Haifa ( , ,
colloquial ; ) 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 including
Daliyat al-Karmel, the
Krayot,
Nesher,
Tirat Carmel, and some
Kibbuzim. Together these areas form a contiguous urban area home to nearly 600,000 residents which makes up the inner core of the
Haifa metropolitan area. It is also home to the
Bahá'í World Centre, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and destination for Baha'i pilgrims.