Where is Israel located? Discover Israel's position in the Middle East, its neighboring countries, Mediterranean coastline, and key geographic features on the world map.![]()
Israel is located in Western Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea in the Middle East. The country shares borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. Israel also borders the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Its Mediterranean coastline provides access to important maritime trade routes connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Israel covers an area of approximately 22,145 square kilometers, making it a relatively small country in the Middle East. Despite its size, the country has a highly diverse landscape that includes coastal plains along the Mediterranean Sea, fertile valleys such as the Jezreel Valley, mountainous regions like the Galilee and the Judean Hills, and desert areas including the Negev Desert in the south. Israel is also home to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth’s surface.
Israel is administratively divided into several districts. Some of the most important geographic and cultural regions include:
The five largest cities in Israel by population are:
| Official Name: | State of Israel |
|---|---|
| Area: | 22,145 km² |
| Capital: | Jerusalem |
| Population: | Approximately 9.8 million |
| Currency: | Israeli new shekel (ILS) |
| GDP: | Approx. $500 billion (nominal) |
| Per Capita: | Approx. $50,000 (nominal) |
| Time Zone: | Israel Standard Time (IST, UTC+2) |
| Calling code: | +972 |
| Internet TLD: | .il |
Israel holds a strategically significant position at the meeting point of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Located along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the country has historically functioned as an important corridor for trade routes, population movement, and cultural interaction between different civilizations. Its location near key regional powers and major maritime pathways has given Israel lasting geopolitical relevance and continues to shape regional security, politics, and economic activity.
Yes. Israel is situated in Western Asia and is generally regarded as part of the Middle East region.
Israel borders Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. It also shares boundaries with the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and is widely recognized as one of the world’s oldest and most historically important cities.
Israel has a Mediterranean coastline to the west and also reaches the Red Sea through the Gulf of Aqaba in the country’s southern region.
Israel is geographically diverse, featuring Mediterranean coastal plains, the mountainous landscapes of Galilee, the vast Negev Desert in the south, and the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on Earth's surface.