Negevregion

The Negev region is a desert and semi-arid area in southern Israel. It covers a substantial portion of the country’s land area and stretches from the Beersheba Basin in the north to the Gulf of Aqaba in the south, with the eastern boundary along the Arava Valley. The landscape features arid plains, sandstone hills, and dramatic cratered formations, notably the Ramon Crater.

Climate in the Negev is dry and hot, with low annual rainfall that generally falls well below 200 millimeters in many parts. The region supports a mix of nature reserves, archaeological sites, and agricultural areas, and it contains several notable landscapes and parks such as the Ramon area and the Timna Valley. Infrastructure includes major highways, rail links, and facilities serving both civilian and defense needs.

Population centers and communities: Beersheba is the largest city and serves as the administrative center of the Negev and the Southern District. Other significant urban areas include Eilat on the Red Sea coast, Dimona, Arad, and Mitzpe Ramon. A substantial Bedouin population lives in towns and in scattered communities throughout the desert, with ongoing planning and development considerations. The region hosts educational and research institutions such as Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beersheba.

Economy and development: The Negev’s economy blends agriculture assisted by drip irrigation, solar-energy projects, tourism focused on desert landscapes and historic sites, and high-tech or defense-related activities in certain towns. Tourism sites attract visitors to crater viewpoints, archaeological parks, and nature reserves, while energy projects contribute to Israel’s renewable-energy capacity.