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TROMSO - NORWAY
Tromsø is a city in
the county of Troms, Norway. It had 61,897 inhabitants as of January 1,
2004. The municipality of Tromsø covers 2558 km2, including large districts
outside the town.
Tromsø is the seventh largest city in Norway. It is located on Tromsøy
island and is located above the Arctic Circle at 69° 40' 33" N, 18° 55' 10"
E. The world's northernmost university, University of Tromsø is located here.
The town was established around 1250 and
received its town charter in 1794. By the end of the 19th century, it had
become a major Arctic trade centre from which many Arctic expeditions
originated. During World War II it served briefly as the seat of Norwegian
government.
Tromsø is also the home of two football clubs: Tromsø I.L., which plays in
the Norwegian Premier League; and Tromsdalen U.I.L., playing in the first
division (2004).
Famous people who come from this city include:
Geir Jenssen, musician
Peter Wessel Zapffe, author and philosopher
Erik Skjoldbjaerg, director
Jorgen Dreyer, sculptor
Einar Hoidale, lawyer and democrat, US Congressman
Lene Marlin, pop-music artist
Svein Berge and Torbjørn Brundtland musicians in the electronic music genre
The local newspapers are named Bladet Tromsø and Nordlys.
Tromsø was the starting point of many expeditions to the Arctic, and
explorers like Roald Amundsen, Umberto Nobile and Fridtjof Nansen made use
of the know-how in Tromsø on the conditions in the Arctic, and also
recruited their crew in the city.
Owing to its position above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set between
May 21 and July 23 in the summer, and in the winter does not rise above the
horizon between November 23 and January 21. The city hosts Tromsø Midnight
Sun Marathon every year in June. Recently, it has also started hosting a
Polar Night Half marathon in January.
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