The capital and largest city in Norway with a population of approximately 900,000, Oslo is expanding its populace at a rate of 2% per year making it the fastest growing city in Europe. Founded around 1050 by King Harald III of Norway, the city was largely destroyed by fire in 1624. Rebuilt and renamed (as Christiana - after King Christian IV - ) it remained the capital and in 1924 it was  re-instated as Oslo.

The city centre is situated at the end of the Oslofjord from where the city sprawls out into three seperate boroughs. It is easy to get around Oslo, and most Norwegians speak English fluently while some also speak German. The currency is the Norwegian Krone and 1 Euro will get you approximately 7 NOK. The political, cultural and economic life of Norway continues to be a source of considerable controversy and friction as plans for decenralisation from Oslo have been largely fruitless. De-population of the countryside is a major national issue but immigration is continuing to cause pressure on living space, hence the fear of destruction surrounding national parks.

Oslo suffers minimally from congestion as it is one of the few European capitals where people live with the nature literally in their backyard or with access to trains for hikers and cross country skiers. Despite its northerly location, the climate is relatively mild throughout the year because of the Gulf Stream with daylight varying from more than 18 hours in midsummer to around 6 hours in midwinter.

Oslo has one of the highest per capita GDP's in Europe, at NOK391,399 (€49,465) in 2003. As a major port the local economy is buffered by the almost 10,000 employed in the maritime sector. Other large sectors of commerce are science and technology but as Norway is not a menber of the EU - despite having 80% trade with European countries - it has the added pressure of suataining a currency volatile to Euro fluctuations.

Nature tourism is a major contribution to the local economy with many arriving in Oslo to travel further a-field for the great expanses of unspoiled beauty that encircles the city. Home to over 40 islands and 343 lakes it's natural beauty is a breath of fresh air that doesn't need telling to the locals.

Oslo City Hall is home to the conferring and anouncement ceremony of the Nobel Peace Prize each year making it a venue of distinction on a world scale. Oslo is a constantly changing city. In Bjørvika the city has a brand new tourist attraction; the new Opera House designed by Snøhetta architects. The inner part of the Oslo Fjord is being developed as part of the Fjord City project – aiming to open the city towards the fjord.

Oslo - truly a pristine city with something for everyone.