Alta is the most populated municipality in Finnmark county. It includes the country around Altafjorden, parts of Stjernøy and Seiland, and part of Finnmarksvidda. Alta city is located at the end of the Alta river and received status as a city 1999. Today it has over 18 000 inhabitants.
Trade and industry
The industry in the Alta consists mainly of fishing and argiculture, but also a number of other industries. In recent years the agriculture industry had a strong development, and potatoes and vegetables are grown and sold with good results. Before it was more grain, but this is something that is not grown anymore.
Fishing occurs in the the fjords and by the coast. The industry varies a lot with slate wrapping as most important industry. Today Alta is the most important trade and service center for Finnmark and North Troms county
History and culture
Outside Alta it has been found rock carvings in which the oldest are around 6000 years. It is also found prehistoric settlements that have been around for 2000-5000 years. In 1991 the Alta museum opened in connection to the carving site
Nature and climate
Alta and the surroundings area known for its magnificent scenery. The place where the city is located the area is flat. The deep valleys with major rivers is fertile with abundant pine forest in all of Finnmark. The climate is dry and hot in summer, the winters a cold. However, there is little rain.
Alta also has one of Norway's best salmon rivers which is a must for all anglers. For more information see the article about the Alta River.
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