Israel is the worldwide leader in research and development for a variety of industries, including biotechnology, telecommunications, applied sciences, tourism, and agriculture, and is often spoken of as the “land of milk and honey”. A high concentration of venture capital coupled with success in R&D and free trade agreements with Canada, the European Union, and the United States have positioned Israel as a powerhouse in the global marketplace.

Geography

• Size: 20,800 square kilometers
• Population: 6.4 million (2002)
• Israel is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, as well as the West Bank and Gaza Strip, portions of which are controlled by the Palestinian Authority.
• The country has major international access points by both air and sea: David Ben-Gurion International Airport, located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and the ports of Haifa, Ashdod, and Eilat.
• Per capita GDP: $18,900 (2000)
• Languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English, and Russian
  

Industry Strengths

• Over the past two decades, Israel’s chief exports have switched from oranges to high-tech goods and services.
• Companies with primary R&D in Israel include: Microsoft, IBM, Intel, Motorola, and Cisco.
• Israel has more companies traded on the technology-heavy NASDAQ stock exchange than any country outside North America.
• 26 technology business incubators supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade
• Exported $31.5 billion in 2000
• Israeli free trade agreement partners: United States, Mexico, European Union, and European Free Trade Association states

Skilled Workforce

• Israel ranks first globally in the rate of scientists and engineers per 10,000 population (130, 2002).
• The country ranks second in the ratio of issued patents per 1 million population (250, 2002).
• Flair for innovation and entrepreneurial skills
• Trained graduates of the Israel Defense Forces

Educational System

• Israel ranks third worldwide in the rate of population holding a university degree (24%, 2002).
• World class educational institutions: Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, and Ben Gurion University.