Southern Norway

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Map of Sørlandet

Southern Norway (Norwegian: Sørlandet) (lit. "southern land") is the name of the geographical region (landsdel) of the Skagerrak coast of southern Norway consisting of the two counties Vest-Agder and Aust-Agder. The total combined area of Vest-Agder and Aust-Agder is 6368 sq. mi. or 16493 sq. km.

[edit] Origin and use of the concept

The name, and modern concept of this part of the country considered as a separate region, was introduced as late as 1902 by the local author Wilhelm Krag. Before this, the area was considered part of Western Norway. Southern Norway coincides roughly with the historic petty kingdom of Agder.

Occasionally, adjacent parts of the county of Rogaland and Telemark might be considered part of this region, as well.

If defined as an informal region, Southern Norway is perhaps more properly defined as the Skagerrak coastal belt, thus excluding the inland valleys to the north.

[edit] Coastal region

About 80% of the population of the two counties live along the coast, which has the warmest climate as well as offering quick access to the rich fishing grounds and maritime roads of the Skagerrak. The coastal towns of Southern Norway, from west to east, are: