Beersheba

Beersheba or Be'er Sheva (באר שבע) is the largest city on of the Negev desert in Israel. It is often know as the "Capital of the Negev". Its population in 2003 is around 200,000.

It is the administrative center for the southern region and home of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Soroka Hospital, and the Beer-Sheva Symphonietta.

The city dates back at least to the time of Abraham. The town center has streets in a grid-like pattern and was built by the Germans when the area was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. The city has expanded considerably since 1948 and is inhabited mainly by people who originally immigrated to Israel from Arab countries and the former Soviet Union. Many Bedouin live in towns and encampments in the area.