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Last Updated:June 16, 2025, 16:59 IST
Israel, often in the news for geopolitical tensions with Iran, is located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Despite its small size, it excels in science and technology
Geographically, Israel is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, near Europe. (AI Generated/News18 Hindi)
Israel, a country that frequently makes global headlines due to its ongoing geopolitical tensions, is currently in the spotlight amid escalating hostilities with Iran. Geographically, its unique position adds to the curiosity.
The country that is probably in the news the most in the world after America is Israel. In many cases, it is a nation that has managed to turn situations in its favour even in the worst of times. Over the years, it has become so powerful that anyone who dares to challenge it now faces serious consequences.
Israel ranks among the top nations in science, research, and software. Its innovations—from creating greenery in deserts to advancing weapon production—have made the world take notice. Despite its small size, the country continues to amaze with its achievements, particularly for the continent it lies in.
Some believe Israel is in Africa, others place it in Europe, and some say Asia. The confusion arises because all three continents seem to converge near its location. Since it borders Egypt, many assume it’s part of Africa—but that’s not accurate either.
Middle East: A Region At The Crossroads Of Three Continents
Israel is located in Asia, specifically in the Middle East—a region that spans parts of three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. This geographical overlap often leads to confusion about Israel’s continental identity.
Israel’s Size Compared To This Indian State
Israel covers a total area of 22,145 square kilometers (8,630 square miles), of which 21,671 square kilometers is land. It stretches about 420 km in length and 115 km in width. Despite its small size—comparable to the Indian state of Mizoram—Israel’s geographical location is strikingly unique and strategically important.
Israel’s Place At The Intersection of Asia, Africa And Europe
Israel’s geographical position places it at a unique crossroads, where three major continents—Asia, Europe and Africa—seem to converge. It’s often described as being under the gaze of all three, situated at their junction. While Israel is officially part of Asia, the cultural and historical influences of Africa and Europe are deeply embedded in its society, shaping everything from its demographics to its diplomacy.
Neighbouring Countries
Israel shares its borders with six countries or regions: Egypt (in Africa), Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the West Bank, and the Palestinian territory of Gaza. This diverse set of neighbours adds to the complexity of its regional interactions.
The World’s Largest And Most Populous Continent
The continent of Asia, where Israel is situated, is the largest in the world both in terms of area and population. It lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and shares its western borders with Europe. In fact, Asia and Europe together are sometimes referred to as Eurasia due to their interconnected landmass.
There are a total of 195 countries in the world, spread across different continents. Asia is home to 48 countries, making it one of the most geopolitically diverse regions. Africa has the highest number with 54 countries, followed by Europe with 44, North America with 23, Australia and Oceania with 14, and South America with 12. Antarctica is also considered a continent; however, it is not counted among the inhabited continents since it has no permanent residents or recognized countries.
Distance Between India And Israel
Israel is approximately 3,854 kilometers from India. A direct flight takes around 8 hours, with about six flights operating between the two countries every week.
Why Israel Is Often Mistaken As Part Of Africa
There is often confusion about Israel being located in Africa due to its geographic and cultural proximity to the continent. Israel sits between Asia and Africa, near the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, which connects the two continents. It shares borders with Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria—among which Egypt lies in Africa. This often leads people to mistakenly assume that Israel is part of Africa.
Additionally, Israel has historical and political ties with several African nations, including Ethiopia, Sudan, and Morocco. The presence of African-origin Jewish communities, such as Ethiopian Jews, has also contributed to this misconception. Maps and news reports that group the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) together further add to the confusion.
Why Israel Is Mistaken For A European Country
Some people have the misconception that Israel is located in Europe, although in reality, it is part of Asia (specifically, the Middle East). There are several reasons behind this confusion.
European Jews (Ashkenazi), who settled in the region after the Holocaust, played a major role in the establishment of Israel in 1948. European influence is still clearly visible in Israel’s culture, education, and economy, which leads many to perceive it as a European country.
Israel also participates in Europe-centric events like the UEFA (European Football Association) and the Eurovision Song Contest, adding to the confusion. Its strong economic and scientific ties with the European Union further reinforce this perception.
Geographically, Israel is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, near Europe. A large number of European tourists and direct flight connections strengthen the impression of its European affiliation. While Israel is geographically in Asia, it is often considered part of the “Western world" due to its political and cultural alignment with Europe and the US.
Location :Israel
First Published:News world Why There’s So Much Confusion About Which Continent Israel Belongs To
