Norway

Europe-Norway (orthographic projection)

Europe-Norway

Norway in the World (+Antarctica claims) cropped

Ohthere

Bronze Age boats

Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe whose mainland territory comprises the western and northernmost portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The remote Arctic island of Svalbard and the sub-Antarctic Bouvet Island are also under Norwegian sovereignty. Norway shares a long eastern border with Sweden, and is bordered by Finland and Russia to the northeast, and the Skagerrak strait, with Denmark on the other side. Norway has an extensive coastline, facing the North Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea.

Nærøyfjord

History[edit | edit source]

The history of Norway can be traced back to the Viking Age, where it emerged as a distinct entity with a unified monarchy in the mid-9th century. Norway maintained its sovereignty until the early 14th century when it entered into a Kalmar Union with Denmark and Sweden. Following the dissolution of the union in the 16th century, Norway entered a period of a personal union with Denmark until the early 19th century. In 1814, Norway was ceded to Sweden after the Napoleonic Wars but retained its constitution and separate institutions, except for the royal family. Norway declared independence from Sweden in 1905, establishing its own monarchy.

Skyline of Oslo

Geography[edit | edit source]

Norway's geography is characterized by rugged mountainous terrain and a long coastline with numerous fjords, deep glacial valleys, and small islands. The country is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the famous fjords that are popular tourist destinations. The Scandinavian Mountains dominate the landscape, and the country has a subarctic climate in its northern parts, with the coast benefiting from the Gulf Stream, giving it a milder climate.

Economy[edit | edit source]

Norway has a mixed economy with a combination of free market activity and large state ownership in certain key sectors. The country is rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, fisheries, forestry, and minerals. Norway is one of the world's largest exporters of seafood and has a vibrant petroleum industry. It is also known for its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection. The Norwegian krone (NOK) is the currency of Norway.

Government and Politics[edit | edit source]

Norway is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The Monarchy of Norway is symbolic, and the real political power is held by the Norwegian Parliament, known as the Storting. The country is known for its robust welfare system, comprehensive social security, and universal health care. Norway consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life, economic stability, education standards, and is one of the world's most democratic countries.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Norwegian culture is deeply rooted in the country's history and geography. The Vikings have a significant place in Norwegian heritage, and their explorations and cultural aspects are celebrated. Norway has a strong tradition of literature, folk music, and art. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, the capital of Norway, every year. Traditional Norwegian cuisine is based on locally available ingredients, with a focus on seafood, meats, and dairy products.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Norway has a population of about 5.3 million people. The majority of the population is of Norwegian ethnicity, with a significant Sami minority in the northern parts. The official language is Norwegian, which has two written forms: Bokmål and Nynorsk. English is widely spoken as a second language. The country practices religious freedom; however, the Church of Norway, a Lutheran denomination, is the largest religious organization.

Education and Science[edit | edit source]

Norway places a strong emphasis on education, with a free public education system and a number of higher education institutions offering a wide range of study programs. The country has produced several notable scientists and explorers, including Fridtjof Nansen, Roald Amundsen, and Thor Heyerdahl. Norway also contributes to various international scientific research projects and initiatives.