Agder

Agder is a county in the southern part of Norway, known also as Sørlandet. It was established on 1 January 2020 through the merger of the former counties Aust-Agder and Vest-Agder, and the name Agder reflects the historic region that has long been associated with this part of the country. The county seat and largest city is Kristiansand, while other major towns include Arendal, Grimstad, Mandal, Lillesand, and Flekkefjord. The University of Agder maintains campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad.

Geography and climate: Agder lies along the Skagerrak coast and features a varied landscape that includes long shorelines, archipelagos, forests, and inland valleys. The southernmost point of the Norwegian mainland, Lindesnes, is located in Agder. The region experiences a maritime climate with relatively mild winters compared with inland Norway, contributing to its popularity as a tourist destination in the summer.

Economy and infrastructure: The economy mixes maritime industries, shipping and fisheries, tourism, and services, with agriculture and forestry contributing in inland areas. Kristiansand and the coastal towns serve as regional hubs for commerce and culture. Transportation infrastructure includes the Kristiansand Airport, Kjevik, a rail connection on the Sørlandet Line, and road networks linking the region with other parts of Norway. There are ferry connections across the Skagerrak to Denmark.

Culture and identity: Agder is part of the broader Sørlandet cultural region, with distinctive coastal traditions, dialects, and a tourism sector centered on beaches, boating, and maritime heritage. The region hosts museums, festivals, and historical sites that reflect its maritime history and natural beauty.