Ofakim ( ), (lit. "horizons") is a city in southern Israel, 20 kilometers west of Beersheba. It was founded as a development town on April 19, 1955.

History

Ofakim was established as a regional center for the rural communities in the area. The early residents were immigrants from North Africa and India.

Demographics

According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), at the end of 2007 the city had a population of 24,700.In 2001, the ethnic makeup of the city was 99.7% Jewish and other non-Arab, with no significant Arab population. There were 11,200 males and 11,800 females - 41.8% 19 years of age or younger, 14.5% between 20 and 29, 18.5% between 30 and 44, 12.5% from 45 to 59, 3.6% from 60 to 64, and 9.1% 65 years of age or older. The population growth rate in 2001 was 0.6%.

Economy

In 2000, there were 5,655 salaried workers and 300 self-employed. The mean monthly wage for a salaried worker was NIS 3,728, a real change of 7.5% over the course of 2000. Salaried males had a mean monthly wage of NIS 4,761 (a real change of 10.1%) versus NIS 2,744 for females (a real change of 2.2%). The mean income for the self-employed was 4,776. There were 526 people receiving unemployment benefits and 3,538 receiving an income supplement.

Education

There are 19 schools and 4,704 students in the city - 13 elementary schools (3,079 students), and 8 high schools (1,625 students). 43.3% of 12th grade students were entitled to a matriculation certificate in 2001.

Sports

One of Israel's 14 tennis centers is located in Ofakim. It opened in 1990 and has six courts. The city also has a soccer stadium.

Development plans

A train station is slated to open in 2010 with a car park for 1,000 cars, and an old industrial building is being converted into an art museum.

References

1. [1] New Horizons for Ofakim
2. [2] New Horizons for Ofakim