Fact Check: Israel is the only country with a majority Jewish population.

What We Know

Israel is indeed the only country where Jews constitute a majority of the population. According to the World Factbook, approximately 73.2% of Israel's population identifies as Jewish, which translates to about 7.2 million people. This demographic is significant as it represents nearly half of the global Jewish population. Additionally, the Demographics of Israel confirms that the Jewish population in Israel is predominantly composed of various ethnic backgrounds, including Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews.

The country was established in 1948 as a Jewish state, and its identity is deeply rooted in Jewish culture and history. The Wikipedia entry on Israel notes that while Israel is a multi-ethnic society, it is recognized as a Jewish state, which is enshrined in its laws.

Analysis

The claim that Israel is the only country with a majority Jewish population is supported by multiple credible sources. The World Factbook provides reliable demographic data, which is widely used by researchers and policymakers. The figure of 73.2% Jewish population is corroborated by other demographic studies, including those found in Wikipedia.

However, it is important to note that while Israel has a Jewish majority, it also has a significant Arab minority, comprising approximately 21% of the population, which includes Muslims, Christians, and Druze. This demographic complexity is often highlighted in discussions about Israel's identity and governance, as seen in reports from AP News and The Times of Israel.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high. The World Factbook is produced by the CIA and is considered a trusted resource for country-specific information. Wikipedia, while user-generated, is often cited for its comprehensive coverage and is regularly updated with information from credible references.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Israel is the only country with a majority Jewish population" is accurate based on the demographic data available. Israel's establishment as a Jewish state and the significant percentage of Jews within its population affirm this statement. While the country is home to a diverse mix of ethnicities and religions, the Jewish majority is a defining characteristic of Israel.