Stavanger is a city and municipality in the county of Rogaland, Norway. Stavanger was established as a municipality 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt). The rural municipalities of Hetland and Madla merged with Stavanger 1 January 1965.
Stavanger is the 4th largest city in Norway, with a population of 120,798. (2008) and 185,913 (2007) in the conurbation, making the Stavanger-Sandnes city area the third largest in Norway. Stavanger is also the centre of the Stavanger metropolitian area which has a population of 285,895. The city is commonly referred to as the Petroleum Capital of Norway.
The city is a combination of new and old influences. There is a significant foreign influence with the foreign oil interests, the Joint Warfare Center and in recent years a large imigration from Eastern Europe. Norway's oldest cathedral, Stavanger domkirke, is situated right in the city centre. Stavanger has several beautiful lakes, which are popular recreation areas. Breiavatnet is located in the heart of Stavanger, while Mosvatnet and Stokkavatnet are situated right outside. |
