Fact 1: Israel is the only country in the world that Revives Dead Languages
One of the astonishing facts about Israel is that it is the only country in the world that ever brought a dead language back to life. Hebrew, which was not spoken for 2000 years, is now the official language used in Israel on a day-to-day basis.
Fact 2: National Love for Reading
Israel has the highest per capita ratio of libraries and museums in the world. Israelis love reading! This fact is evidenced by the sheer number of libraries in the country per inhabitant.
Fact 3: Birthplace of Cherry Tomatoes
While normal tomatoes are a common ingredient worldwide, Israel takes credit for the creation of cherry tomatoes. An Israeli agriculturalist invented the cherry tomato in the 1970s. It has since then become a staple in salads and side dishes across the globe.
Fact 4: Cow-Prodigious Milk Producers
Israel has set a record for the highest milk yield per cow. Israeli cows are giving more milk per cow than those of any other nation. This incredible yield is a result of advanced farming technology and practices.
Fact 5: Leading in water recycling
Israel is the world's leading country when it comes to water recycling. It’s estimated that nearly 90% of the household waste water is treated and reused for agriculture.
Fact 6: The Vegan Nation
Israel has the highest percentage of vegans per capita in the world. With around 5% of its population sticking to a plant-based diet, it's indeed a heaven for vegans.
Fact 7: Land of Immigrants
Israel holds a unique record of having the highest immigrant absorption in the world, relative to its population. It is truly a melting pot of cultures and traditions.
Fact 8: Endless Love for Sun
If you're a sun lover, Israel is your paradise. The southernmost city, Eilat, gets only a handful of rainy days per year. The sun shines almost year-round, keeping the city warm and sunny.
Fact 9: Size Doesn't Matter
Despite being a relatively small country, Israel is among the top countries in the world for its number of startups. It's often refered to as the "Silicon Wadi", a play on the U.S's Silicon Valley.
Fact 10: A Tree-Loving Nation
Israel is the only country that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees, even more impressive given it's mainly desert.
Fact 11: The Holy Land for Religions
Israel is the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity. It also holds religious significance for Muslims, Bahais, and Druze.
Fact 12: Technology Pioneer
Did you know that both the USB flash drive and the popular messaging app, Viber, were invented in Israel? This is testament to Israel's reputation as a global leader in technology and innovation.
Fact 13: Life Expectancy Champion
Israel has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with the average lifespan standing at over 82 years.
Fact 14: Kosher McDonalds
Except for two branches in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Israel is the only place in the world that has kosher McDonald's outlets.
Fact 15: Birds Love Israel
Situated at the junction of three continents, Israel is a significant thoroughfare for migrating birds. Every year, approximately 500 million birds of different species migrate through Israel.
Fact 16: First country to Ban Underweight Models
In an effort to fight anorexia and promote a healthier body image, Israel was the first country to enact legislation banning underweight models from catwalks and advertisements.
Fact 17: World's Most Female Entrepreneurs
Israel also holds a high ranking for female entrepreneurship; it has one of the highest proportions of female entrepreneurs in the world.
Fact 18: Compulsory Military Service
In Israel, military service is compulsory for both men and women. This is one of the few countries in the world with this requirement for both genders.
Fact 19: Largest Amount of Nobel Prize Winners per Capita
Considering its size, Israel has an impressive number of Nobel laureates. Currently, it has the one of the largest number of laureates per capita in the world.
Fact 20: Highest Number of Engineers
Israel boasts the highest number of engineers in the world per capita. It carries a famed reputation for its advancements in the field of engineering.