Stavanger is a municipality in the district of Jaeren in the Norwegian province of Rogaland. The municipality was established in 1838, and as of a 2009 census estimate, the area had a total population of 121,325 people. It is the 4th largest city in the country and it belongs to the 3rd largest city area in Norway - the Stavanger-Sandness City Area. The city has been nicknamed 'The Petroleum Capital of Norway'.

The city's name is taken from the Norse term Stafangr, which is believed to be the original name of an inlet that's now called 'Vagen'. Several boroughs are found in the region and these include Hundvag and Tasta.

Several lakes located in Stavanger are known for their beauty and they attract tourist attention from within Norway and from its neighboring regions. One of the most popular lakes in the region is Mostvatnet, which is located at heart of the city. Another lake Stokkavatnet is found just outside of Stavanger.