Few countries have been the focal point of more substantial and continuing international attention and aroused more controversy than Israel. War and the quest for peace have been dominant themes in Israel's history and have affected all aspects of its national and international situation. Despite this preoccupation with survival and security, Israel has integrated millions of disparate immigrants into a single Israeli population. It continues the long history of the Jewish people in a modern state, and it has attained notable achievements in the sciences, arts, and education. Although much has been written about Israel, this volume fills a void in the literature by providing a convenient reference work in which the reader can obtain objective information about people, places, and events. Utilizing a dictionary format, it provides information on history, politics, international relations, society, culture, economics, military affairs, demography, and geography.