Although called the "Dead Sea,” this sea and the whole region surrouning its shores is very much alive. The Dead Sea lies 400 meters below sea level, the lowest point on the earth's surface, and is part of the Syrian - East Africa Rift Valley, with the Judean Mountains to the west and the Moab Mountains to the east.

The Dead Sea is one of the most saline lakes in the world. It is fed mainly by Jordan River from the north, but also by perennial springs and streams from the east and west. Having no outlet, the Dead sea is a "terminal lake" which loses huge large amounts of water by evaporation into the hot and dry air. This results in high concentrations of salts and minerals, a unique composition that is particularly rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, bromine and various others. The Dead Sea brine's chemical composition reflects erosion, as well as the recycling of older deposits.

Leaching of minerals from the geological strata also contributes to the Dead Sea brine and to a number of thermomineral springs along its shores. In addition, alluvial deposits form the much valued Dead Sea mineral mud, also known as Dead Sea therapeutic black mud.

The uniqueness of the Dead Sea has been known for centuries. It is the only place in the world with this particular combination of exclusive spa benefits: unique sun radiation and climatic conditions, enriched oxygen atmosphere, mineral-rich salty sea, thermomineral springs, and mineral-rich mud.

In days of old, Dead Sea water and salt were imported to Italy by Roman nobles. Judean asphalt, the bituminous substance rising to the surface of the lake, was used for many industrial and medicinal purposes. Plants growing in lakeside oases, especially the balsam tree, produced valuable and highly sought after ingredients for cosmetics, perfumes and medicines. Their value was of such great economic importance that wars were fought over their possession. At one point Mark Anthony conquered the Dead Sea area for Cleopatra.

Today, the Dead Sea Works is a major industrial complex which for many decades has extracted potash, bromine and other chemicals for worldwide exports.

The Dead Sea region is also an ideal base for touring Israel. Travel distances are short, with Jerusalem only an hour's drive, and Tel-Aviv 30 minute flight.

The Dead Sea region offers fascinating biblical, archeological and historical sites: such as the mountain fortress of Masada; Qumran, where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found; Ein Gedi, where David found refuge from King Saul: and the first Christian monasteries in the Judean Desert.

Nature sites include the caves and eases of Ein Gedi; the canyons of the Judean Desert; Mount Sodom, an 11 mile long mountain range made of pure salt; and the spectacular Flour Cave, so-called due to its powder-like interior. For the adventurous there is rappelling, rock climbing, and rental of all terrain vehicles [ATV] for exploring otherwise inaccessible desert areas.

In recent years, the Dead Sea area has become a health, rehabilitation, recreation and beauty spa. The combination of the year-round favorable climate, the thriving health and beauty centers, and the unique natural and historical sites, attract both vacationers and health-cure visitors from around the world. Modern facilities and hotels line the shore. As a health spa, the Dead Sea offers patients an opportunity to treat various ailments while enjoying the feeling of well-being that is an important part of the treatment. Many visitors return year after year for long-term relief