Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is located on the shores of the Atlantic in the north-east of the island of Gran Canaria, 150 km off the coast of Africa. Founded in 1478, it is the most populated city in the Canary Islands, with some 380 000 inhabitants. It is the capital of the province of Gran Canaria and is the joint capital of the archipelago, alongside Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is connected to the rest of the world via its port, the busiest in the Middle Atlantic area, and by Gran Canaria airport. Its economy is dominated by the services sector, with a particular focus on trade and tourism. It is home to the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the diplomatic institution Casa África.