The municipality area of the city covers approximately 454 sq. km. The population of the town is 1.42 million. The population of town is made up of 25% immigrants. Oslo has a mild climate due to the Gulf Stream bringing temperate waters from the Gulf of Mexico. The city is dotted with 343 lakes which along which the residents of the town and visitors spend their leisure hours.

Oslo is the hub of the Maritime industry in Europe. Around 950 companies have set-up their bases here employing about 8500 people. The per capita income in the city is one of the highest in Europe at EUR 49, 465. It is also one of the most expensive cities in the world.

To mention a few important facts: The city of Oslo was established as a municipality on 3 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt). It was separated from the county of Akershus as a county of its own in 1842. The rural municipality of Aker was merged with Oslo on 1 January 1948 (and then transferred from Akershus county to Oslo county). Furthermore, Oslo shares several important functions with Akershus county.

Oslo's share of the national GDP is 17%; the metropolitan area's share is 25%. Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

The city has an excellent public transport system which includes metro, tram, bus and ferry. All are run by the State owned company NSB. The public transport system runs on a common ticketing system. The city has some very famous hospitals including the Aker University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital and Rikshospitalet.

Oslo is also a center of sporting activities. In 1952, the city hosted the Winter Olympics. During the summer months, the city is hosts many maritime events. The city has a Parliamentary form of Government. The supreme authority of the city is the City Council which currently has 59 members.