Ashdod is a coastal city located in Israel's Southern District, situated on the Mediterranean Sea. It lies approximately 32 kilometers south of Tel Aviv and 20 kilometers north of Ashkelon. As the sixth-largest city in the country, it serves as a major urban center within the region. The city occupies a strategic position where yellow sand dunes meet green lowlands and the blue sea, creating a diverse natural landscape that defines its geographical setting.

Modern Ashdod was established in 1956 on sand hills six kilometers northwest of the ancient site known as Isdud. The ancient city, which had a history spanning roughly 3,700 years, was depopulated during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The new city was founded by the Ashdod Company Ltd., with the first residents arriving in November 1956. It was incorporated as a city in 1968, marking its transition from a developing settlement to an official municipal entity with defined administrative boundaries.

The city is characterized by its planned quarters, including marina districts completed in the 2000s and a central business district. Its development was significantly influenced by industrialist Israel Rogosin, who opened his main factory there in 1960. The urban layout features a main boulevard named in his honor and a well-maintained infrastructure that has earned it recognition for beauty and design. The city's growth is evident in its expansion from a small town to a sprawling metropolis with distinct residential and commercial zones.

Ashdod is renowned for its diverse population, absorbing immigrants from Morocco, Georgia, Russia, and Ethiopia. It hosts the largest Moroccan and Karaite Jewish communities in Israel and the largest Georgian Jewish community globally. This demographic mix creates a unique cultural environment where various traditions coexist. The city also boasts a significant ultra-Orthodox population and offers visitors a blend of historical heritage and modern multicultural life, attracting those interested in its social fabric.

According to verified data, Ashdod had a population of 225,939 as of 2020. Its economy is driven by the Ashdod Port, the largest in Israel, which handles 60% of the country's imported goods. The city is accessible via bus and train from major Israeli cities, with a central bus station and railway connections facilitating travel. While specific climate details are not provided, its coastal location offers mild weather, making it a year-round destination for trade, tourism, and residential living.