Sandnes is centrally located in the north of the Jæren region, approximately 15 minutes drive from Stavanger Airport Sola.
Sandnes is Norway's 8th largest city with about 60 000 inhabitants, and the country's 9th largest municipality. With an average annual growth of 1,9 % it positions Sandnes as Norway's fastest growing city. It has the longest pedestrian street in Norway, Langgata, which is the main shopping street in the city. Sandnes has originally been known for its large natural deposits of clay which made it possible to establish an extensive brickworks and pottery industry during the 1800's, while the manufacturing of bicycles has helped put the city on the map in more recent times. The city has worked towards positioning themselves as a "bicycle town" and has been commended on their system with free bike rentals available in the city centre.
In 2005 Sandnes was awarded a price for being the best municipality for outdoors activities. The city has been very active and innovative in organising activities; for instance an organised hikingtrip with a following concert at sunset to Dalsnuten that has become a huge success.
Sandnes also won an award for being the best municipality of trade and business the same year. The basis of this award is measured from profitability, growth, establishment of new businesses and employment rates in proportion with population.