Kibbutz is a kind of communal settlement unique to Israel. About 287 Kibbutzim (plural of Kibbutz) exists today, making about 1.8% of the population of Israel, about 7% of the Israeli industry and more than 50% of the Israeli agriculture. The kibbutzim owns a vast variety of industrial plants, producing everything from rags to high-tech, for export as well as domestic consumers. The kibbutzim industry as a group is one of the biggest employers in Israel, providing salary and dignity not only to Kibbutz member but also to new immigrants, Israeli Arabs and Israelis in general.