According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics published today (Sunday), Israel's population on the eve of its 78th Independence Day stands at approximately 10 million and 244 thousand people.
According to the data, 76% of the population are Jews and others, 21.1% Arabs and approximately 2.9% foreigners.
Since last year, the population has grown by about 146,000 people, with about 177,000 babies born during the year and about 21,000 new immigrants arriving.
During the year, about 48,000 people died.
The balance of Israelis residing abroad was about 45,000 (negative), and 5,000 people arrived as part of family reunification.
Israel is considered a very young country: about 271% of the population are children aged 0-14, and only about 131% are 65 or older.
The data also shows that Israel's population continues to grow at a rapid rate relative to the Western world, with the increase stemming from a combination of a high birth rate, immigration to Israel, and long life expectancy.
In addition, Israel is considered a young country, with an especially high proportion of children and teenagers in the population.
Since the establishment of the state, Israel's population has grown more than 12-fold, from only 806,000 in 1948. Today, about 451% of all Jews in the world live in Israel.
Despite the security situation and the media's dismal performance, Israelis report high levels of satisfaction: Israel ranks 8th in the UN's World Happiness Index for 2026. 91% are satisfied with life, and 96% are satisfied with their relationship with their family members.
83% rate their health as good or very good.
Life expectancy has increased by almost 20 years since the establishment of the state, and as of 2024 stands at 81.1 years for men and 85.5 years for women - data that includes those killed in the 'Iron Swords' War.
The average salary for a salaried position climbed from 2,328 NIS in the 1990s to 13,919 NIS in 2025.
In 1959, only 31% of households had a car; today, the figure is 71.91%.
The number of vehicles on the roads jumped from 0.54 million in the 1980s to 4.35 million in 2025.
According to CBS forecasts, the trend is expected to continue: on Israel's 100th Independence Day, the year 2048, the population is expected to reach 15.2 million people, and in 2065 it is expected to cross the 20 million mark.
