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Kristiansand (earlier Christianssand) is a city and municipality, and the capital of the county of Vest-Agder, Norway. By population, it is the fifth largest city in Norway. It is also the largest city in the geographical region of Sørlandet.
Kristiansand was founded by King Christian IV, who in 1641 said the famous words "here the town shall stand". The centre of Kristiansand is called Kvadraturen due to its square gridline of streets.
The zoological garden, Kristiansand Dyrepark (Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park) just east of the city, has a wide selection of animals in, for the most part, natural habitats. This includes animals such as wolves and the lynx. Due to the allocation of areas the combination of zoo and recreational park turns out surprisingly well.
Each year in July, Kristiansand is the site of the Quart Festival, a multi-day rock music festival. [1] (http://www.quart.no/templates/dt_front.asp?gid=1001)
Kristiansand has a major shipbuilding and repair facilities that support Norway's North Sea oil industry.
The Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit was born and raised in Kristiansand.
Note: Even though the names actually are different, Kristiansand is often noted as Kristiansand S (S for South) to distinguish it from Kristiansund N, also in Norway. The practice originated before postal codes were introduced, as mail sometimes was sent to the wrong city.
 Kristiansand. Photo taken from Gravane, showing part of Strandpromenaden. Apartement building to the left is Markensgaten 1A. Red building to the right is seafood restaurant Sjøhuset (meaning Sea House).
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