- December 31, 2024
- 3:24 pm
- Israel
Israel has officially crossed the symbolic mark of 10 million inhabitants. making it one of the most populous countries in the world. But with this achievement, the country faces new challenges that require a strategic approach.
About this writes Ynet December 27, 2024, citing data from the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (הלשכה המרכזית לסטטיסטיקה).
Changes in statistics
Modern criteria for calculating the population of Israel take into account several important factors that reflect the real demographic picture:
- Citizens living abroad. If an Israeli citizen spends more than 275 days abroad during the year, of which 90 days are consecutive, he is not included in the total population.
- Palestinians. Residents of Judea and Samaria are not considered residents of Israel. However, Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, as well as Druze from the Golan Heights, are among the residents, despite the fact that most of them are not citizens of the state.
- Foreigners with a work permit. People who have received a valid work permit in Israel, as well as tourists who remain in the country after their visa expires, are included in the statistics. In 2024 their number is estimated at 215,000.
- Foreigners without a visa. People who entered the country without a visa or in violation of immigration laws are not counted in the total population.
Despite such restrictions, Israel's population growth rate remains one of the highest in the world at 1.9% per year. This is an indicator that sets Israel apart from other developed countries.
According to Professor Sergio Della-Pergola, these changes helped Israel reach the 10 million mark.
A little history
When the first census was conducted in 1948, only about 872 thousand people lived in Israel. Since then, the country has gone through several major waves of immigration:
- 1950s–60s: repatriation of Jews from the Middle East and North Africa.
- 1990s: mass immigration from the countries of the former USSR.
- Modernity: stable immigration from Europe and North America.
The key growth factors were:
- High birth rate – approx. 3 children per woman.
- Successful integration of new citizens.
- Growth of the working-age population.
Modern challenges: population density and infrastructure
With a strength of 10 million and density 461 people per square kilometerIsrael is one of the most populous countries in the world.
Population concentration in the center of the country
Near 40% of the population lives in the Tel Aviv area, which causes:
- Overload of the transport system.
- Queues in the healthcare system.
- Lack of places in educational institutions.
Government efforts
To solve these problems, the government launched major infrastructure projects:
- Light rail transport in Tel Aviv.
- Metro constructionwhich will take years.
- Development of the northern and southern regions, including the Negev and Haifa.
| Region | Main projects | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Haifa | Closing polluting factories, building housing | Ecological development |
| Negev | Relocation of military bases | Infrastructure development |
| Tel Aviv | Metro, light rail | Unloading the center of the country |
By 2050: 16 million inhabitants?
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, by 2050, Israel's population could grow to 16 million people. This will provide:
- Economic growth.
- Increasing working-age population.
However, population growth also brings risks:
- Limited land resources.
- Urbanization and environmental problems.
- Climate challenges.
What makes Israel unique?
Israel is the only developed country where the birth rate exceeds 3 children per womanwhile in other countries this figure does not reach 2 children.
Results
Population growth is not only a success, but also a challenge. Israel will have to:
- Balance between economic development and quality of life.
- Invest in the regions.
- Promote social inclusion.
Reaching the 10 million mark is an important step for a country that remains a symbol of demographic stability and national unity.
Read more educational materials on the website NAnews – Israel News.
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