Overview of Norway

Profile

Norway occupies the western coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula in a long north-south strip, characterized by complex fjord coastlines and rugged mountainous terrain. Based on resource revenues from North Sea oil and natural gas development, it has built a Nordic-style high-tax, high-welfare society. It consistently ranks at the top of the world in the United Nations Human Development Index, press freedom, and positive peace index, with high standards in education, healthcare, and environmental policy. Official languages include two written forms of Norwegian, and Sami is also protected in northern regions. Tourists visit in summer for the midnight sun and in winter for the northern lights, with outdoor culture and winter sports deeply rooted in national life.

Official name: Kingdom of Norway
Common name: Norway
Numeric code: 578
Alpha-3 code: NOR
Alpha-2 code: NO
Population: 5.4 million (2024 estimate) (2024)
Population density: 15 people/km²
Primary languages: Norwegian (Bokmål), Norwegian (Nynorsk), Sami
Major religions: Evangelical Lutheran, Other Christian, Islam
National anthem: Ja, vi elsker dette landet (Yes, we love this country)
Calling code: +47
Internet TLD: .no

History

Following the Viking Age, dissolved the union with Sweden in 1905 to gain independence. Experienced rapid growth through oil development and the welfare state model.

Vikings expanded throughout Europe during the 9th-11th centuries, and King Harald Fairhair established unified royal power in the early 10th century. From the 14th century onward, it was placed under union with Denmark, followed by Sweden. Expanded autonomy through the 1814 constitution and parliament establishment, gaining full independence through referendum in 1905. During World War II, it was occupied by Germany but became a founding member of NATO after the war, joining the Western bloc. The discovery of North Sea oil in the late 1960s transformed national finances, avoiding the resource curse through government pension fund accumulation and distribution policies. While not joining the EU, it maintains linkage with the European economic area through EFTA and EEA.

Geography & climate

Coastline carved by fjords, glacially carved plateaus, and the Scandinavian Mountains running through the interior

Subarctic humid climate (oceanic West Coast) to subarctic

Area: Europe / 385207 km²
Capital: Oslo
Largest city: Oslo
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Mjøsa, Lake Røsvatnet
Bordering countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia

Natural resources

Crude oil, Natural gas, Hydropower, Timber, Iron ore, Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, Limestone, Marine biological resources, Wind power, Fresh water

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system

Economy

Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)

GDP (nominal): 579 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 586 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Norwegian (Bokmål), Norwegian (Nynorsk), Sami

Time zone: Central European Time, Central European Summer Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Norwegian, Sami, Swedish, Danish, Polish, Pakistani, Somali

Life expectancy

83.2 years (2023)

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Cross-country skiing, Ski jumping, Biathlon, Football, Handball, Alpine skiing