Southern District (Israel) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
South District
|
|
---|---|
- transcription(s) | |
• Hebrew | מחוז הדרום |
• Arabic | لواء الجنوب |
![]() |
|
Cities | 12 |
Local Councils | 11 |
Regional Councils | 15 |
Capital | Beersheba |
Area | |
• Total | 14,185 km2 (5,477 sq mi) |
Population
(2016)
|
|
• Total | 1,244,200 |
ISO 3166 code | IL-D |
The Southern District is one of the six main areas, or districts, in Israel. Its name in Hebrew is Meḥoz HaDarom (Hebrew: מחוז הדרום), and in Arabic, it's Liwa' al-Janub (Arabic: لواء الجنوب). This district covers a huge part of the Negev desert. It also includes the Arava valley.
The capital city of the Southern District is Beersheba. The largest city in this district is Ashdod. The Southern District is the biggest district in Israel when you look at its size.
Contents
Exploring the Southern District
The Southern District is a fascinating place. It is mostly covered by the Negev desert. This desert is known for its dry climate and unique landscapes. Even though it's a desert, many people live and work here.
Cities and Towns
The Southern District has many cities and towns. These include 12 cities, 11 local councils, and 15 regional councils.
- Beersheba is the capital. It is often called the "Capital of the Negev." It's a big city with universities and hospitals.
- Ashdod is the largest city in the district. It is an important port city on the Mediterranean Sea. Many goods come into and leave Israel through Ashdod's port.
Nature and Geography
The district's geography is very diverse.
- The Negev Desert covers most of the area. It has dry riverbeds called wadis. There are also impressive craters and rock formations.
- The Arava Valley runs along the eastern border. It is a long, narrow valley. It stretches from the Dead Sea down to the Red Sea. This area is known for its date palm farms.
Population and People
As of 2016, about 1.2 million people lived in the Southern District. People from many different backgrounds live here. This includes Jewish Israelis and Bedouin communities. The Bedouin are a group of nomadic people. Many have settled in towns and villages in the Negev.
Economy and Development
The economy of the Southern District is growing.
- Agriculture is important, especially in the Arava Valley. Farmers use special methods to grow crops in the desert.
- Industry is also present, especially in cities like Ashdod. The port plays a big role in trade.
- Tourism is becoming more popular. Visitors come to see the desert landscapes. They also explore historical sites.
Images for kids
-
The route from Jerusalem to Ashdod
See also
In Spanish: Distrito Meridional (Israel) para niños