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DestinationsDestinationsOther |
IsraelINTRODUCTION Shalom! The State of Israel, as it is officially called, is a country in Western Asia located on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Jerusalem is the country's capital, the seat of government and also the largest city, while the main financial center is Tel Aviv. Today’s Israel is a country with fascinating contrasts: there are vast deserts and cosmopolitan cities, there’s religious fervor and advanced technologies, and you can fins futuristic skyscrapers and ancient sanctuaries. Also, three major religions encounter each other in Israel - Judaism, Christendom and Islam. The country has a special geographical position, being located in between three continents, Asia, Africa and Europe. Thus, Israel has often been described as a fusion of East and West. HISTORY Israel has often been termed one of the cradles of human civilization. In the course of the past centuries, a number of pre-historical objects produced by humans were found. The city walls of Jericho were built about 9000 years ago. Archeologists discovered traced of the Homo sapiens, developing agriculture and cattle husbandry, religious cults and forms of settlements close to a city culture. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Capital: Jerusalem. Currency: New Israeli Shekel Power: 230 V, 50 Hz Climate: Israel is hot most of the year round. Time Zone: UTC + 2 Languages: Hebrew, Arabic and English In spite of its small size, Israel has a variety of geographic features, from the Negev desert in the south to the mountain ranges of the Galilee, the Carmel and the Golan in the north. Israel spans across the Jordan Rift Valley, which forms a small part of the Great Rift Valley. The Jordan Rift Valley is the most outstanding geological characteristic of Israel as well as the country’s main source of water. The Jordan River runs along the Jordan Rift Valley, from Mount Hermon through the Hulah Valley and the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. Further south is the Arabah, ending with the Gulf of Eilat, which is part of the Red Sea. ATTRACTIONS Possibly one of the most peaceful and relaxing places in the world is on the southern end the Dead Sea. The beauty is overwhelming and the quietness is something to experience first hand. Until you've been there, you couldn't comprehend what peace is. RESTAURANTS NIGHTLIFE LODGING PERSONAL STORIES 
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