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Israel is located in Southwest Asia between the Mediterranean and the deserts of Syria and Arabia. The country's geographical borders are the Mediterranean to the West, the Jordan Valley Rift to the East, the mountains of Lebanon to the North with Eilat Bay marking the country's southern tip. Although small in territory, Israel's landscape and climate are varied, and its dense population does not interfere with a wealth of plants and wildlife, as well as many natural attractions.

Israel is a country in the Middle East, on the narrow region connecting Africa and Asia. The State of Israel occupies most of the region known as the Land of Israel.

Israel is a developed country, located in a region that is geographically and climatically diversified. There are snow-capped mountains in the north alongside dry wildernesses in the south, and desolate areas alongside modern lively cities. Israel’s ethnic and religious mosaic is rich and fascinating, and it has numerous cultural institutions and entertainment centers. Thanks to its rich history and sanctity for the three monotheistic religions, it has many ancient and holy sites. Most of the year, the climate in Israel is pleasant, and you can tour the country the whole year round. However, it is recommended to visit during fall and spring (September – November, April – June), when the temperature is especially pleasant.

Hebrew, the language of the Bible, and Arabic are the official languages of Israel. Hebrew, Arabic and English are compulsory subjects at school. French, Spanish, German, Yiddish, Russian, Polish and Hungarian are widely spoken.

Local and international newspapers and periodicals in a number of languages are readily available. All street and most commercial signs are in Hebrew and English and often in Arabic.

Religion in Israel is unique in that Israel is the only country in which Judaism is the religion of the majority of citizens. Israel is an explicitly Jewish state, both ethnically and religiously. Israel's official policy is to preserve this aspect of the country's character. However, Israel is not a theocracy and other religions are respected. According to the Israeli Ministry of Interior, 77% of the population states their religion as Judaism, 16% as Islam, and the remainder as Christianity or unclassified.

The food in Israel is as varied as the population living there. “Israeli cuisine” is a concept which is evolving from the many cooking traditions and the local raw materials. Most of Israel’s Jewish inhabitants are immigrants from eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and North Africa, who brought with them long-standing traditions of Jewish food that developed in the area where they lived, so that you can find couscous in Israel alongside gefilte fish.

Besides its being a country of immigrants, Israel is a Middle East country, part of whose inhabitants are Arabic, and their influence is felt in dishes such as humus, tehina and falafel, as well as in many rice dishes. Israel is also a western country, is influenced by world events, and spires to keep astride of all world changes and vogues, including culinary trends.

Although McDonalds and other hamburger and pizza chains thrive in Israel, the world race after the Mediterranean Basin diet and eating culture can be felt here. In recent years a thriving quality wine industry has developed along with olive oil manufacturers and quite a few small dairies that produce French-style cow and goat cheeses. Fish and seafood have also started playing a major part in the menus of local restaurants, as befits a country located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

In Israel, you can eat Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Arab and American food. You can eat in simple workers’ restaurants or in prestigious chef restaurants. Most of the restaurants and coffee houses in between the latter two offer a menu composed of dishes that have become popular with the local population over the years, and which is based on sandwiches, pastas, fish, vegetables and meat.

Like anywhere else in the world, it is advisable to use common-sense when choosing a place to eat, and to enter places that look clean and pleasant, and where there is a large turnover of diners. Many restaurants have a menu in English. In those that don’t, you’ll always find a waiter who speaks reasonable English and can explain the menu. Most restaurants and food stalls are open non-stop from the morning until the evening hours. Restaurants which are also bars remain open until the small hours of the night. In the major cities, especially in Tel Aviv, you can find something to eat at any hour of the day or night.

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