Founded on the industries of shipping, forestry and mining, the town now has a largely tourism-based economy, due to it's excellent location, climate and resources for recreational boaters and holiday makers. Approximately 150 000 people visit the town during the peak summer season of May through to September. This is when the town truly comes alive, and the downtown area, known as "the Pollen" is vibrant with market stalls, fishing boats and cultural events.

 

Norway has three levels of government. The Central Government and Parliament at national level, the County Authorities (fylkeskommune) at regional level, and the Municipalities at a local level.

 

The Municipalities are responsible for a variety of services like childcare facilities, Child welfare, Primary and Secondary schools, Public Libraries, Primary health care, care for the elderly and disabled, Fire Departments, harbours, municipal roads, water supply, sewerage,  organisation of land use within the municipality e.g. the laying out of land for industrial or commercial use, or housing.

 

The 11 Counties of Norway represent the regional level. They are amongst other responsible for dental services and high schools (16-18). You can read more about Agder County Minicipality on their website.