Troms is one of three counties in North Norway. Troms is known for its rich and varied outdoor life, but it is also urban and has a vibrant cultural life. The county comprises 25 municipalities, from Kvæfjord in the south to Kvænangen in the north.

Contrasts
Troms is a county of contrasts: light and dark, warmth and cold.
The winter season is characterized by the dark, with a two-month
long polar night during which we cannot see the sun at all.
Instead, we can see beautiful northern lights when the conditions
are right. In summer, on the other hand, it is light both day and
night. From the end of May to the end of July the midnight sun
shines whenever the weather is good.

A meeting of three peoples
Troms has a total of 152,000 inhabitants (as of 2005). This is a
county where the Sami, Kven and Norwegian population groups
are traditionally to be found. More recently, other peoples have
also made their entrance. International contacts have been
numerous throughout history. Perhaps the polar night and the
Arctic climate are reasons why we have developed such a great
appreciation of human contact and warmth?

The Northern areas
Since ancient times, Troms has had trade relations with the East,
particularly with Russia. The region has been characterized for
generations by peaceful co-existence and an absence of profound
conflict. The Sami, who are the most numerous indigenous people
in the Northern areas, traditionally occupied their own areas in all
the countries that now constitute the Barents Region. The Sami, Kven and Norwegians have lived peacefully, side by side, across the borders and boundaries of religion and culture. Tolerance and broadmindedness have characterized Troms in many ways, which are also evident in the way that new and foreign cultures find their place in Troms. In years to come, the escalation of commitment in the Northern areas within fields such as technology, aquaculture and petroleum will further strengthen Troms as a centre within the Barents co-operation.

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