CBS census: 75.6% of Israelis Jews
Central Bureau of Statistics publishes annual census figures ahead of High Holidays; says 7,243,600 residents living is Israel, notes 1.8% increase in population
The Central Bureau of Statistics published its census Wednesday, ahead of the High Holidays.
According to the report, 2007 saw 7,243,600 residents living in Israel – a 1.8% increase from 2006. Some 75.6% are Jewish, and 20% are Arabs, other denominations make up 4.4% of the populous.
Other figures in the report indicated that Israel welcomed 151,679 new babies in 2007 – a 2.4% increase. Jewish women have 3 children on average, while Arab women have four.
About 247,000 people moved across Israel during 2007, with central Israel being the favorite destination of choice. The Judea and Samaria District was also popular, as 4,900 people relocated to it.
Jerusalem and Haifa, however, did not fare as well, as 6,400 people left the former and 2,200 left the latter in favor of other cities.
Within central Israel, Bnei Brak was found to be the most densely populated city, with 20,680 people per-mile. Bat Yam ranked second, with 15,743 people per-mile.
Positive financial trends
The Central Bureau of Statistics also looked at Israel's finances, its BOP – the balance of payments which measures the payments flow between Israel and all other countries, its international debt and import-export standings.
Israel's BOP surplus in 2007 came to $4.5 billon. Israel's international debt – comprised of credit lines and loan given to Israeli businesses, importers and various financial holdings abroad came to $44.6 billion.
Israel's strongest exports in 2007 were software, computer and research and development services, which made up 51%. Israel's international debt has been steadily declining since 1995.
In 2007, the lion's share of Israeli exports stemmed from services' exports. Software, computer and research and development services made up 51% of Israel's exports, 40% of exports are subsidiary-derived, construction and equipment services came to 8.6% and licensing fees made up 6%. Israel, said the CBS, exports services mostly to the United States (45%).
In 2007, Israel imported goods mostly from the US, China, Russia, Japan, South Africa, the Ukraine, Malaysia and Indonesia.
