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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Gallery

• 
• 

  Village in Norway, between Flam and Gudvangen, in the Sognefjord

• 

  Boliden Odda

• 

  Island Halsnoy in Hordaland

• 

  Fjord and a rainbow

• 

  Hanseatic Docks in Bergen

• 

  Oslofjord

• 

  Royal Castle in Oslo

• 

  Waterfalls at Geirangerfjord

• 

  A closer look on waterfalls at Geirangerfjord

• 

  Viking ships in Oslo Museum

• 

  A road tunnel in Norway

• 

  Electric wires in Norway

• 

  Valley view from the Stalheim Hotel terrace

• 

  Short Canyon near the Jostedalsbreen

• 

  Trollstigen; waterfall & bridge

• 

  Troll

• 

  Troll signpost

• 

  Geiranger

• 

  Geiranger

• 

  Geiranger

• 

  Dalsnibba; view towards Geiranger

• 

  Dried fish at Porsangerfjord

• 

  Efjord

• 

  Altafjord

• 

  Ringebu stave church

• 

  Lom stave church

• 

  Loen church

• 

  Loen

• 

  Loenvatnet

• 

  Loenvatnet

• 

  Kjenndalsbreen

• 

  Ferry from Linge to Eidsdal

• 

  Between Loen & Balestrand

• 

  Balestrand

• 

  Balestrand St. Olaf's Church

• 

  Balestrand; view towards St. Olaf's Church

• 

  Lofthus

• 

  Hammerfest

• 

  Hammerfest

• 

  Between Alta & Narvik

• 

  Between Alta & Narvik

• 

  Between Narvik & Mo i Rana

• 

  Between Narvik & Mo i Rana

• 

  Between Narvik & Mo i Rana

• 

  Mo i Rana

• 

  Laksforsen

• 

  Trondheim

• 

  Trees on a mountain near Voss

• 

  Dead tree

• 

  View towards east in eastern Norway

• 

  Oslo by night, during the summer.

• 

  Skihütte in Norwegen;ski hut in Norway

• 

  Blick nach Norwesten;view to NW

• 

  Nærøyfjorden

• 

  Istind in Troms

• 

  Фиорды Норвегии

• 

  winter

• 

  Northcape runway

• 

  Maudland Skole

• 

  Hardangerfjord algae bloom

   This article is a Europe-related stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!