[Health and living conditions in the Agder counties]

The counties of Aust-Agder and Vest-Agder in southern Norway are often regarded as comprising a region where people can lead a good and easy life. However, a local statistical report published in 1993 demonstrated negative trends in these counties when compared with other parts of the country in regard to variables related to health and living conditions: Mortality before the age of 65, infant mortality, suicide among young people, cancer, use of tranquilizers and hypnotics, need for social security benefit, unemployment, average income, and Gross Regional Product per inhabitant. The report was a result of cooperation between different local and regional authorities. Following its publication, a new public consciousness seems to have emerged concerning the special problems experienced in Agder. Many questions have been raised, which can only be answered by further research.