Adana-Mersin metropolitan area lies in the core area of Çukurova and with a population of 3 million, it is one of Turkey's major business and cultural centres. The metropolitan area stretches over 100 km from east to west and 25 km from north to south and includes the cities of Mersin, Tarsus, Adana and Ceyhan. Along state road D400 from Mersin to Ceyhan, large scale industries, businesses that serve the entire metropolitan area, are lined up, leaving almost no farmland at the side of the road.
The metropolitan area is polycentric in nature; Adana and Mersin being two hubs. Commuting to work is mostly one-way, towards Adana. Transportation of agricultural and industrial goods is mostly towards Mersin, which hosts the third largest seaport in Turkey.
Commuting to school is mostly towards Adana and Mersin, both home of a large state university. Tarsus attracts students in the metropolitan area with Tarsus American College, one of the most popular high schools of Turkey. Çağ University, on the midway from Tarsus to Adana, is a commuter university serving the students who reside in Adana, Tarsus and Mersin.
Cultural trips are usually both ways as Mersin is also a major city of arts and culture. Çukurova State Symphony Orchestra concerts and Adana State Theater plays in Adana and Mersin State Opera and Ballet performances in Mersin and Tarsus are the major cultural events of the area. Tarsus, as being in the middle of the metropolitan area, attracts metropolitan residents with its well-preserved history and culture. In summers, many metropolitan residents drive to their cottages in Erdemli and further west.
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Adana-Mersin metropolitan area has 4 major urban areas.