Stavanger was founded in the year 1125. The city's history is a continuous alternation between upswings and recessions. The city is deeply rooted in religion and Christian life, and for long periods of time its most important industries have been shipping, shipbuilding, the canning industry and associated subcontractors. 
The city has been characterized by the petroleum industry in the past 30 years and is Norway's oil capital. A number of major companies in this industry are located in the region, as well as the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate. Offshore Northern Seas (ONS), which is one of the world's largest exhibitions and conferences for the petroleum industry, is held in Stavanger every other year. The petro-maritime industries and the food industry are areas in which substantial commitments are made. The city has both an annual food festival, a gastronomic institute and also provides training in the hotel and restaurant trades at the highest level. Research, higher education and culture are important pillars in Stavanger's infrastructure. At the same time the city has a lot to offer children and young people. Festivals and events include both the petroleum industry, food from the field to the table, humour, jazz and classical music. Cultural events flourish in a city with a long tradition and history, and with a city center consisting of small houses and cobblestone streets.
The City of Stavanger is particularly committed to children and senior citizens. Stavanger is a good city to live in and a pleasant and useful city to visit!