Population Growth in Israel: A Statistical Overview Ahead of Independence Day 2025

As Israel prepares to celebrate its 77th Independence Day, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reports that the country’s population has reached approximately 10.094 million. This figure includes approximately 7.732 million Jews and others (77.6%), 2.114 million Arabs (20.9%), and 248,000 foreign nationals (2.5%). Compared to the previous year, the population has increased by around 135,000 individuals, reflecting a growth rate of 1.4%.

Key Demographic Changes

Birth and Immigration Statistics

During the past year, Israel saw the birth of approximately 174,000 infants and welcomed around 28,000 new immigrants. The country also recorded about 50,000 deaths, leading to a negative balance of approximately 56,000 Israeli citizens residing abroad. Notably, the number of foreign nationals has grown by roughly 32,000, contributing to the overall population increase.

Historical Context

At the founding of the state in 1948, the population was merely 806,000. The current population marks a more than 12-fold increase since that time. Since the establishment of the state, nearly 3.5 million immigrants have arrived, with about 1.66 million (47.6%) arriving after 1990. Cumulatively, since 1970, approximately 154,000 immigrants have settled in Israel.

Population Characteristics

Youthful Demographics

Israel’s population is characterized by its youthfulness, with about 27% of the population being children aged 0-14 and only 13% aged 65 and older. By the CBS’s estimates, by the 100th Independence Day, the population is expected to reach approximately 15.2 million.

Comparison with Global and Regional Growth Rates

Over the past decade, Israel’s average annual growth rate has been around 1.5%, which is among the highest in the Western world, compared to 0.9% globally, 0.5% among OECD countries, and a mere 0.2% in the European Union. This growth is attributed to both a high fertility rate—close to three children per woman—and ongoing immigration, a uniquely Jewish phenomenon.

Religious and Cultural Composition

Among the Jewish population in Israel, the CBS reports that 11.5% identify as ultra-Orthodox, 12% as religious, 33.5% as traditional-religious, and 43% as secular. Additionally, about start-third of the overall population is aged between 0 and 18.

Global Jewish Population Context

There are approximately 15.8 million Jews worldwide, with over 7 million living in Israel, representing about 45% of the global Jewish population. Historical data reveals that prior to World War II in 1939, there were 16.6 million Jews globally and 449,000 in Israel. Post-establishment of the state in 1948, the number of Jews worldwide was recorded at 11.5 million, with 650,000 residing in Israel (6%).

Public Sentiment and Future Outlook

A recent social survey conducted by the CBS indicates that 91% of respondents express satisfaction with their lives, while 67% are happy with their economic situation. Among the employed population, about 92% express satisfaction with their jobs, and 83% rate their health positively. Looking toward the future, 57% of the population anticipates an improvement in their quality of life, while only 9% predict a decline.

In summary, Israel’s demographic landscape continues to evolve, with robust growth fueled by a combination of high birth rates and immigration. This growth not only reflects the resilience of the population but also provides insights into the socio-economic dynamics at play as the nation approaches another significant anniversary in its history