Norfolk is one of the nine cities and seven counties that make up the Hampton Roads metropolitan district and is located at the core. Norfolk has a total of 144 miles of shoreline along rivers, lakes, and the Bay. However, much of this land has been allocated as residential neighborhoods. Located at Chesapeake Bay’s mouth and its deep-water channels are protected. They have served as an essential trade artery for the import and export of goods across the country and internationally. In addition to the city’s commercial activities, it has served as a major military center, especially for the U.S. Navy and home to the Naval Station Norfolk, which is the world’s largest naval installation. The residents of the city are mostly 47% white, 43% African American, 3% Asian, and the rest are from other races.