Rogaland is a county in Norway, bordering Hordaland, Telemark, Aust-Agder and Vest-Agder. In 2002 there were 389,000 inhabitants, which is 8.5% of the total population in Norway. Its area is 9,325 km². The county administration is in Stavanger.

Rogaland fylke County NO-11 Administrative Centre Stavanger County Mayor Roald G. Bergsaker Area 9,325 km² Population  - Total (2004)  - Percent  - Density 389,000 8.5 % 97.1/km²

It is a coastal place with shores and islands, the most important island being Karmøy. Boknafjorden is the largest bay. The inner part of the county is Ryfylke, while the southern part is Jæren.

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.

In the district are remains from the earliest times. The skeleton of a boy from the Stone Age was found in a cave at Viste in Randaberg. Various archeological findings stems from the following times, including the iron age. These include crosses in irish style. Rogaland was in the early times of the norwegian kingdom called Rygjafylke. In Stavanger is an archeological museum.

Granite mines are situated in Rogaland, granite stone from these was used by Gustav Vigeland. 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 kingdom's most important agricultural districts. In Stavanger the oil and environment conferences are held.

Places to visit

Rogaland is home of many natural wonders, like Preikestolen 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 and The Maijazz Festival in Stavanger. The Concert Hall and Music Complex at Bjergsted and the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra provide important inspiration in the norwegian musical evironment.

Municipalities

• Bjerkreim
• Bokn
• Eigersund
• Finnøy
• Forsand
• Gjesdal
• Haugesund
• Hjelmeland
• Hå
• Karmøy
• Klepp
• Kvitsøy
• Lund
• Randaberg
• Rennesøy
• Sandnes
• Sauda
• Sokndal
• Sola
• Stavanger
• Strand
• Suldal
• Time
• Tysvær
• Utsira
• Vindafjord
• Ølen

External links

• Rogaland County Council (http://www.rogaland-f.kommune.no/) - Official site
• County web site (English) Last update: 2001 (http://www.rogaland-f.kommune.no/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=cwroginter30/d_emneside.html?hPkey=32&hParent=24&hDKey=1)
• Map (http://home.online.no/~dsaether/person/ALL_images/_sandnes/rogaland.htm)