Kristiansand, a city of 85.000 residents, is the regional centre and driving force of Southern Norway. The city offers excellent and varied jobs, a rich cultural life and some of the finest recreation opportunities in Norway. World-leading engineering companies in the offshore sector are situated here, and during the summer the city is ideal for boating and swimming. Not far away, fishing opportunities and skiing facilities abound. Kristiansand is a popular destination for cruise ships.