Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway. It covers an area of over 450 square kilometers.
The city is situated in the southeastern part of the country, on the shores of the fjord (sea bay) bearing the same name. Oslo's territory comprises 40 islands scattered along the fjord. Two rivers - Akerselva and Alna - flow through the city. In addition to the rivers, there are over 340 local lakes, providing a source of clean fresh water within the city.
Oslo currently has a population of over 620,000 people, with over 30% being commuters.
The national currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone (NOK).
Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson, who lived in the early 13th century, indicated that Oslo was founded in 1048 by the Norwegian king Harold III. The city got its name from the name of the Lo River, which means "mouth of the Lo". Oslo became the capital of Norway in 1299, at which time the fortress Akershus was built.
From the beginning of the 17th century to the end of the 19th century, the city of Oslo, which is considered the oldest capital of Northern Europe, was called Christiania. It retained this name until 1924. The city, which had fallen victim to fires multiple times, began to acquire its modern features in 1960.
