of the North), is based on a Swedish folk tune; it has never been officially adopted by the government; 'Kungssangen' (The King's Song) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies

Economy

Economy - overview:
Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole of the 20th century, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a highly skilled labor force. In September 2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system concerned about the impact on the economy and sovereignty. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for vast majority of industrial output, of which the engineering sector accounts for about 50% of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for little more than 1% of GDP and of employment. Until 2008, Sweden was in the midst of a sustained economic upswing, boosted by increased domestic demand and strong exports. This, and robust finances, offered the center-right government considerable scope to implement its reform program aimed at increasing employment, reducing welfare dependence, and streamlining the state's role in the economy. Despite strong finances and underlying fundamentals, the Swedish economy slid into recession in the third quarter of 2008 and the contraction continued in 2009 as deteriorating global conditions reduced export demand and consumption. Strong exports of commodities and a return to profitability by Sweden's banking sector drove a rebound in 2010, but growth slipped in 2013, as a result of continued economic weakness in the EU - Sweden’s main export market.


GDP (purchasing power parity):
$393.8 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35
$390.4 billion (2012 est.)
$386.7 billion (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


GDP (official exchange rate):
$552 billion (2013 est.)


GDP - real growth rate:
0.9% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
1% (2012 est.)
2.9% (2011 est.)


GDP - per capita (PPP):
$40,900 (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 26
$40,900 (2012 est.)
$40,800 (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


Gross national saving:
25.8% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 45
25.8% of GDP (2012 est.)
26.9% of GDP (2011 est.)


GDP - composition, by end use:
household consumption:48.6%
government consumption:26.8%
investment in fixed capital:18.3%
investment in inventories:0.4%
exports of goods and services:45.8%
imports of goods and services:-39.9%
(2013 est.)


GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
agriculture:2%
industry:31.3%
services:66.8% (2013 est.)


Agriculture - products:
barley, wheat, sugar beets; meat, milk


Industries:
iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehicles


Industrial production growth rate:
-1% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175

Labor force:
5.107 million (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 74


Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture:1.1%
industry:28.2%
services:70.7% (2008 est.)


Unemployment rate:
8.1% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 90
8% (2012 est.)


Population below poverty line:
NA%


Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%:3.6%
highest 10%:22.2% (2000)


Distribution of family income - Gini index:
23 (2005)
country comparison to the world: 141
25 (1992)


    Budget:
revenues:$283.5 billion
expenditures:$294.7 billion (2013 est.)


Taxes and other revenues:
51.4% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 12

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
-2% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 88


Public debt:
41.5% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 85
38.2% of GDP (2012 est.)
note:data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions


Fiscal year:
calendar year


Inflation rate (consumer prices):
0% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 7
0.9% (2012 est.)


Central bank discount rate:
5.5% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 138
0.5% (31 December 2009 est.)


Commercial bank prime lending rate:
3.3% (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 163
3.57% (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of narrow money:
$254.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
$260.1 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of broad money:
$349.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28
$347 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of domestic credit:
$798 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
$792.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Market value of publicly traded shares:
$560.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Current account balance:
$39 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 15
$36.31 billion (2012 est.)


Exports:
$181.5 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28
$184.8 billion (2012 est.)


Exports - commodities:
machinery 35%, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood, iron and steel products, chemicals


Exports - partners:
Norway 10.4%, Germany 10.3%, UK 8.1%, Finland 6.8%, Denmark 6.7%, Netherlands 5.5%, US 5.5%, Belgium 5%, France 4.8% (2012)


Imports:
$158 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
$163.3 billion (2012 est.)


Imports - commodities:
machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor vehicles, iron and steel; foodstuffs, clothing


Imports - partners:
Germany 17.4%, Denmark 8.5%, Norway 8.4%, UK 6.5%, Netherlands 6.4%, Russia 5.6%, Finland 5.1%, China 4.9%, France 4.2% (2012)


Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$52.23 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 36
$50.35 billion (31 December 2011 est.)


Debt - external:
$1.039 trillion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
$992.5 billion (31 December 2011)


Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$519.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 17
$500.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$558.8 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 14
$527.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Exchange rates:
Swedish kronor (SEK) per US dollar -
6.58 (2013 est.)
6.77 (2012 est.)
7.2075 (2010 est.)
7.6529 (2009)
6.4074 (2008)

Energy

Electricity - production:
148.7 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 26


Electricity - consumption:
136 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 26


Electricity - exports:
31.28 billion kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 6


Electricity - imports:
11.68 billion kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 17


Electricity - installed generating capacity:
36.51 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 24


Electricity - from fossil fuels:
13% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 194


Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
24.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 4


Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
45.5% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 49


Electricity - from other renewable sources:
16.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 11


Crude oil - production:
11,270 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 87


Crude oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 186


Crude oil - imports:
398,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 21


    Crude oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 191


Refined petroleum products - production:
419,400 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35


Refined petroleum products - consumption:
316,000 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41


Refined petroleum products - exports:
261,700 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23


Refined petroleum products - imports:
187,300 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27


Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 194


Natural gas - consumption:
1.53 billion cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 81


Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 186


Natural gas - imports:
1.129 billion cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55


Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 195


Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
53.15 million Mt (2011 est.)

Communications

Telephones - main lines in use:
4.321 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 41


Telephones - mobile cellular:
11.643 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 71


Telephone system:
general assessment:highly developed telecommunications infrastructure; ranked among leading countries for fixed-line, mobile-cellular, Internet and broadband penetration
domestic:coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some additional telephone channels
international:country code - 46; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway) (2011)



    Broadcast media:
publicly owned TV broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial networks plus regional stations; multiple privately owned TV broadcasters operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 50 local TV stations; widespread access to pan-Nordic and international broadcasters through multi-channel cable and satellite TV; publicly owned radio broadcaster operates 3 national stations and a network of 25 regional channels; roughly 100 privately owned local radio stations with some consolidating into near national networks; an estimated 900 community and neighborhood radio stations broadcast intermittently (2008)


Internet country code:
.se


Internet hosts:
5.978 million (2010)
country comparison to the world: 19


Internet users:
8.398 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 33

Transportation

Airports
231 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 25


Airports - with paved runways
total:149
over 3,047 m:3
2,438 to 3,047 m:12
1,524 to 2,437 m:75
914 to 1,523 m:22
under 914 m:37 (2013)


Airports - with unpaved runways
total:82
914 to 1,523 m:5
under 914 m:
77 (2013)


Heliports
2 (2013)


Pipelines
gas 1,626 km (2013)


Railways
total:11,633 kmcountry comparison to the world: 21
standard gauge:11,568 km 1.435-m gauge (7,567 km electrified)
narrow gauge:65 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified) (2008)


Roadways
total:579,564 km (includes 1,913 km of expressways)country comparison to the world: 12
paved:135,444 km
unpaved:444,412 km
note:includes 104,705 km of state roads, 433,034 km of private roads, and 41,825 km of municipal roads (2010)


    Waterways
2,052 km (2010)
country comparison to the world: 41


Merchant marine
total:135country comparison to the world: 42
by type:bulk carrier 4, cargo 16, carrier 1, chemical tanker 15, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 36, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 30, vehicle carrier 17
foreign-owned:35 (Denmark 4, Estonia 3, Finland 16, Germany 3, Ireland 1, Italy 5, Norway 3)
registered in other countries:189 (Bahamas 11, Barbados 4, Bermuda 14, Canada 2, Cook Islands 3, Cyprus 5, Denmark 15, Faroe Islands 11, Finland 1, France 4, Gibraltar 11, Italy 1, Liberia 12, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 12, Norway 27, Panama 2, Portugal 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, Singapore 11, UK 28) (2010)



Ports and terminals
major seaport(s):Brofjorden, Goteborg, Helsingborg, Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo, Stockholm, Trelleborg, Visby

Military

Military branches
Swedish Armed Forces (Forsvarsmakten): Army (Armen), Royal Swedish Navy (Marinen), Swedish Air Force (Svenska Flygvapnet) (2010)


Military service age and obligation
18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; Swedish citizenship required; service obligation: 7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy), 8-12 months (Air Force); the Swedish Parliament has abolished compulsory military service, with exclusively voluntary recruitment as of July 2010; conscription remains an option in emergencies; after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment until age 47 (2013)


Manpower available for military service
males age 16-49:2,065,691
females age 16-49:1,996,764 (2010 est.)


    Manpower fit for military service
males age 16-49:1,709,055
females age 16-49:1,650,432 (2010 est.)


Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually
male:54,960
female:52,275 (2010 est.)


Military expenditures
1.18% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 87
1.17% of GDP (2011)
1.18% of GDP (2010)
Information/ Data by CIA - The World Factbook

LookForAttorney.com | Country Guide of Israel

Country Guide

Israel Facts

Geography People and Society Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues

Geography

Location:
Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Lebanon


Geographic coordinates:
31 30 N, 34 45 E


Map references:
Middle East


Area:
total:20,770 sq kmcountry comparison to the world: 154
land:20,330 sq km
water:440 sq km


Area - comparative:
Area comparison map: '>


Land boundaries:
total:1,068 km
border countries:Egypt 208 km, Gaza Strip 59 km, Jordan 307 km, Lebanon 81 km, Syria 83 km, West Bank 330 km


Coastline:
273 km


Maritime claims:
territorial sea:12 nm
continental shelf:to depth of exploitation


Climate:
temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas


Terrain:
Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains; Jordan Rift Valley


    Elevation extremes:
lowest point:Dead Sea -408 m
highest point:Har Meron 1,208 m


Natural resources:
timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand


Land use:
arable land:13.68%
permanent crops:3.69%
other:82.62% (2011)


Irrigated land:
2,250 sq km (2004)


Total renewable water resources:
1.78 cu km (2011)


Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
1.78 cu km (2011)

Natural hazards:
sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts; periodic earthquakes


Environment - current issues:
limited arable land and natural freshwater resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides


Environment - international agreements:
party to:Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified:Marine Life Conservation


Geography - note:
Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) is an important freshwater source; the Dead Sea is the second saltiest body of water in the world (after Lake Assal in Djibouti); there are about 355 Israeli civilian sites including about 145 small outpost communities in the West Bank, 41 sites in the Golan Heights, and 32 in East Jerusalem (2010 est.)

People and Society

Nationality:
noun: Israeli(s)
adjective:Israeli


Ethnic groups:
Jewish 75.1% (of which Israel-born 73.6%, Europe/America/Oceania-born 17.9%, Africa-born 5.2%, Asia-born 3.2%), non-Jewish 24.9% (mostly Arab) (2012 est.)


Languages:
Hebrew (official), Arabic (used officially for Arab minority), English (most commonly used foreign language)


Religions:
Jewish 75.1%, Muslim 17.4%, Christian 2%, Druze 1.6%, other 3.9% (2012 est.)


Population:
7,821,850country comparison to the world: 99
note:approximately 341,400 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank (2012); approximately 18,900 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights (2012); approximately 196,400 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2011) (July 2014 est.)



Age structure:
0-14 years:27.1% (male 1,084,748/female 1,035,525)
15-24 years:15.7% (male 628,205/female 599,871)
25-54 years:37.8% (male 1,508,860/female 1,443,898)
55-64 years:8.8% (male 333,453/female 352,302)
65 years and over:10.5% (male 368,318/female 466,670) (2014 est.)


Dependency ratios:
total dependency ratio:63.1 %
youth dependency ratio:45.5 %
elderly dependency ratio:17.6 %
potential support ratio:5.7 (2014 est.)


Median age:
total:29.9 years
male:29.2 years
female:30.6 years (2014 est.)


Population growth rate:
1.46% (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 84


Birth rate:
18.44 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 101


Death rate:
5.54 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 175


Net migration rate:
1.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 53


Urbanization:
urban population:91.9% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization:1.73% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)


Major urban areas - population:
Tel Aviv-Yafo 3.381 million; Haifa 1.054 million; JERUSALEM (capital) 791,000 (2009)


Sex ratio:
at birth:1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.05 male(s)/female
15-24 years:1.05 male(s)/female
25-54 years:1.05 male(s)/female
55-64 years:1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.78 male(s)/female
total population:1.01 male(s)/female (2014 est.)


Mother's mean age at first birth:
27.3 (2011 est.)


Maternal mortality rate:
7 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)


    Infant mortality rate:
total:3.98 deaths/1,000 live birthscountry comparison to the world: 199
male:4.16 deaths/1,000 live births
female:3.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)


Life expectancy at birth:
total population:81.28 yearscountry comparison to the world: 19
male:79.05 years
female:83.61 years (2014 est.)


Total fertility rate:
2.62 children born/woman (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 75


Health expenditures:
7.7% of GDP (2011)


Physicians density:
3.11 physicians/1,000 population (2011)


Hospital bed density:
3.4 beds/1,000 population (2011)


Drinking water source:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 100% of population
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 0% of population
total: 0% of population (2012 est.)


Sanitation facility access:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 100% of population
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 0% of population
total: 0% of population (2012 est.)


HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.2% (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 104


HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
7,500 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 115


HIV/AIDS - deaths:
fewer than 100 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 120


Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
26.2% (2008)country comparison to the world: 49


Education expenditures:
5.6% of GDP (2011)country comparison to the world: 57

Literacy:
definition:age 15 and over can read and write
total population:97.1%
male:98.5%
female:95.9% (2004 est.)


School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total:16 years
male:15 years
female:16 years (2009)


Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
total:12.1%country comparison to the world: 98
male:11.6%
female:12.7% (2012)

Government

Country name:
conventional long form: State of Israel
conventional short form:Israel
local long form:Medinat Yisra'el
local short form:Yisra'el


Government type:
parliamentary democracy


Capital:
name:Jerusalem: note - Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, but the US, like all other countries, maintains its embassy in Tel Aviv
geographic coordinates:31 46 N, 35 14 E
time difference:UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time:+1hr, begins Friday before the last Sunday in March; ends the last Sunday in October


Administrative divisions:
6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa, Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv


Independence:
14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)


National holiday:
Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the holiday may occur in April or May


Constitution:
no formal constitution; some functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic Laws of the Parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law (2013)


Legal system:
mixed legal system of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious laws


International law organization participation:
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; withdrew acceptance of ICCt jurisdiction in 2002


Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal


Executive branch:
chief of state:President Shimon PERES (since 15 July 2007)
head of government:Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU (since 31 March 2009)
cabinet:Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the Knesset
elections:president largely a ceremonial role and is elected by the Knesset for a seven-year term (one-term limit); election last held 10 June 2014 (next to be held in 2021 but can be called earlier); following legislative elections, the president, in consultation with party leaders, assigns the task of forming a governing coalition to a Knesset member whom he or she determines is most likely to accomplish that task
election results:Reuven RIVLIN elected president in second round; number of votes in first round - Reuven RIVLIN 44, Meir SHEETRIT 31, Dalia Itzik 28, Dalia Dorner 13, other/invalid 3; number of votes in second round - Reuven RIVLIN 63, Meir SHEETRIT 53, other/invalid 3; RIVLIN will be sworn in 24 July 2014


Legislative branch:
unicameral Knesset (120 seats; political parties are elected by popular vote and assigned seats for members on a proportional basis; members serve 4-year terms)
elections:last held on 22 January 2013 (next to be held in 2017)
election results:percent of vote by party - Likud-Beiteinu (combined for electoral purposes only) 23.3%, Yesh Atid 14.3%, Labor 11.4%, The Jewish Home 9.1%, SHAS 8.7%, United Torah Judaism 5.2%, The Movement 5%, The New Movement-Meretz 4.5%, United Arab List-Ta'al 3.6%, HADASH 3%, Balad 2.6%, Kadima 2.1%; other 7.2%; seats by party - Likud-Beiteinu 31, Yesh Atid 19, Labor 15, The Jewish Home 12, SHAS 11, United Torah Judaism 7, The Movement 6, Meretz 6, United Arab List-Ta'al 4, HADASH 4, Balad 3, Kadima 2
note:Ehud BARAK and four others on 17 January 2011 split from the Labor Party and formed the Atzmaut (Independence) Party; the Labor Party holds 8 seats in the Knesset and the Independence Party holds 5 seats; Aztmaut did not submit a candidate list for the election on 22 January 2013


Judicial branch:
highest court(s):Supreme Court ( consists of the chief justice and 14 judges)
judge selection and term of office:judges selected by the Judicial Selection Committee, made up of all three branches of the government and chaired by the Minister of Justice; judges can serve up to mandatory retirement age of 70
subordinate courts:district and magistrate courts; national and regional labor courts; special and religious courts


    Political parties and leaders:
Balad [Jamal ZAHALKA]
Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (HADASH) [Muhammad BARAKEH]
Kadima [Shaul MOFAZ]
Labor Party [Yitzhak HERZOG]
Likud [Binyamin NETANYAHU]
National Union [Uri ARIEL]
SHAS [Eliyahu YISHAI]
The Jewish Home (HaBayit HaYehudi) [Naftali BENNETT]
The Movement (Hatnuah) [Tzipora 'Tzipi' LIVNI]
The New Movement-Meretz [Haim ORON]
United Arab List-Ta'al [Ibrahim SARSUR]
United Torah Judaism or UTJ [Yaakov LITZMAN] (a conglomerate of three parties)
Yesh Atid [Yair LAPID]
Yisrael Beiteinu or YB [Avigdor LIEBERMAN]


Political pressure groups and leaders:
B'Tselem [Jessica MONTELL, Executive Director] monitors human rights abuses


International organization participation:
BIS, BSEC (observer), CE (observer), CICA, EBRD, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW (signatory), OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO


Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Ron DERMER (since 3 December 2013)
chancery:3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:[1] (202) 364-5500
FAX:[1] (202) 364-5647
consulate(s) general:Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco


Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Daniel B. SHAPIRO (since 8 July 2011)
embassy:71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63903
telephone:[972] (3) 519-7475
FAX:[972] (3) 516-4390
consulate(s) general:Jerusalem; note - an independent US mission, established in 1928, whose members are not accredited to a foreign government


Flag 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; the basic 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


National symbol(s):
Star of David (Magen David)


National anthem:
name:'Hatikvah' (The Hope)

lyrics/music:Naftali Herz IMBER/traditional, arranged by Samuel COHEN
note: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)

Economy

Economy - overview:
Israel has a technologically advanced market economy. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and pharmaceuticals are among the leading exports. Its major imports include crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Israel usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by tourism and other service exports, as well as significant foreign investment inflows. Between 2004 and 2011, growth averaged nearly 5% per year, led by exports. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 spurred a brief recession in Israel, but the country entered the crisis with solid fundamentals, following years of prudent fiscal policy and a resilient banking sector. In 2010, Israel formally acceded to the OECD. Israel's economy also has weathered the Arab Spring because strong trade ties outside the Middle East have insulated the economy from spillover effects. The economy has recovered better than most advanced, comparably sized economies, but slowing demand domestically and internationally, and a strong shekel, have reduced forecasts for the next decade to the 3% level. Natural gas fields discovered off Israel's coast since 2009 have brightened Israel's energy security outlook. The Tamar and Leviathan fields were some of the world's largest offshore natural gas finds this past decade. The massive Leviathan field is not due to come online until 2018, but production from Tamar provided a one percentage point boost to Israel's GDP in 2013 and is expected to contribute 0.5% growth in 2014. In mid-2011, public protests arose around income inequality and rising housing and commodity prices. Israel's income inequality and poverty rates are among the highest of OECD countries and there is a broad perception among the public that a small number of 'tycoons' have a cartel-like grip over the major parts of the economy. The government formed committees to address some of the grievances but has maintained that it will not engage in deficit spending to satisfy populist demands. In May 2013 the Israeli government, in a politically difficult process, passed an austerity budget to reign in the deficit and restore confidence in the government's fiscal position. Over the long term, Israel faces structural issues, including low labor participation rates for its fastest growing social segments - the ultra-orthodox and Arab-Israeli communities. Also, Israel's progressive, globally competitive, knowledge-based technology sector employs only 9% of the workforce, with the rest employed in manufacturing and services - sectors which face downward wage pressures from global competition.


GDP (purchasing power parity):
$273.2 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 49
$264.5 billion (2012 est.)
$255.9 billion (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


GDP (official exchange rate):
$272.7 billion (2013 est.)


GDP - real growth rate:
3.3% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 104
3.4% (2012 est.)
4.6% (2011 est.)


GDP - per capita (PPP):
$36,200 (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 37
$34,300 (2012 est.)
$34,000 (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


Gross national saving:
22.2% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 68
21% of GDP (2012 est.)
21.4% of GDP (2011 est.)


GDP - composition, by end use:
household consumption:56.1%
government consumption:22.7%
investment in fixed capital:19.6%
investment in inventories:0.7%
exports of goods and services:34.4%
imports of goods and services:-33.5%
(2013 est.)


GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
agriculture:2.4%
industry:31.2%
services:66.4% (2013 est.)


Agriculture - products:
citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products


Industries:
high-technology products (including aviation, communications, computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics, fiber optics), wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, and tobacco, caustic soda, cement, construction, metal products, chemical products, plastics, cut diamonds, textiles, footwear


Industrial production growth rate:
5.5% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 52

Labor force:
3.493 million (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 97


Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture:1.6%
industry:18.1%
services:80.3% (2012 est.)


Unemployment rate:
5.8% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 56
6.8% (2012 est.)


    Population below poverty line:
21%


Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%:2.5%
highest 10%:24.3% (2008)


Distribution of family income - Gini index:
37.6 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 75
39.2 (2008)


Budget:
revenues:$109.7 billion
expenditures:$113.9 billion (2013 est.)


Taxes and other revenues:
40.2% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 40

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
-1.5% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 72


Public debt:
67.1% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41
66.9% of GDP (2012 est.)


Fiscal year:
calendar year


Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.7% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55
1.7% (2012 est.)


Central bank discount rate:
1% (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 117
1.75% (31 December 2012 est.)


Commercial bank prime lending rate:
3.8% (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 151
5.16% (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of narrow money:
$37.09 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55
$32.48 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of broad money:
$151.2 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 46
$136.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of domestic credit:
$207.7 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 40
$192.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Market value of publicly traded shares:
$148.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Current account balance:
$5.259 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
$609 million (2012 est.)


Exports:
$60.67 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55
$62.32 billion (2012 est.)


Exports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural products, chemicals, textiles and apparel


Exports - partners:
US 27.8%, Hong Kong 7.7%, UK 5.7%, Belgium 4.6%, China 4.3% (2012)


Imports:
$67.03 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 44
$71.67 billion (2012 est.)


Imports - commodities:
raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough diamonds, fuels, grain, consumer goods


Imports - partners:
US 12.9%, China 7.3%, Germany 6.3%, Switzerland 5.5%, Belgium 4.8% (2012)


Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$80.74 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28
$75.91 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Debt - external:
$96.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 49
$93.98 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$86.04 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 43
$75.94 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$80.85 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31
$74.75 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Exchange rates:
new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar -
3.621 (2013 est.)
3.8559 (2012 est.)
3.739 (2010 est.)
3.93 (2009)
3.588 (2008)

Energy

Electricity - production:
55.77 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 48


Electricity - consumption:
48.73 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 48


Electricity - exports:
4.224 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30


Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157


Electricity - installed generating capacity:
15.33 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 46


Electricity - from fossil fuels:
98.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 57


Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 110


Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 176


Electricity - from other renewable sources:
1.8% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 75


Crude oil - production:
5,839 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96


Crude oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 131


Crude oil - imports:
260,600 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27


    Crude oil - proved reserves:
11.5 million bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 90


Refined petroleum products - production:
278,400 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 45


Refined petroleum products - consumption:
238,400 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 53


Refined petroleum products - exports:
83,700 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 47


Refined petroleum products - imports:
56,420 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 65


Natural gas - production:
6.86 billion cu m (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 49


Natural gas - consumption:
6.86 billion cu m (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 54


Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 120


Natural gas - imports:
720 million cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 63


Natural gas - proved reserves:
268.5 billion cu m (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 43


Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
72.1 million Mt (2011 est.)

Communications

Telephones - main lines in use:
3.594 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 44


Telephones - mobile cellular:
9.225 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 84


Telephone system:
general assessment:most highly developed system in the Middle East
domestic:good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; all systems are digital; four privately owned mobile-cellular service providers with countrywide coverage
international:country code - 972; submarine cables provide links to Europe, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2011)



    Broadcast media:
state broadcasting network, operated by the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), broadcasts on 2 channels, one in Hebrew and the other in Arabic; 5 commercial channels including a channel broadcasting in Russian, a channel broadcasting Knesset proceedings, and a music channel supervised by a public body; multi-channel satellite and cable TV packages provide access to foreign channels; IBA broadcasts on 8 radio networks with multiple repeaters and Israel Defense Forces Radio broadcasts over multiple stations; about 15 privately owned radio stations; overall more than 100 stations and repeater stations (2008)


Internet country code:
.il


Internet hosts:
2.483 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 36


Internet users:
4.525 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 51

Transportation

Airports
47 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 95


Airports - with paved runways
total:29
over 3,047 m:2
2,438 to 3,047 m:5
1,524 to 2,437 m:6
914 to 1,523 m:11
under 914 m:5 (2013)


Airports - with unpaved runways
total:18
1,524 to 2,437 m:1
914 to 1,523 m:3
under 914 m:
14 (2013)


Heliports
3 (2013)


Pipelines
gas 763 km; oil 442 km; refined products 261 km (2013)


    Railways
total:975 kmcountry comparison to the world: 89
standard gauge:975 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)


Roadways
total:18,566 kmcountry comparison to the world: 115
paved:18,566 km (includes 449 km of expressways) (2011)


Merchant marine
total:8country comparison to the world: 120
by type:cargo 1, container 7
registered in other countries:48 (Bermuda 3, Georgia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia 34, Malta 3, Moldova 2, Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3) (2010)



Ports and terminals
major seaport(s):Ashdod, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa
container port(s) TEUs):Ashdod (1,176,000), Haifa (1,238,000)

Military

Military branches
Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Force (IN), Israel Air Force (IAF) (2010)


Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druzes) military service; 17 years of age for voluntary (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are obligated to military service; conscript service obligation - 36 months for enlisted men, 21 months for enlisted women, 48 months for officers; pilots commit to 9 years service; reserve obligation to age 41-51 (men), 24 (women) (2013)


Manpower available for military service
males age 16-49:1,797,960
females age 16-49:1,713,230 (2010 est.)


Manpower fit for military service
males age 16-49:1,517,510
females age 16-49:1,446,132 (2010 est.)


    Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually
male:62,304
female:59,418 (2010 est.)


Military expenditures
5.69% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 4
5.87% of GDP (2011)
5.69% of GDP (2010)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international
West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel continues construction of a 'seam line' separation barrier along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; Israel withdrew its settlers and military from the Gaza Strip and from four settlements in the West Bank in August 2005; Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied (Lebanon claims the Shab'a Farms area of Golan Heights); since 1948, about 350 peacekeepers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization headquartered in Jerusalem monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating, and assist other UN personnel in the region


    Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees (country of origin):34,988 (Eritrea); 12,926 (Sudan) (2013)
stateless persons:14 (2012)



Illicit drugs
increasingly concerned about ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin abuse; drugs arrive in country from Lebanon and, increasingly, from Jordan; money-laundering center
 Information/ Data by CIA - The World Factbook