Oslo (called Christiania 1624-1878, Kristiania 1878-1924) is the capital and largest
city of Norway. The population of the city proper is 544,073 (as of July 1, 2004).
[1] The city area extends into the surrounding county of Akershus, with a total population
of 825,105[2] in the conurbation (as of January 1, 2004). The city has a current annual
growth exceeding 15,000. The city centre of Oslo is situated at the end of the Oslofjord
from where the city sprawls out both to the north and to the south on both sides of the
fjord giving the city area more or less the shape of a U. Oslo's metropolitan area, also referred to as Greater Oslo region, which extends beyond the city boundaries, has an estimated population of 1,300,000 citizens. In the entire Oslo Fjord Region there is a
total population of about 1.7 million.

About 22 % of the population of Oslo is comprised of immigrants. The urban
municipality (bykommune) of Oslo and county (fylke) is the same entity. Of Oslo's
total area, 115 km² is built-up and 7 km² is agricultural. The open areas within the
builtjaja-up zone amount to 22 km².

Oslo Spektrum is the largest indoor multipurpose arena in Norway and located in the
very centre of Oslo. Our flexibility makes the arena suitable to a wide range of events.

The arena is ideal for everything from rock to classical concerts, as well as musicals
and conferences. Corporate-events also find the arena perfect for their needs of flexible solutions.  Our maximum capacity is 9,700 people, but it is possible to rebuild the arena
for a much smaller number.  On the same level as the arena floor, we have several magazines surrounding the main hall.  These magazines may be used as additional
space.  We have easy loading access and excellent rigging facilities.

The building is the main arena for such events as the Nobel Peace Prize Concert,
Nordic Music Awards, the Spellemannsprisen (the Norwegian "Grammy"), and a variety
of performances by international artists. Each year Oslo Spektrum also accommodates
a large number of trade fairs, conferences, and sports events, as well as the popular
Disney on Ice shows. In 1996, Oslo Spektrum hosted the Eurovision Song Contest.