Key Takeaways:
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Israel is a small country with a total area of approximately 22,145 square kilometers.
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Despite its small size, Israel boasts diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and coastlines.
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Israel's compact geography plays a significant role in its cultural and historical richness.
Geographical Size of Israel
Israel covers a total area of approximately 22,145 square kilometers (8,630 square miles), making it one of the smaller countries in the world.
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Length: About 470 kilometers (290 miles) from north to south.
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Width: Varies between 15 kilometers (9 miles) at its narrowest point and 135 kilometers (84 miles) at its widest.
Israel’s geographic size is modest, but its cultural, historical, and geopolitical importance gives it a far larger presence on the world stage.
Comparing Israel to Other Countries
One of the most common comparisons made is between Israel and the U.S. state of New Jersey.
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Both Israel and New Jersey share a similar land area, with New Jersey covering about 22,591 square kilometers (8,721 square miles).
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Despite their similar sizes, Israel has a more diverse geographic landscape, including mountains, deserts, and coastlines.
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Like New Jersey, Israel is densely populated, with urban centers playing a key role in economic and cultural life.
For context, Israel is significantly smaller than neighboring Middle Eastern countries:
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Saudi Arabia: 2.15 million square kilometers.
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Egypt: 1 million square kilometers.
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Syria: 185,000 square kilometers.
However, Israel's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa amplifies its importance far beyond its physical dimensions.
Israel's Diverse Landscapes
Despite its compact size, Israel contains an incredible variety of landscapes:
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The Coastal Plain: Home to vibrant cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa.
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The Negev Desert: Covering over half of Israel's land area, it features stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity.
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The Jordan Valley: A fertile agricultural zone that plays a significant role in food production.
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Mountain Ranges: Including the Carmel and Galilee mountains, offering lush greenery and historical sites.
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The Dead Sea: The lowest point on Earth, renowned for its therapeutic waters and historical significance.
This geographic diversity is one of the reasons Israel is such a popular destination for travelers, offering everything from desert adventures to coastal relaxation.
Population Density in Israel
With a population of over 9 million people, Israel is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, more densely populated than almost 90% of countries.
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Urban Centers: The majority of the population lives in major cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
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Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area: Known as the economic and technological hub of the country.
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Jerusalem: A city of immense spiritual significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
In comparison, New Jersey also ranks among the most densely populated U.S. states, highlighting another similarity between these two regions.
Strategic Importance of Israel's Size
Despite being small in size, Israel's geographical location has always given it strategic significance.
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It serves as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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Its access to the Mediterranean Sea allows for crucial trade routes.
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Historically, its fertile valleys and water resources have made it a desirable land for empires and civilizations.
A Land of Innovation and Growth
Israel’s small size hasn’t prevented it from becoming a global leader in technology, agriculture, and innovation.
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Known as the 'Startup Nation', Israel has one of the highest numbers of startups per capita in the world.
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Innovations in water desalination, cybersecurity, and medical technology continue to impact global industries.
Conclusion
So, How Big is Israel? While geographically small, Israel’s cultural, historical, and strategic importance cannot be overstated. Similar in size to New Jersey, Israel stands out with its diverse landscapes, dense population, and innovative spirit. Its small physical dimensions are contrasted by its outsized global influence. Celebrate Israel's heritage and significance with pride through ShopIsrael.com's pro-Israel merchandise.
