Country information

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Area: 21,000 sq. km
Population: 7m
Capital City: Israel maintains that Jerusalem is its capital city, a claim not recognised by the international community (see below)
People: Jews (76%), Muslims (16.1%), Christians (3.4%) and Druze
Languages: Hebrew, Arabic (official). English and Russian widely spoken
Religion(s): Judaism, Islam and Christianity
Currency: New Israeli Shekel (NIS)
Political parties:Kadima, Labour, Likud, Shas, Israel Beitenu, National Union-National Religious Party, Gil (pensioners), United Torah Judaism, Meretz, United Arab List, Hadash, Balad.
Government: Coalition led by Kadima with Labour and Gil
Head of State: President Shimon Peres
Prime Minister: Ehud Olmert
Foreign Minister: Tzipi Livni
Membership of international groups/organisations: Internationa Monetary Fund, United Nations and World Bank.

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