The Regional Council encompasses an area of 760,000 dunam (188,000 acres or 294 Sq. miles), possessing unique geographical qualities ranging from sub-tropic to desert and green groves to sand dunes. The wide socio/economic population range has prompted an advanced system of educational, cultural and municipal services.

An integral part of the security and defense efforts of the Negev, the communities of the Eshkol Regional council reflect the major milestones in the history of the State of Israel. The 29 communities, were not only strategic outposts, cast in a supporting role to the IDF in the defense of the Southern Front, but each one has contributed to the settlement and development of the Negev in the over sixty years since the first community was established. The 11,000 people who call the Northwestern Negev home, live in 14 kibbutzim, 13 moshavim, and two residential communities.  Over the years, they have expanded the agricultural activity, have developed industry and have built a vibrant society that they are very proud of.

Education and Culture
The school system meets the educational needs of 2,600 students. Education has always been of the highest concerns to the Regional Council, resulting over the years in a strong financial investment and heavy emphasis. The education system is structured in accordance with population sectors, with separate schools for children from the kibbutzim and moshavim. Though justified in the past, there is a growing public desire to unify the school systems in the near future.

In addition to the required formal education, the Eshkol Regional Council has developed a system of supplementary education consisting of a wide range of activities suited to the needs, abilities and talents of the school age population. This system operates informal after-school activities. Despite the distant from the country's center and the relative smallness of the community as well as the limited resources, students of the Eshkol Regional Council find outlets for their creativity and self-expression in the various music and dance studios, the Center for Creative Arts, and sports centers in the area. In addition, the region boasts a vigorous cultural life for all ages with plays and performances by major and local theatre companies and national stars; concerts, libraries, movies and sport competitions. 

Agriculture and Industry
The unique climatic and soil conditions of the area together with professionalism and modern development have given the local farmers the opportunity to develop their agricultural expertise and quality to outstanding levels.  They have overcome problems of limited water resources by recycling waste water from the urban region around and including Tel Aviv. Field crops such as potatoes, peanuts, wheat, and cotton are extensively cultivated and hot house vegetables and flowers are exported to European, American, and Japanese markets, making them major factors in the area's agricultural economy. A newer agricultural branch is citrus production with thousands of groves having been planted in the last decade, making it one of the upcoming crops in the area. 

In addition to agriculture, many of the kibbutzim and moshavim have established commercial industries, ranging from plastics to chemicals and  printing to hi-tech adding to the technological advance and development of the area and to broader employment opportunities.  There is a desire to support and encourage private initiative.  Those interested receive training and assistance as well as financial direction and advice.

For detailed information about communities, schools, employment and more in the Eshkol Regional Council region, click here.