History

In 1040, Bergen was founded by King Olav Kyrre as a center of industry, because of its location along the bustling commercial shipping trade. After a major economic breakthrough in the country during the 12^th century, Bergen became the primary port through which the Norwegian kings operated their vast maritime empire. Until the earlier 19^th century, Bergen’s primary activities focused on importing grain and exporting fish; however, at this time industry and trade made dramatic progress in the area resulting in a rapid growth in the population. In Bergen Town, the population jumped from approximately from 17,000 inhabitants in 1855 to approximately 103,500 inhabitants in 1920. Today, Bergen is primarily focused on higher education with many different colleges in the area where students come from all over the world to pursue their studies.