Vestfold

Vestfold is a province (county ) in Norway, bordering Buskerud and Telemark the Fylker. Beginning of July 2013, the population was 239,400 inhabitants ( 4.73% of the total population of Norway ). The total area is 2224 km ² (of which land area of ​​2140 km ²). Council is based in Tønsberg.

Vestfold is located west of Oslo bay. In Vestfold are numerous well-known towns in Norway, such as Larvik, Horten, Holme beach, Tønsberg and Sandefjord. The river flows through the Numedalslågen Fylke. Many islands are offshore the coast. Previously was Vestfold primarily known as the home of the Norwegian whaling fleets. The coastal towns of Vestfold focus their economic power today on fishing and shipyards. In addition, the timber industry provides jobs. The arable land is most fertile in comparison with other regions in Norway.

The name derives from the medieval landscape designation Fold. At that time, Østfold and Vestfold were regarded as a single landscape, which was called either fold or Vik.

Municipalities

Vestfold is divided into 14 municipalities.

Others

The offshore island Bastøy (area 2.6 km ² ) is a prison island ( Bastøy landsfengsel ) with about 100 inmates.