Norway, Stavanger

Stavanger is a city and municipality in the county of Rogaland, Norway. Stavanger was established as a municipality January 1, 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt). The rural municipalities of Hetland and Madla merged with Stavanger January 1, 1965.

The city is a combination of new and old influences. There is a significant foreign influence with the nearby Joint Warfare Center, a base where rotating NATO forces (but not permanently stationed foreign forces) are stationed, as well as foreign oil interests. Norway's oldest cathedral, Stavanger domkirke, is situated right in the city centre.

History

Stavanger fulfilled an important urban role even prior to its founding in the year 1125 around the time the Stavanger bishopric was established in the 1120s. A number of historians have argued convincingly that Nord-Jæren was an economic and military centre as far back as the 800-900s with the consolidation of the nation at Hafrsfjord.

In 1969, a new upswing started as oil was first discovered in the North Sea. After much discussion, Stavanger was chosen to be the on-shore center for the oil industry on the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, and a period of hectic growth followed.

The Norse form of the name was Stafangr. Originally this was the name of an inlet (now called Vågen). The first element of the name is stafr m 'staff, stick'.

Economy

Starting in the 1880s, industry grew in Stavanger, primarily based on treatment and exports of fish and fish-products. The industry was however one-sided which left it vulnerable to changes in demand and was therefore particularily hard hit by the economical depressions between World War I and World War II.

After World War II, the canning-industry hit difficulties. Increased competition from abroad and old machinery led to decrease which was only partially compensated by an increase in shipping and boat-building.

After petroleum-exploration and production became the most important business sector in the Stavanger area during the mid 1970s, business and cultural climate has changed considerably.

The city of Stavanger is now running out of land for future development for housing and industry. To rectify this, the administration has approached the neighboring municipalities to propose a merger.

Culture

Stavanger and its region, along with Liverpool, United Kingdom, has been selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2008. The Stavanger2008 vision is expressed through the concept "Open Port".

Every May, Stavanger is host to MaiJazz, the Stavanger International Jazz Festival. The International Chamber Music Festival takes place every August. Stavanger was the host port of the Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Race in 1997 and 2004.

Sport and Recreation

The largest local football club Viking F.K., plays in the Norwegian Premier League (2007). The club plays its home matches at the football stadium, Viking Stadion, which was opened in 2004.

Stavanger Oilers plays in the Norwegian ice hockey elite league, GET-ligaen. The handball team Stavanger Håndball plays in the Norwegian elite league.

Transport

Access to Stavanger is provided through the road E39 from Kristiansand and north on the west coast, Stavanger Airport, Sola with connection to domestic and international destinations, including Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, a port serving international ferries to Newcastle, UK and Hirtshals, Denmark and domestic ferries to Tau and train from Oslo.

The city has a number of bus services and taxis. The public transportation system does not use subways or small trains. There are two tunnel projects planned: Ryfast and Rogfast.