Skien is the largest municipality measured by population. This is also the location of the county administration. In that respect - one could safely say that Skien is the capital of Telemark. Skien has 50 740 inhabitants, making it the 11th largest municipality in Norway. Skien covers an area of 778,9 square kilometres. Forests make up 479 square kilometres, cultivated land 46 km2, freshwater lakes 57 km2 and 197 km2 city areas, real estate and industrial areas.