A mere 2000 km from the North Pole, on the same latitude as Northern Siberia or Alaska, Tromsø's prominence and sophistication come as a surprise to most visitors. 65.000 tromsoites, among the most educated of all Norwegians, spend their workdayon research, education, fish trade, satellite data and health services. Off hours, high-quality theatre, arts and music compete with the boundless chances of getting out into the wast wilderness surrounding the city.