Haifa is the largest city in northern Israel, and the third largest city in the country, with a population of over 277,082. Another 300,000 people live in towns directly adjacent to the city. Built on the slopes of Mount Carmel, the history of settlement at the site spans more than 3,000 years. Today the city is a major seaport located on Israel's Mediterranean coastline in the Bay of Haifa. It is located about 56 mi north of Tel Aviv and is the major regional center of northern Israel.