Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway in the county of Hordaland, Norway. The population of Bergen proper (municipality) is 243 219 as of July 1st 2006 according to Statistics Norway. [1] The city is divided into 8 boroughs, Arna, Bergenhus, Fana, Fyllingsdalen, Laksevåg, Ytrebygda, Årstad and Åsane.

The population of Bergen metropolitan area is 369 099 as of January 1st 2006 according to Statistics Norway and comprises the city proper, municipal suburbs and neighbouring suburban communities. [2]

The city is located on the south-western coast of Norway, in the county of Hordaland, with its center situated between a group of mountains known collectively as de syv fjell ("the seven mountains"). Bergen is recognized as the unofficial capital of the region known as West Norway, and also recognized and marketed as the gateway city to the world famous fjords of Norway and for that reason it has become Norway's largest – and one of Europe's largest cruise ship ports of call. Furthermore Bergen's inter-municipal harbour is by far Norway's largest port and also one of Europe´s largest ports according to the inter-municipal company Port of Bergen, [3] handling more than 50% of all cargo handled in Norway in 2005.

Time magazine chose to name the city one of Europe´s 14 "secret capitals" (August 2004), where Bergen's capital reign is within maritime businesses and activities such as aquaculture and marine research, with the Institute of Marine Research (IMR)(second largest in Europe) as the leading institution. Bergen is also the main base for the Royal Norwegian Navy (at Haakonsvern) and its international airport Flesland is the main heliport for the huge Norwegian North Sea oil and gas industry, from where thousands of offshore workers commute to their work places onboard the many oil and gas rigs and platforms.

Bergen was one of nine European cities honoured with the title European city of culture in 2000.[4]



se : www.bergen.kommune.no/