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Kvinesdal
View on WikipediaKvinesdal is a municipality in Agder county, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Lister. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Liknes. Other villages in Kvinesdal include Feda, Fjotland, and Storekvina.
Key Information
Kvinesdal is an elongated mountain-to-coast municipality, reaching saltwater at the head of the Fedafjorden, which provides access to the North Sea in the south. Further north, the landscape is cut by narrow valleys with scattered small villages. There are also abandoned mines at Knaben, a popular ski resort. Because Kvinesdal resembles the geography of the nation as a whole, it is often referred to as "Little Norway".[4]
The 963-square-kilometre (372 sq mi) municipality is the 121st largest by area out of the 356 municipalities in Norway. Kvinesdal is the 159th most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 6,024. The municipality's population density is 6.8 inhabitants per square kilometre (18/sq mi) and its population has increased by 2.1% over the previous 10-year period.[5][6]
Kvinesdal belongs to a central area in the Norwegian south from which many people emigrated to North America, particularly the United States, from the 1850s until the 1950s. It is noted for being an "American village" (Norwegian: Amerika-bygd) because of the high number of American residents. These are typically either Norwegians who moved to the States, obtained US Citizenship and later moved back to Norway, or are descendants of Norwegians who have never acquired Norwegian citizenship.
General information
[edit]
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The parish of Kvinesdal was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt law). In 1841, the neighboring municipality of Fjotland (population: 980) was merged with Kvinesdal to form a new, larger municipality of Kvinesdal, although this was short-lived. In 1858, the merger was un-done and Fjotland became a separate municipality once again. After the split, Kvinesdal had 4,485 residents.[7]
On 1 January 1900, the municipality of Kvinesdal was divided into two: the municipality of Feda in the far southern part (population: 1,090) and the municipality of Liknes in the northern part (population: 2,937). The name of Liknes municipality was changed (back) to Kvinesdal in 1917. During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee. On 1 January 1963, the municipalities of Fjotland (population: 1,244), Feda (population: 576), and Kvinesdal (population: 3,218) were merged to form one large municipality of Kvinesdal.[7]
Name
[edit]The municipality (originally the parish) is named after the Kvinesdalen valley (Old Norse: Hvínisdalr). The first element of the name comes from the old name for the local Fedafjorden. The old name of the fjord was Hvínir. The old fjord name comes from the name of the main river, Kvina, which flows into the fjord. The old river name, Hvín is derived from the verb hvína which means "to squeal" or "to whistle". The last element of the name is dalr which means "valley" or "dale".[8]
In 1900, the municipality was renamed Liknes. This was short-lived, however, and in 1917 the name was changed back to Kvinesdal. The new name came from the old Liknes farm (Old Norse: Leiknes). The first element comes from the word leikr which means "game" or "sport". The last element is nes which means "headland". Thus, a headland for games or sports.[9][10]
Coat of arms
[edit]The coat of arms was granted on 15 March 1985. The official blazon is "Azure a pall engrailed argent" (Norwegian: I blått et sølv gaffelkors dannet ved taggesnitt). This means the arms have a blue field (background) and the charge is a Y-shaped figure called a pall with edges that are engrailed. The pall has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used. The blue color in the field and the pall design was chosen to symbolize the meeting of the two local rivers: Kvina and Litleåna which join at the village of Liknes and then flow south together to the Fedafjorden. The arms were designed by Truls Nygaard who developed it using ideas by Hans Freddy Larsen and Lars Olsen. The municipal flag has the same design as the coat of arms.[11][12][13]
Churches
[edit]The Church of Norway has three parishes (sokn) within the municipality of Kvinesdal. It is part of the Lister og Mandal prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Agder og Telemark.
| Parish (sokn) | Church name | Location of the church | Year built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feda | Feda Church | Feda | 1802 |
| Fjotland | Fjotland Church | Fjotland | 1836 |
| Netlandsnes Chapel | Netland | 1886 | |
| Kvinesdal | Kvinesdal Church | Liknes | 1837 |
Geography
[edit]The long, narrow municipality of Kvinesdal stretches from the mountains in the north, along the Kvinesdalen valley to the Fedafjorden in the south. To the west, Kvinesdal is bordered by Flekkefjord and Sirdal municipalities. To the east, it is bordered by Åseral and Hægebostad. To the south, it is bordered by Lyngdal, and it is bordered by Farsund in the east and south. A small segment of the northern boundary borders Bygland municipality in Agder county.
The river Kvina, which runs through the municipality, is known for its salmon, and salmon fishing is a popular activity.
Two valleys meet in Kvinesdal's center: Vesterdalen (the Western Valley) through which flows the river Kvina and Austerdalen (the Eastern Valley) through which flows the river Litleåna to join the Kvina.
Climate
[edit]| Climate data for Liknes | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −2.0 (28.4) |
−2.0 (28.4) |
1.0 (33.8) |
4.5 (40.1) |
10.1 (50.2) |
13.7 (56.7) |
15.2 (59.4) |
14.7 (58.5) |
10.7 (51.3) |
7.4 (45.3) |
2.5 (36.5) |
−1.5 (29.3) |
6.2 (43.2) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 180 (7.1) |
130 (5.1) |
135 (5.3) |
85 (3.3) |
105 (4.1) |
100 (3.9) |
115 (4.5) |
150 (5.9) |
205 (8.1) |
240 (9.4) |
240 (9.4) |
200 (7.9) |
1,885 (74.2) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1 mm) | 16.6 | 11.1 | 12.8 | 10.4 | 11.7 | 10.9 | 11.0 | 12.3 | 15.8 | 16.6 | 17.9 | 16.9 | 164 |
| Source: Norwegian Meteorological Institute[14] | |||||||||||||
Population
[edit]About 10% of the inhabitants of Kvinesdal are American citizens, and Kvinesdal does enjoy a special relationship with the United States. Every year, the municipality hosts a special festival remembering the days when local people emigrated to the new world.
History
[edit]
Kvinesdal was home of many prominent characters in the Saga Period. Among them were the Skald Tjodolv the Frode. Frode means one with great knowledge of the history of ancestors. He composed a historic poem for his king Harold Fairhair. His work was later combined into the Heimskringla when it was recorded by Snorri Sturluson.
In northern Kvinesdal, along the high plateau which sits at 550 metres (1,800 ft) above sea level, records show that the Salmeli Farm dates back at least to the year 1300. During the Black Death years of 1350 the farm became deserted, but was back as a working farm again by 1647. It is now a historic site.
The bailiff Stig Bagge, who was granted local leadership from 1536 to 1542 by king Christian III, was an energetic man when he lived at his ancestral home of Eikeland in Kvinesdal. According to the reports of Peder Claussøn Friis, he executed refractory peasants so willingly that the district thought it was to excess; he was the district's bogeyman for many years thereafter. When the bailiff in Nedenes was killed in his bed and rebels came in an unsuccessful attempt to capture and execute Stig, he collected his men and brutally stifled the revolt. Stig himself died by being drawn and quartered by the Dutch when he was caught in piracy or espionage off their coast at Walcheren.[15]
Government
[edit]Kvinesdal Municipality is responsible for primary education (through 10th grade), outpatient health services, senior citizen services, welfare and other social services, zoning, economic development, and municipal roads and utilities. The municipality is governed by a municipal council of directly elected representatives. The mayor is indirectly elected by a vote of the municipal council.[16] The municipality is under the jurisdiction of the Agder District Court and the Agder Court of Appeal.
Municipal council
[edit]The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Kvinesdal is made up of 27 representatives that are elected to four year terms. The tables below show the current and historical composition of the council by political party.
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 5 | |
| Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 6 | |
| Green Party (Miljøpartiet De Grønne) | 1 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 3 | |
| Industry and Business Party (Industri‑ og Næringspartiet) | 2 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 8 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 2 | |
| Total number of members: | 27 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 6 | |
| Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 4 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 4 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 7 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 6 | |
| Total number of members: | 27 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 9 | |
| Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 5 | |
| Green Party (Miljøpartiet De Grønne) | 1 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 5 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 5 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 2 | |
| Total number of members: | 27 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 11 | |
| Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 4 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 5 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 5 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 2 | |
| Total number of members: | 27 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 9 | |
| Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 7 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 3 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 5 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 3 | |
| Total number of members: | 27 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 6 | |
| Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 6 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 3 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 4 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 4 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 | |
| Cross-party list (Tverrpolitisk liste) | 3 | |
| Total number of members: | 27 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 7 | |
| Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 5 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 7 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 9 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 5 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 2 | |
| Total number of members: | 35 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 8 | |
| Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 3 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 5 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 10 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 7 | |
| Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 | |
| Total number of members: | 35 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 8 | |
| Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 3 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 5 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 10 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 6 | |
| Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 2 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 | |
| Total number of members: | 35 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 9 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 8 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 9 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 2 | |
| Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 | |
| Local list (Bygdelista) | 5 | |
| Total number of members: | 35 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 7 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 6 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 8 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 2 | |
| Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 | |
| Local list against forced renovation (Bygdeliste mot tvungen renovasjon) | 10 | |
| Total number of members: | 35 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 9 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 9 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 10 | |
| New People's Party (Nye Folkepartiet) | 1 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 2 | |
| Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 2 | |
| Local list for Feda, Fjotland, and Kvinesdal (Bygdeliste for Feda, Fjotland og Kvinesdal) | 1 | |
| Total number of members: | 35 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 7 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 7 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 12 | |
| New People's Party (Nye Folkepartiet) | 1 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 2 | |
| Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 3 | |
| Non-party list for Feda, Kvinesdal, and Fjotland (Upolitisk liste for Feda, Kvinesdal og Fjotland) | 2 | |
| Total number of members: | 35 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 12 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 4 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 9 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 3 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 6 | |
| Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 1 | |
| Total number of members: | 35 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 11 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 4 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 9 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 2 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 7 | |
| Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 2 | |
| Total number of members: | 35 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 12 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 4 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 8 | |
| Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 3 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 8 | |
| Total number of members: | 35 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 6 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 4 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 5 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 7 | |
| Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 3 | |
| Total number of members: | 25 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 6 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 2 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 5 | |
| Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet) | 2 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 7 | |
| Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 3 | |
| Total number of members: | 25 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 6 | |
| Conservative Party (Høyre) | 1 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 5 | |
| Farmers' Party (Bondepartiet) | 1 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 6 | |
| Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 5 | |
| Total number of members: | 24 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 4 | |
| Communist Party (Kommunistiske Parti) | 1 | |
| Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 6 | |
| Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 13 | |
| Total number of members: | 24 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 6 | |
| Communist Party (Kommunistiske Parti) | 1 | |
| Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 17 | |
| Total number of members: | 24 | |
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 7 | |
| Liberal Party (Venstre) | 4 | |
| Local List(s) (Lokale lister) | 13 | |
| Total number of members: | 24 | |
| Note: Due to the German occupation of Norway during World War II, no elections were held for new municipal councils until after the war ended in 1945. | ||
Mayors
[edit]The mayors (Norwegian: ordfører) of Kvinesdal (incomplete list):
- 1990-1999: Anders Mathias Larsen (KrF)
- 1999-2003: Sigmund Oksefjell (Sp)
- 2003-2013: Odd Omland (Ap)
- 2013-2015: Svein Arne Jerstad (Ap)
- 2015-present: Per Sverre Kvinlaug (KrF)
Economy
[edit]In addition to various small businesses and public services, Kvinesdal's economy is driven in part by hydroelectric power. The Sira-Kvina power company derives hydroelectric power from the Kvina river, in addition to various smaller dams. Eramet is an important local employer that provides work to about 200 persons in producing manganese-alloys.[36] There is also a small tourism industry, with golfing and fishing being the main draws.
Notable people
[edit]
- Peder Jacobsen Bøgvald (1762 in Feda – 1829), a sea captain, farmer, and politician
- Kristian Marcelius Førland (1891–1978), an artist who lived and painted in Kvinesdal
- Erling Moi (1918 in Kvinesdal – 1944), a Norwegian resistance member in WWII
- Sigbjørn Hølmebakk (1922 in Feda – 1981), a Norwegian author
- Anne Gullestad (1925 in Kvinesdal – 1998), an actress and theatre director[37]
- Gordon Hølmebakk (1928 in Feda – 2018), a publishing editor, essayist, and novelist
- Aril Edvardsen (1938 in Kvinesdal – 2008), an evangelical preacher and missionary whose former home is now a museum
- Andreas Hompland (born 1946 in Kvinesdal), a social scientist, journalist, and non-fiction writer
- Arnfinn Moland (born 1951 in Kvinesdal), a historian and writer
- Odd Omland (born 1956), a politician who was mayor of Kvinesdal from 2003 to 2013
- Per Sverre Kvinlaug (born 1974), a politician who was mayor of Kvinesdal starting in 2015
- Silvia Moi (born 1978 in Kvinesdal), an opera singer[38]
- Luxus Leverpostei, (Norwegian Wiki), a Norwegian band formed in Kvinesdal in 1991
Sport
[edit]- Ludvig Hunsbedt, (Norwegian Wiki) (born 1961 in Kvinesdal), a rallycross driver
- Roger Eskeland (born 1977), a Norwegian football goalkeeper
- Atle Roar Håland (born 1977), a retired footballer with over 300 club caps
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Navn på steder og personer: Innbyggjarnamn" (in Norwegian). Språkrådet.
- ^ "Forskrift om målvedtak i kommunar og fylkeskommunar" (in Norwegian). Lovdata.no.
- ^ Bolstad, Erik; Thorsnæs, Geir, eds. (9 January 2024). "Kommunenummer". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Foreningen Store norske leksikon.
- ^ Welle-Strand, Erling (1996). Adventure Roads in Norway. Nortrabooks. ISBN 82-90103-71-9.
- ^ Statistisk sentralbyrå. "Table: 06913: Population 1 January and population changes during the calendar year (M)" (in Norwegian).
- ^ Statistisk sentralbyrå. "09280: Area of land and fresh water (km²) (M)" (in Norwegian).
- ^ a b Jukvam, Dag (1999). Historisk oversikt over endringer i kommune- og fylkesinndelingen (PDF) (in Norwegian). Statistisk sentralbyrå. ISBN 9788253746845.
- ^ Rygh, Oluf (1912). Norske gaardnavne: Lister og Mandals amt (in Norwegian) (9 ed.). Kristiania, Norge: W. C. Fabritius & sønners bogtrikkeri. pp. 301–302.
- ^ Store norske leksikon. "Kvinesdal" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 23 September 2016.
- ^ Rygh, Oluf (1912). Norske gaardnavne: Lister og Mandals amt (in Norwegian) (9 ed.). Kristiania, Norge: W. C. Fabritius & sønners bogtrikkeri. p. 285.
- ^ "Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen". Heraldry of the World. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ "Kvinesdal, Vest-Agder (Norway)". Flags of the World. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ "Godkjenning av våpen og flagg". Lovdata.no (in Norwegian). Norges kommunal- og arbeidsdepartementet. 15 March 1985. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ "eKlima Web Portal". Norwegian Meteorological Institute. Archived from the original on 14 June 2004.
- ^ Stagg, Frank Noel (1958). South Norway. George Allen & Unwin, Ltd.
- ^ Hansen, Tore; Vabo, Signy Irene, eds. (20 September 2022). "kommunestyre". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
- ^ "Kommunestyrevalg 2023 - Agder". Valgdirektoratet. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ "Kommunestyrevalg 2019 – Agder". Valgdirektoratet. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Table: 04813: Members of the local councils, by party/electoral list at the Municipal Council election (M)" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway.
- ^ "Kommunestyrevalg 2011 – Vest-Agder". Valgdirektoratet. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunestyrevalget 1995" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1996. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunestyrevalget 1991" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1993. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunestyrevalget 1987" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1988. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunestyrevalget 1983" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1984. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunestyrevalget 1979" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1979. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunevalgene 1975" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1977. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunevalgene 1972" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1973. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunevalgene 1967" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1967. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunevalgene 1963" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1964. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1959" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1960. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1955" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1957. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1951" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1952. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1947" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1948. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1945" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1947. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1937" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1938. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Eramet Norway Kvinesdal". Eramet Norway.
- ^ Anne Gullestad at IMDb. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
- ^ Silvia Moi at IMDb. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
External links
[edit]
Vest-Agder travel guide from Wikivoyage- Municipal fact sheet from Statistics Norway (in Norwegian)
- Kvinesdal Guest House and Hotel (in Norwegian)
- Official website of Kvinesdal (in Norwegian)
- Webcam from Kvinesdal Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
- Tourist Information
- Kvinesdal Golf Club
- Kvinesdal Rock Festival
- Kvinesdaladressen - din egen @kvinesedal.co addresse!
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Kvinesdal
View on GrokipediaGeneral information
Name
Kvinesdal derives its name from Old Norse Hvínisdalr, where the first element Hvínis is the genitive form of the old fjord name Hvínir (now Fedafjorden), derived from a root hvín denoting the rushing or roaring sound of flowing water—and dalr signifying "valley".[5] This etymology reflects the municipality's foundational association with the dynamic waterway that defines its terrain.[6] In official Norwegian contexts, the name underwent a temporary change in 1900 to Liknes, derived from the Old Norse Leiknes of the central farmstead, but was reverted to Kvinesdal in 1917 to honor the longstanding regional identifier.[7] The restoration affirmed the enduring linguistic ties to the Old Norse origins amid administrative adjustments.[8]Coat of arms
The coat of arms of Kvinesdal, granted on 15 March 1985, features a blue shield bearing a silver engrailed pall, or Y-shaped forked cross.[9] This design symbolizes the confluence of the rivers Litleåna and Kvina, which flow through the valleys of Austerdalen and Vesterdalen before joining at Liknes and continuing toward Fedafjorden.[9]Geography
Location and terrain
Kvinesdal is situated in Agder county in southern Norway, forming part of the traditional Lister district. Positioned between Kristiansand to the east and Stavanger to the west, it extends along the northwestern reaches of the Fedafjorden, providing coastal access amid the region's maritime influences.[10] The municipality's terrain exhibits a pronounced transition from the sheltered waters of the Fedafjorden and adjacent coastal areas to inland highlands and steep mountains, creating a varied landscape of valleys, rivers, and elevated plateaus. This geographical diversity, spanning fjord-side lowlands to rugged peaks, underscores Kvinesdal's natural identity as a bridge between maritime and mountainous environments.[11][10] Encompassing an area of 963.21 km², the municipality's topography supports a continuum of ecosystems, from fjord-influenced shores to alpine heights that dominate the interior.[2]Settlements
Liknes functions as the administrative center of Kvinesdal, serving as the primary hub for municipal services and governance.[12] Situated along the Kvina riverbank, it provides central access to essential amenities and infrastructure for surrounding areas.[13] Other notable villages include Feda, located on the northern shore of the Fedafjorden and acting as a coastal access point; Fjotland, in the northern valley serving local community needs; and Storekvina, positioned along the Kvina river and facilitating regional transport connections.[14][15]History
Early development
Kvinesdal's administrative origins trace back to the parishes of Liknes and Feda, which constituted the Kvinesdal formannskapsdistrikt from 1837 to 1840 as part of Norway's municipal reform establishing formannskapsdistrikter.[16] Prior to formal municipalization, the region formed part of the broader Kvinesdal clerical district, which in 1753 was divided into Nedre Kvinesdal—encompassing the parishes of Liknes and Feda—and Øvre Kvinesdal. These parishes represented early settled areas where traditional livelihoods centered on agriculture, with farms documented as operational by the mid-17th century following earlier abandonments. The terrain supported small-scale farming and pastoral activities, supplemented by coastal resources in the Feda area.Emigration to America
Kvinesdal experienced significant emigration to the United States, particularly from the mid-19th century onward, as part of the broader Norwegian migration waves driven by economic hardships and land scarcity. The municipality, located in the Lister district, served as a key departure point for many seeking opportunities abroad, with emigrants often traveling by sailboat on voyages lasting up to three months to reach American ports. This outward movement contributed to Kvinesdal's enduring nickname as the "American village," stemming from the exceptionally high proportion of its residents who emigrated or maintained transatlantic ties.[17][18] Personal stories illustrate the human scale of this migration, such as that of Ingeborg Gullestad, a 17-year-old from Kvinesdal who departed for America in 1928 amid hopes of prosperity, only to face the challenges of the impending Great Depression. Community-level emigration was so pronounced that it left a lasting imprint, with historical records highlighting Kvinesdal's role in southern Norway's exodus to North America starting around the 1850s. These migrations not only depleted local populations temporarily but also fostered networks that influenced returnees and their descendants.[19] The legacy endures through cultural institutions like the American Emigration Museum in Kvinesdal, established in 2005 during the American Emigration Festival, which documents these journeys and their impacts on both sides of the Atlantic. A prominent Emigration Monument in the municipal center further commemorates the contributions of Kvinesdal's emigrants to the Norwegian-American diaspora. Annual events and tours continue to highlight these connections, reinforcing the area's identity tied to this pivotal chapter of transoceanic movement.[20][21]Government and politics
Administration
Kvinesdal municipality operates under a standard Norwegian local government framework, with the municipal council (kommunestyre) as the highest decision-making body consisting of 27 representatives who convene in meetings to deliberate and approve policies, budgets, and plans in accordance with national and local regulations.[22] The executive administration is led by a municipal director (kommunedirektør), who heads a leadership group and staff responsible for implementing council decisions and coordinating operational units (virksomheter) that deliver core public services such as education, health care, social welfare, and infrastructure maintenance on a daily basis.[23][24] These units include specialized entities for community development and inter-municipal collaborations like NAV Lister for employment and welfare services, ensuring efficient service provision across the municipality's dispersed settlements.[23] Support committees and sub-organs assist in preparing cases for council review, facilitating structured decision processes that balance local needs with statutory obligations.[22]Political leadership
Per Sverre Kvinlaug of the Christian Democratic Party (KrF) has served as mayor of Kvinesdal since 2015. In the 2023 municipal council elections, the Labour Party (Ap) secured the largest representation with 8 of 27 seats, followed by the Progress Party (FrP) with 6 and KrF with 5.[25] Despite this, KrF maintained the mayoralty, consistent with the party's success since Kvinlaug's initial election.[26]Economy
Key industries
Kvinesdal's economy relies significantly on hydroelectric power generation, with the municipality serving as a hub for large-scale production facilitated by abundant water resources in the region. The Sira-Kvina power company operates key facilities contributing to Norway's hydropower output, including substantial installed capacity that underscores the sector's role in local energy supply.[27][28] Manganese-alloy manufacturing forms another pillar, centered at the Eramet Norway smelter, which produces refined alloys such as silicomanganese using three dedicated furnaces. This facility holds a leading global position in low-carbon manganese alloys, processing imported raw materials and generating by-products for external markets, thereby supporting industrial output and energy efficiency.[29][30] Historically, molybdenum mining at Knaben contributed to the economy from 1885 until its closure in 1973, after which the operations ceased.Tourism and attractions
Knaben, a former mining village in northern Kvinesdal, has been transformed into Knaben Alpinsenter, a ski resort that repurposes the site's elevated terrain for winter recreation.[4] The center operates from 525 to 705 meters above sea level, featuring three broad downhill slopes, cross-country trails, and a dedicated children's conveyor belt slope, with operations focused on weekends and holiday periods to serve families and enthusiasts during the extended snow season.[31] This adaptive reuse bolsters the local tourism economy by drawing visitors to the otherwise remote area, combining historical mining remnants with modern alpine activities.[32] Beyond Knaben, Kvinesdal's tourism emphasizes its varied natural features, such as the mountainous landscapes, Fedafjorden shores, and waterfalls like Rafoss, which support hiking, via ferrata routes, and scenic exploration.[10][33] Historical attractions tied to the region's emigration legacy and cultural heritage, including museums and art centers, further enhance visitor experiences by offering insights into local traditions and Norwegian-American links.[34]Demographics
Population statistics
As of 2023, Kvinesdal's population is recorded at 6,024 inhabitants.[35] The municipality exhibits a low population density of 6.8 inhabitants per square kilometer, consistent with its expansive land area and rural character.[36] Recent trends indicate modest population fluctuations, with a net increase of 37 residents from the prior year, projecting to around 6,061 by 2024 based on estimated figures.[35] This follows a period of slight decline in the early 2020s, from 5,987 in 2020 to 5,883 in 2022, influenced by balanced birth and death rates alongside negative net migration.[37]Cultural composition
Kvinesdal's residents are predominantly of Norwegian ethnic background, with a small but notable immigrant population that has grown in recent years. Immigrants in the municipality include a significant number from Ukraine, reflecting relocation due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, alongside origins such as Syria and Myanmar.[38] The historical emigration to America from the 19th and early 20th centuries continues to shape local social identity, fostering traditions that highlight transatlantic connections through preserved artifacts and community narratives. This legacy is embodied in the emigrant museum, which maintains cultural elements linking Kvinesdal to Norwegian-American heritage.[1] Linguistic practices in Kvinesdal align with the broader traditions of the Lister district, where local Norwegian variants contribute to the region's distinct rural social fabric. Community efforts preserve these dialect influences alongside historical customs, emphasizing continuity in the face of modernization.[1]References
- https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Kvinesdal