Located on the Mediterranean coast, Ashdod was built in 1957. The first modern Israeli settlement in Ashdod was made in 1955, and in 1965 the deepwater port was completed.

It is centered around Israel's largest and newest port which was originally planned chiefly for the export of citrus fruit. Today it is a busy, thriving town with dock facilities and an electric power station.

The Port of Ashdod is situated about 40 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, adjoining the mouth of the Lakhish stream. It is Israel's leading port after Haifa.

Construction is Ashdod's main industry and its manufactures include synthetic fibers, woolen yarn, and knitted goods.

62% of Israel's freight passes through the port of Ashdod. 160,000 tourists travel through the port on about 180 ships every year. Ashdod is one of Israel's three major ports on the Mediterranean Sea.

Ashdod had a population of about 204,400 (In 2006) making it the fifth largest city in Israel.