The Dead Sea region, located in Israel, and at the lowest
point on earth is famous for its salts and mud which promote health and
have various healing properties .
This mineral-rich basin is situated in
the Syrian-African Rift Valley which came into existence over three million
years ago. From the time of Cleopatra people have used the salts and mud
from the Dead Sea for health and beauty purposes. The increased concentration
of minerals found in the mud and salts are as a result of an evaporation
process which has continued for thousands of years. The Dead Sea yields
great concentrations of natural elements which assist in skin maintenance
and rejuvenation. Some of the minerals extracted are exported throughout
the world for use in medicine, agriculture and industry.
There are archeological
ruins to be found all over this area in addition to all the health and
beauty products. Thus the Dead Sea region is very attractive to tourists,
containing all the key components for a great holiday. The air is extremely
dry, and temperatures are high throughout the year, max. 86° [30° C])
during winter, and 104° [40° C] during summer making the Dead Sea
a prime vacation destination. The region, although dry and arid has an
unusual variety of flora and fauna. Endangered animals such as ibex, rock
hyrax and leopards are to be found in this area. The area also serves as
an important site for migratory birds which cross Europe and Africa annually.
Some birds also frequent this area for a time every year, such as the “dead
sea sparrow”.
