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Oslo, Norway's capital city, is located in the Southeast of the country and has a population of about half a million. A similar number live in the Akershus county, within about an hours drive of the city. There are few regions in Europe that can equal Oslo and its surrounding area in business opportunities, educational and research facilities, cultural commitments and natural beauty. In addition, the area has all the advantages of Nordic political and economic stability in addition to ample inexpensive energy, excellent communications, a skilled work-force and an exceptional quality of life.
Intellectual resources Oslo and its neighbouring county Akershus account for more than half of all Norwegian investment in research and development, making the region one of the top centres of research activity in Europe. According to a survey conducted by Volvo/Ergoma, the area is on a par with high-tech clusters in Germany and France in research, technology and development index. There are about 130 higher education centres and universities in the region - over 50 percent of the educational establishments in Norway and the proportion of Norwegians enrolled in further education ranks fifth among the OECD countries.
Communications The transport and communications infrastructures of the area are first class but further improvements are imminent. The Oslo region is linked by high speed Inter city trains and the new international airport, just 20 minutes from the city centre, now under construction will also be linked by high speed rail to stations throughout the region. A massive development of the motorway network is currently taking place and an extensive network of ferries connect the area to Scandinavia and Europe.
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Industry/Commerce Oslo and the Akershus comprise the "powerhouse" of the Norwegian economy and the regional government campaigns actively to attract investors from abroad. The region„s share of the GNP of Norway has been steady at 30 percent for the past 30 years - and the per capita GNP is 24 percent above the EU average - one of the highest in the world. Company taxes are now the second lowest in the OECD. Shipping, the traditional leading industry, is still an important contributor to the economy but advanced technology industries dominate the scene today. Clusters of businesses specialising in telecommunications, bio-technology, information technology, petroleum and offshore exploration, and engineering have been established throughout the region.
Tourism Oslo, Norway„s capital, lies centrally located in the heart of Scandinavia. The city and surrounding area face the friendly blue waters of the Oslo Fjord and are fringed by extensive tracts of forested hills. The centre of Oslo is small and compact, with most hotels, museums, entertainment facilities and stores located within walking distance of each other. The many small villages and towns that dot shores of the Oslo Fjord each have their own special charm. More than one million tourists visit the area annually and in recent years Oslo has become one of the most exciting capitals in Europe, both for individual tourists and large international conferences.
Quality of life The quality of life, culture and leisure are important aspects of any area. Here too Oslo and Akershus excel. The area is unique in Europe in offering the best of all worlds. Few other regions combine such superb employment opportunities with so much scope for outdoor activities and sports, or such a rich and varied cultural scene. In short, the Oslo region is a good place to do business and a great place to live.
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