ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Geography of Israel

Israel is a country in the Middle East. It is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is bordered by Lebanon to the north, Jordan to the east, Syria to the northeast, Egypt to the southwest, and the Palestinian territories (Gaza Strip and West Bank) to the east and west.

Israel is a small country, only about the size of New Jersey in the United States. It is divided into three main regions: the coastal plain, the central highlands, and the Jordan Rift Valley.

The coastal plain is a narrow strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea. It is the most populated area of Israel and is where the major cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa are located. The central highlands, also known as the Judean Hills and Samarian Hills, are a series of mountains that run through the center of Israel. Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is located in the central highlands.

The Jordan Rift Valley is a long, narrow valley that runs from the Sea of Galilee in the north to the Red Sea in the south. It is part of the Great Rift Valley that extends from Syria to Africa. The Jordan River flows through the valley and is an important source of fresh water for Israel.

Israel has a varied climate due to its location between the Mediterranean Sea and the desert. The coastal plain has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The central highlands have a more temperate climate, with cooler temperatures and more precipitation. The Jordan Rift Valley is hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F during the summer.

In terms of natural resources, Israel has limited water and arable land. However, it has a highly developed economy and is a world leader in technology, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity and agricultural innovations. Despite its small size, Israel has a rich history and cultural heritage, and is considered a holy land for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.