On the eve of its 78th Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel is reporting strong demographic and economic growth, with new figures showing the population has reached more than 10.2 million people.

According to data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics ahead of the national celebration, Israel’s population now stands at approximately 10.244 million, reflecting an increase of about 146,000 residents since last year. The growth is driven by a combination of high birth rates, with roughly 177,000 babies born over the past year, along with approximately 21,000 new olim who have chosen to settle in the country.

From a historical perspective, the figures highlight extraordinary growth since the founding of the state in 1948, with the population expanding more than twelvefold. Today, about 45 percent of the world’s Jewish population lives in Eretz Yisroel, reinforcing its role as the national and spiritual center of the Jewish people.

Demographically, around 76 percent of residents are classified as Jews and others, 21.1 percent are Arabs, and approximately 2.9 percent are foreign nationals. Israel continues to stand out as a relatively young country compared to other developed nations, with about 27 percent of its population made up of children and teenagers, and only around 13 percent aged 65 and older—figures that point to continued growth and vitality.

Despite ongoing security challenges, surveys show high levels of satisfaction among residents. Israel ranks eighth in the United Nations’ 2026 World Happiness Report, with about 91 percent of citizens reporting overall satisfaction with their lives. Even higher, 96 percent say they are satisfied with their family relationships.

Health indicators have also improved steadily over the years. Life expectancy has risen by nearly two decades since the state’s founding and now stands at 81.1 years for men and 85.5 years for women.

Economically, the country has undergone significant transformation. Average salaries have climbed from roughly 2,000 shekels in the 1990s to more than 13,900 shekels in 2025. Car ownership has similarly increased, with about 72 percent of households now owning at least one vehicle, compared to just 3 percent in the late 1950s.

Looking ahead, projections from the Central Bureau of Statistics indicate continued growth, with Israel expected to surpass 15 million residents by its centennial in 2048 and exceed 20 million by 2065.

{Matzav.com}