Israel began its 60th anniversary celebrations Wednesday evening. Israel's population has reached 7.28 million, 75 percent of whom are Jews. 156 thousand babies were born in Israel this year. Israel's population is expected to pass the 10 million mark by the year 2030.
The population of Israel in May of 1948 was 806,000 and only 35% of the Jews were native-born. 70% of Israel's Jews are native-born today. Israel's population grew by 130,000 in the past year, mostly thanks to natural procreation.
Israel's average population density grew from 43 people per square km. in 1948 to 310 people per square km. in 2006.