Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country located in the Middle East region of Asia. It is bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, Egypt to the southwest, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Israel also has control over the West Bank and Gaza Strip, though these areas are disputed territories with the Palestinians.
Israel was established in 1948 as a homeland for the Jewish people, but its creation was followed by a war with neighboring Arab states. The country's modern history has been marked by ongoing conflict, particularly with the Palestinians and other Arab nations.
It has a diverse culture, with a mix of Jewish communities from around the world, as well as substantial Arab and Christian populations. Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages. Jerusalem is its capital and largest city, though this is controversial as East Jerusalem is considered occupied Palestinian territory by the international community.
The nation is known for its high standards of living, strong education system, and robust economy. It is a world leader in technological and scientific research, a pioneer in high-tech and start-up companies.
Israel is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system. It also is renowned for its historical and religious significance, housing sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Despite its relatively small size, Israel's landscapes are varied ranging from desert in the south, to mountains and valleys in the north.
