Arendal is a city and municipality in the county of Aust-Agder, Norway. Arendal is the administrative center of Aust-Agder county, and belongs to the geographical region of Sørlandet. The municipality is bordered in the southwest by Grimstad, in the northwest by Froland, and in the northeast by Tvedestrand municipalities. About 44 000 people live in Arendal. Founded on the industries of shipping, forestry and mining, the town now has a largely tourism-based economy, due to it's excellent location, climate and resources for recreational boaters and holiday makers. Approximately 150,000 people visit the town during the peak summer season of May through to September. This is when the town truly comes alive, and the downtown area, known as "the Pollen" is vibrant with market stalls, fishing boats and cultural events. Government Norway has three levels of government. The Central Government and Parliament at national level, the County Authorities (fylkeskommune) at regional level, and the Municipalities at a local level. The Municipalities The Municipalities are responsible for a variety of services like Day Care facilities, Child welfare, Primary and Secondary schools, Public Libraries, Primary health care, care for the elderly and disabled, Fire Departments, harbours, municipal roads, water supply, sewerage, garbage collection and disposal, organisation of land use within the municipality e.g. the laying out of land for industrial or commercial use, or housing. The Counties The 19 Counties of Norway represent the regional level. They are amongst other responsible for dental services and high schools (16-18). You can read more about Aust Agder County Minicipality on their website