Known as the fourth largest city in Norway, Stavanger has been called the Petroleum Capital of Norway. From the 1880s, the exportation of fish and fish products grew in Stavanger. In the 1960s, exploratory oil-drilling in the North Sea changed the economic situation for Stavanger.
Along with its great harbour and plane connections, Stavanger is well-positioned to take advantage of the increased activity. Stavanger and its region, along with Liverpool, United Kingdom, was selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2008.
