Israel‘s 66th Independence Day: Israel's Population Grew by 2% Over the Past Year

JERUSALEM - The Central Bureau of Statistics released its traditional Yom Ha’atzmaut statistics report on the citizens of Israel. Israel has now 8,180 million residents, almost ten times more than the 806,000 citizens in its establishment.

The Jewish population stands at 6,135 million, 75% of the entire population. Israel’s Arab citizens constitute 20.7% of its total population, some 1,694 million citizens. 4.3% are listed as “others”, non- Arab Christians and adherents of other religions.

Since the last Independence day Israel’s population has grown by 157,000, a 2% growth, including 178,000 newborn babies and 24,000 new immigrants. 42,000 people have passed away.

At the conclusion of 2012, 75% of the population were “Sabras”, Israeli born, at least half of them second generation Israelis. In 1948, only 35% were "Sabras".

In 1948, only one city had over 100,000 residents – Tel Aviv-Yaffo. Today, 14 cities have over 100,000 residents; six of them have over 200,000 residents – Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Haifa, Rishon Letzion, Ashdod and Petach Tikvah.