Israel
The total area: 27, 8 square kilometers
Capital: Jerusalem
Population: 6.2 million
Official language: Hebrew and Arabic
Ethnic divisions: Jewish 62 %, Islam 13 %, Christianity 5 % and others
Currency: Shekel
Geography
Climate
Population
Food
Export and Import
Transport
Communication
Geography
Israel is a country located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.
It borders Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan in the east, and Egypt on the southwest
Climate in Israel
Israel is located, between 29°-33° north of the equator, which is characterized as a subtropical region, between the temperate zone and the tropical zone.
The northern and coastal regions of Israel show Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers and cool rainy winters.
January is the coldest month, with temperatures from 6 C to 18 C, and July at 24 C to 30 C
The rainy season extends from October to early May, and rainfall peaks in December through February. Rainfall varies considerably by regions from the North to the South. Highest rainfall is observed in the North and center parts of the country and decreases in the southern part of Israel, from the Negev Desert to Eilat where rainfall is negligible.
The city of Eilat, located at the southernmost point of Israel and at the northern tip of Red Sea, has a good climate for beach holidays all year round.
During autumn and spring a hot desert wind called the sharav is common.
The Dead Sea's climate offers year-round sunny skies and dry air with low pollution.
It has less than 100 millimeters meant annual rainfall and a summer average temperature between 32 and 39 °C. Winter average temperatures range between 20 and 23 °C.
Population
The population of Israel is 5.9 millions of which 83 percent are Jews. About 27 percent of the world's Jews lived in Israel. About 16 percent of the population of
Israel is Muslims and others
Food in Israel
Israel’s gastronomic variety stems from the wide range of ethnic groups who have settled in the country throughout its existence, and who contributed a rich variety of authentic dishes to the national cuisine. New immigrants are not the only ones who have contributed to the culinary scene. Ethnic groups have added tastes and styles of their own and have expanded the gastronomic experience. All of these have made their mark - resulting in an eclectic style and a fusion of exotic tastes and trends.
Humus, falafel, goulash, or couscous is only some of the choices of cuisine that are available in Israel. The abundance of restaurants, choice of foods, and the unbelievable variety of tastes and aromas are testimony to the richness and liveliness of the cuisine that tourists can enjoy.
The numerous culinary styles available cater to all tastes: sweet and spicy, sour and hot, Oriental and European - all blend together. The choice of dishes, menus and variety of foods are also connected to ethnic customs which give them a traditional air: One can enjoy gefilte fish or kubeh, tajin or cholent, empanadas or Medias, dal or moussaka, and many other dishes with exotic names. Choose from piquant, spicy appetizers, colorful bubbling soups, stuffed vegetables, rich side dishes, cooked, grilled, or fried meat and fish, and sweet or salty desserts.
Food in Israel is tied to the earth, culture, and tradition which give it its tasty and unique qualities. One merely has to choose from Indian, Romanian, Moroccan, Polish, Yemenite, Hungarian, or any other cuisine.
Export and Import
Travelers to Israel may import local and foreign currencies in unlimited amounts. Upon departure, they can export foreign currencies up to the amount they brought into the country on arrival. Local currency can be re-converted to foreign currency up to $US500.
An export permit is required for antiquities. It is prohibited to import perishable food items, particularly fruits and vegetables from Africa.
Travelers intending to carry firearms and ammunition into Israel must notify security authorities at Ben Gurion International Airport prior to arrival.
Upon arrival, an airline representative must present the weapons and ammunition to security authorities, who will then interview the traveler.
Transport
Public transportation is convenient, and you can get to almost any destination for a reasonable price.
Israel Railways operates convenient, inexpensive train service. Trains run from Tel Aviv to most of the large cities from Nahariya in the north to Dimona in the south, including Jerusalem and Ben Gurion airport.
Train tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth or vending machine at the station. Seats can also be reserved in advance.
There is refreshment service that includes hot and cold drinks, snacks, and sandwiches on most trains.
Trains do not run on Shabbat or on Jewish holidays.
It is also possible to travel by taxi, but this is more expensive, particularly for inter-city trips. It’s therefore preferable to use shared service taxis.
Several companies provide internal flights between Eilat and Ben Gurion Airport, Sde Dov Airport in north Tel Aviv, or Haifa, but these flights are more expensive.
Busses are the most popular form of public transport in Israel for both local transport and intercity trips. The Egged bus company operates most of the intercity bus lines, as well as the local service in most of the large cities and towns. Local and intercity transport in the Gush Dan area (Tel Aviv and the surrounding suburbs) is provided by the Dan bus company. Bus service in Be’er Sheva and Nazareth is provided by private companies. The fare for all bus lines is reasonable, the busses are comfortable and usually air-conditioned, and there is regular, frequent service.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths in the central bus station in each city or town, or from the driver. Most of the bus lines do not run on Shabbat or on Jewish holidays. Service ends on Friday afternoon and resumes Saturday evening.
Communication
Public pay phones are common in Israel and operate with a magnetic telephone cards (telecard), which are sold at post offices, newsstands and kiosks, and at some hotel reception desks. International calls can be made using a telecard from a public pay phone.
Toll-free numbers in Israel begin with 177.
For local and out of town directory assistance, dial 144 (there is a small charge for this service). When calling out of town, you must dial the zero that begins every area code. To obtain an international operator, dial 188.
City referral service 106
Information desk for tourists in Jerusalem 625-88-44, 629-60-41, 628-03-82
Information desk 146
Airport information desk (03) 972-33-44, in Russian language - 972-33-66
Police 100
Emergency 101
Fire department 102
Tourist police of Jerusalem 539-12-54
[Tags: Tours to Israel]
Туры в Израиль (Russian version)
Capital: Jerusalem
Population: 6.2 million
Official language: Hebrew and Arabic
Ethnic divisions: Jewish 62 %, Islam 13 %, Christianity 5 % and others
Currency: Shekel
Geography
Climate
Population
Food
Export and Import
Transport
Communication
Geography
Israel is a country located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.
It borders Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan in the east, and Egypt on the southwestClimate in Israel
Israel is located, between 29°-33° north of the equator, which is characterized as a subtropical region, between the temperate zone and the tropical zone.
The northern and coastal regions of Israel show Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers and cool rainy winters.
January is the coldest month, with temperatures from 6 C to 18 C, and July at 24 C to 30 C
The rainy season extends from October to early May, and rainfall peaks in December through February. Rainfall varies considerably by regions from the North to the South. Highest rainfall is observed in the North and center parts of the country and decreases in the southern part of Israel, from the Negev Desert to Eilat where rainfall is negligible.
The city of Eilat, located at the southernmost point of Israel and at the northern tip of Red Sea, has a good climate for beach holidays all year round.
During autumn and spring a hot desert wind called the sharav is common.
The Dead Sea's climate offers year-round sunny skies and dry air with low pollution.
It has less than 100 millimeters meant annual rainfall and a summer average temperature between 32 and 39 °C. Winter average temperatures range between 20 and 23 °C.
Population
The population of Israel is 5.9 millions of which 83 percent are Jews. About 27 percent of the world's Jews lived in Israel. About 16 percent of the population of
Israel is Muslims and othersFood in Israel
Israel’s gastronomic variety stems from the wide range of ethnic groups who have settled in the country throughout its existence, and who contributed a rich variety of authentic dishes to the national cuisine. New immigrants are not the only ones who have contributed to the culinary scene. Ethnic groups have added tastes and styles of their own and have expanded the gastronomic experience. All of these have made their mark - resulting in an eclectic style and a fusion of exotic tastes and trends.
Humus, falafel, goulash, or couscous is only some of the choices of cuisine that are available in Israel. The abundance of restaurants, choice of foods, and the unbelievable variety of tastes and aromas are testimony to the richness and liveliness of the cuisine that tourists can enjoy.
The numerous culinary styles available cater to all tastes: sweet and spicy, sour and hot, Oriental and European - all blend together. The choice of dishes, menus and variety of foods are also connected to ethnic customs which give them a traditional air: One can enjoy gefilte fish or kubeh, tajin or cholent, empanadas or Medias, dal or moussaka, and many other dishes with exotic names. Choose from piquant, spicy appetizers, colorful bubbling soups, stuffed vegetables, rich side dishes, cooked, grilled, or fried meat and fish, and sweet or salty desserts.
Food in Israel is tied to the earth, culture, and tradition which give it its tasty and unique qualities. One merely has to choose from Indian, Romanian, Moroccan, Polish, Yemenite, Hungarian, or any other cuisine.
Export and Import
Travelers to Israel may import local and foreign currencies in unlimited amounts. Upon departure, they can export foreign currencies up to the amount they brought into the country on arrival. Local currency can be re-converted to foreign currency up to $US500.
An export permit is required for antiquities. It is prohibited to import perishable food items, particularly fruits and vegetables from Africa. Travelers intending to carry firearms and ammunition into Israel must notify security authorities at Ben Gurion International Airport prior to arrival.
Upon arrival, an airline representative must present the weapons and ammunition to security authorities, who will then interview the traveler.
Transport
Public transportation is convenient, and you can get to almost any destination for a reasonable price.
Israel Railways operates convenient, inexpensive train service. Trains run from Tel Aviv to most of the large cities from Nahariya in the north to Dimona in the south, including Jerusalem and Ben Gurion airport.
Train tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth or vending machine at the station. Seats can also be reserved in advance.
There is refreshment service that includes hot and cold drinks, snacks, and sandwiches on most trains.
Trains do not run on Shabbat or on Jewish holidays.
It is also possible to travel by taxi, but this is more expensive, particularly for inter-city trips. It’s therefore preferable to use shared service taxis.
Several companies provide internal flights between Eilat and Ben Gurion Airport, Sde Dov Airport in north Tel Aviv, or Haifa, but these flights are more expensive.
Busses are the most popular form of public transport in Israel for both local transport and intercity trips. The Egged bus company operates most of the intercity bus lines, as well as the local service in most of the large cities and towns. Local and intercity transport in the Gush Dan area (Tel Aviv and the surrounding suburbs) is provided by the Dan bus company. Bus service in Be’er Sheva and Nazareth is provided by private companies. The fare for all bus lines is reasonable, the busses are comfortable and usually air-conditioned, and there is regular, frequent service.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths in the central bus station in each city or town, or from the driver. Most of the bus lines do not run on Shabbat or on Jewish holidays. Service ends on Friday afternoon and resumes Saturday evening.
Communication
Public pay phones are common in Israel and operate with a magnetic telephone cards (telecard), which are sold at post offices, newsstands and kiosks, and at some hotel reception desks. International calls can be made using a telecard from a public pay phone.
Toll-free numbers in Israel begin with 177.
For local and out of town directory assistance, dial 144 (there is a small charge for this service). When calling out of town, you must dial the zero that begins every area code. To obtain an international operator, dial 188.
City referral service 106
Information desk for tourists in Jerusalem 625-88-44, 629-60-41, 628-03-82
Information desk 146
Airport information desk (03) 972-33-44, in Russian language - 972-33-66
Police 100
Emergency 101
Fire department 102
Tourist police of Jerusalem 539-12-54
[Tags: Tours to Israel]
Туры в Израиль (Russian version)
