We Want You 2 City of Aalborg - We Want You City of Aalborg - We Want You 3 We Want You Some cities are huge, dynamic metropolises. Some towns are small and quaint. Others, like Aalborg, are exactly like in the story of Goldi- locks and the Three Bears: just right. In Aalborg, it is truly our expe- in population and workforce, as rience that one size fits all. From thousands of new students and our huge shopping centres to our workers join us every year, result- peaceful harbour front, from our ing in a demographic trend that is pulsating night life to the stillness rendering Aalborg younger of our parks, from our buzzing air- and younger. port to our safe, clean and attrac- tive residential areas - Aalborg has This development is influencing a place to suit any mood. many aspects of life in Aalborg and almost every part of the city Why the sales pitch? Because we where building sites are the visible want you to join our workforce. proof; industrial sites are trans- Your talents and skills are needed formed into homes and offices for in our vibrant business com- knowledge based businesses. munity, in our many public and private companies and organisa- Welcome to our rapidly growing tions. Whatever your profession, city. Whether you’re one of the we’re sure that you’re just right many new citizens in Aalborg or for Aalborg. just considering moving here, know that you are very welcome Judging by Aalborg’s demo- and that you have much to look graphic evolution, you would think forward to. that the Limfjord was the fabled fountain of youth. Few cities Our door is always open. have experienced a similar boom Thomas Kastrup-Larsen Tonny Skovsted Thorup Mayor Director, BusinessAalborg City of Aalborg City of Aalborg 4 City of Aalborg - We Want You City of Aalborg - We Want You 5 The Happiest People in Europe The Danes have often been deemed the happiest people in the world, but did you know that the citizens of Aalborg are the happiest people in Europe? A recent report published by the EU concludes that citizens The Work Force of Aalborg are the most satisfied in Europe with their city in 61 % of the work force is occupied in private companies. general. People in 79 European cities, large and small, were There are approx 4,500 foreign citizens working in Aalborg asked about their satisfaction with a number of relevant - 6 % of all full time workers - and the number of foreign em- aspects of their lives and the quality of services such as ployees in the city has gone up by a staggering 22 % over the education, health care, public transportation, administration past two years. Foreign labour is increasingly in demand in and law enforcement in their city. The people of Aalborg North Denmark, particularly specialists with higher education. had the highest average score with an “overall satisfaction” rate of 99 %. The Population With its well over 205,000 citizens in 2014, Aalborg ranks 205,000 as the third largest city in Denmark. The city is constantly CITIZENS AND growing and has a relatively young population not least THE COUNTING thanks to its renowned educational institutions, the most POPULATION well known being Aalborg University. The population group GROUP AGED aged 17 to 24 is the swiftest growing with an average annual increase of 5.3 %. 17 to 24 IS THE SWIFTEST GROWING 6 City of Aalborg - We Want You City of Aalborg - We Want You 7 A Smart City in Transformation Over the past decades, Aalborg has transformed from an industrial city to a modern smart city. This change has been a catalyst for growth, jobs and a strong economy. Today, Aalborg is a knowledge-based business Booming Health Sector welcoming and comfortable environment. city that continues to develop and grow and To an increasing extent, Aalborg is distinguish- The Nursing Home of the Future, Aalborg’s offers a variety of job opportunities in public or ing itself within the health sector. This trend new initiative to combine smart technologies private businesses from production companies applies to both preventive and health promo- and modern health care, has recently opened, to the it and trade industries. ting initiatives as well as the running and per- sparking considerable international interest formance of health service in terms of hospitals from media and health care professionals all and clinics in the area. The story is one of an over the world. “A smart city is a dynamic exemplary cooperation between the university, and exciting city that the city, the region and a large group of local A Visible Transformation biomedical companies. Attractive, green and well maintained sur- people want to live and roundings are vital to residents’ quality of work in. SmartCity Aalborg The construction of the new super hospital in life and contribute to Aalborg’s image as a 2020 will make Aalborg the pivotal point of the great place to live and work. Old or modern, is the place to realise your North Danish health service and also create lots Aalborg’s architecture protects its past while dreams.” of new jobs. From daycare to eldercare; health embracing its future, and remnants of the and sustainable development are priorities for city’s industrial past are incorporated in new Thomas Kastrup-Larsen the City of Aalborg which has invested heavily buildings for residential, educational and com- Mayor in the sector, thereby ensuring that all children mercial purposes to match the transformation City of Aalborg and the senior generation are cared for in a from industrial to knowledge based business. 8 City of Aalborg - We Want You City of Aalborg - We Want You 9 Eventful Aalborg Culture, Shopping and an Active Lifestyle Culture restaurants and cafés for everyone, from the Sport, Nature and Lifestyle During recent years, Aalborg has undergone classic modern Danish, French and Italian Only a two minute walk from the busy narrow a rapid development and a significant change cuisines to exciting ethnic specialties. You will streets of the city, the harbour front provides from an industrial city to a modern experience find anything from upmarket restaurants to an urban relief with a breathtaking view. The and knowledge centre. Today, Aalborg offers a cosy cafés where you can enjoy a good cup harbour front is an active area, offering activity multitude of cultural and gastronomic experi- of coffee. or leisure with its promenades, gardens, piers, ences as well as great shopping opportunities. harbour bath and sports fields. Shopping Aalborg has a number of cinemas, theatres, Summer or winter, Aalborg’s atmosphere is Aalborg also has public swimming pools, a festivals, the art museum “Kunsten” and always buzzing. The city has a network of large number of fitness clubs, different sport several cultural centres and music venues such pedestrian areas lined with all sorts of specialty clubs for playing tennis, football, handball etc. as Musikkens Hus and Skråen where national shops and large department stores to suit any Running is also a popular sport in Aalborg and and international artists often play concerts. In need or interest in every price range. At City every year, a number of running events are contrast, Aalborg is also home to the famous Syd, a large shopping area located south of held in the city. Aalborg is surrounded by water amusement street Jomfru Ane Gade with Aalborg, you will find more than 100 stores and is close to the white beaches of the North Denmark’s longest continuous stretch of res- of every kind, two shopping centres, an IKEA, Sea, to the forest of Rold and the beautiful taurants, clubs, cafés and bars. At night, the the EL-Giganten Mega Store and many other Rebild Hills. This allows for many different atmosphere is vibrant. shops. Throughout the year, Aalborg has dif- sporting activities such as rowing and kayaking, ferent kinds of markets and fairs. Here you can mountain biking, running and long walks in With 300 restaurants, finding a great place find everything from delicious food to second- spectacular nature. to eat in Aalborg is not difficult. The city has hand clothes. 10 City of Aalborg - We Want You City of Aalborg - We Want You 11 Young, 21,606 STUDENTS AT AALBORG Dynamic and UNIVERSITY 3,771 Modern INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN AALBORG Booming Educational Sector and the City is planning to increase this number to 7,665 Knowledge and education are at the top of the agenda in within the next 2-3 years. Aalborg has 50 municipal primary and Aalborg, a dynamic and modern university city and home to lower secondary schools, 6 special schools thousands of students. The city has made significant efforts Schools for All and 16 private schools to become the best in Denmark when it comes to educa- Ensuring a good education for all is paramount, and Aalborg tion and to attract students from all over the country as offers many educational opportunities for children and 93 % of young people in Aalborg, who well as abroad. This effort has led to a continued increase in young people. Aalborg has 50 municipal primary and lower finished municipal primary and lower se- students, study programmes and educational institutions. secondary schools as well as several private and special condary school in 2011, are expected to schools, all striving to create a healthy and safe environment complete an upper secondary education for children to learn and develop. International education is In 2013, there were 5,523 dorm rooms and available at both primary and upper secondary level at The In 2012, 6,429 young people at the student flats in Aalborg, and the City is International Department at the Skipper Clement School age of 17-24 moved to Aalborg planning to increase this number to 7,665 or at Hasseris Gymnasium which has the International Bac- calaureate Diploma Programme.