Norfolk is the second-biggest city within the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the USA. Norfolk has a population of around 242,803 inhabitants. The city is the principal independent city and amongst the oldest in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, which includes eight other cities and seven counties. Hampton Roads is unusual when it comes to its political structure of independent cities. The City of Norfolk is also the name of the large harbor at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, that lies to the north of the city. The city is partly surrounded by water. To the west lies the Elizabeth River. The city of Chesapeake lies towards the south and Virginia Beach lies towards the east. The city of Norfolk is the urban center of the region - a financial, cultural, military and historic hub.
Historically, the City of Norfolk has always served as an essential transportation and military point. It is the headquarters of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Norfolk Naval Base is the world's largest naval base. Norfolk Southern Railway corporate head offices are situated here, as is Maersk Line, Limited, providing flag transportation and ship management. An extensive network of Interstate highways, bridges and tunnels connects Norfolk to the rest of the metro cities.
The Virginia Colony governor established four incorporations during 1619. These were known as citties and will later form the basis for colonial representative government within the House of Burgesses. The House of Burgesses was the continents very first assembly of elected English colonial representatives. The area that would later be called the City of Norfolk was put under the Elizabeth Cittie incorporation.
Norfolk has a large amount of riverfront and bayfront property. These waterways have been important for trades across the Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West and even internationally. Chesapeake Bay's deep-water channels are a major trade artery and site for the United States Navy.
In addition to being a commercial and cultural center, the metro area is a key military hub. The city of Norfolk is home to Naval Station Norfolk, situated in the city's northwest corner on Sewell's Point Peninsula. In addition to being the headquarters of the United States Fleet Forces Command, the Station is the head office of the Allied Command Transformation and the United States Joint Forces Command, and home port for the Second Fleet. The fleet is made up of 75 ships and 132 aircraft.