The Central Bureau of Statistics provided an initial round-up of figures for 2011 today. According to the figures, Israel's gross domestic product rose by 4.8% in 2011, following a similar rise in 2010, and a rise of 0.8% in 2009, the year of emergence from recession.
The Central Bureau of Statistics also reports that in the third quarter GDP grew at an annual rate of 3.5%, which represents a slowdown in comparison with the 3.7% growth rate recorded in the second quarter and 4.8% in the first.
Israel's population grew by 1.9% this year, and GDP per capita rose 2.9%, figures similar to those for 2010. GDP per capita this year was NIS 111.3 thousand, or $31.1 thousand.
Private consumption rose 4% in 2011, after rising 5.3% in 2010. Private consumption per capita rose 2.1%, consumption per capita of durable goods rose 5.6%, and consumption per capita of non-durable goods rose 1.8%.
Investment in fixed assets rose 15.8% in 2011, after rising 13.6% in 2010. Exports of goods and services rose 4.5% in 2011, after rising 13.4% in 2010. The Central Bureau of Statistics attributes the growth in exports in 2011 to 16.2% growth in diamond exports. Exports excluding diamonds rose 3% in 2011, after rising 10.7% in 2010.
Israel's population is 7.8 million on January 1, 2012. 75.3% of the population are Jews, 20.5%, are Muslims, and 4.2% are classified as others. Israel's population rose 1.8%, or 141,000 people, in 2011, the same growth rate as in 2010. 166,800 babies were born during the year, and 17,500 new immigrants arrived.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 29, 2011
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