Rogaland

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Rogaland

Rogaland is a county in Norway, bordering Hordaland, Telemark, Aust-Agder and Vest-Agder.

Geography

Rogaland is mainly a coastal region with fjords, beaches and islands, the principal island being Karmøy. Boknafjorden is the largest bay, with many fjords branching off from it.

The third largest urban area of Norway is located in Rogaland. Stavanger, along with Sandnes, Randaberg and Sola, is ranked above Trondheim when it comes to population.

Cities/towns: Stavanger, Sandnes, Haugesund, Egersund, Sauda, Bryne, Kopervik and Jørpeland

Karmøy has large deposits of copper (some of which was used in the construction of the Statue of Liberty). Rogaland is the most important region for oil and gas exploration in Norway, and is one of the country's most important agricultural districts.

Districts

The county is conventionally divided into traditional districts. These are Haugalandet north of Boknafjorden, Ryfylke in the mountainous east, Jæren to the southwest and Dalane in the far south.

History

In the district are remains from the earliest times, such as the excavations in a cave at Viste in Randaberg (Svarthola). These include the find of a skeleton of a boy from the Stone Age. Various archeological findings stem from the following times, the bronze age and the iron age. Many crosses in Irish style have been found. Rogaland was called Rygjafylke in the Viking Age. Before Harald Fairhair and the Battle of Hafrsfjord, it was a petty kingdom. See also Rugians, a tribe possibly connected with Rogaland.

Places to visit

Rogaland is home of many natural wonders, like Prekestolen and Kjerag.

The Iron Age Farm at Ullandhaug in Stavanger is reconstructed on the original farm site dating back to 350-500 AD. The Viking Farm is a museum located at Karmøy.

A series of festivals and congresses of international fame and profile are arranged, such as The Chamber Music Festival, The Maijazz Festival, The Gladmat(lit. food with a happy smile) Festival, and The ONS event, which has been held in Stavanger every second year since 1974. The ONS is a major international conference and exhibition with focus on oil and gas, and other topics from the petroleum industry. The Concert Hall and Music Complex at Bjergsted and the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra provide important inspiration in the Norwegian musical evironment. Another annual event in Stavanger, is The World Tour Beach Volleyball. During this tournament, the downtown is converted into a beach volleyball arena.

In Stavanger there is an archeological museum with many artifacts from early history in Rogaland.

Municipalities

Rogaland has a total of 26 municipalities:

External links

Rogaland County Council - Official site
County web site (English) Last update: 2001
Map