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Norway

Norway is a long, narrow country on the northwestern edge of the European continent. The northern third of Norway lies above the Arctic Circle and is called the Land of the Midnight Sun. Because this region is so far north, it has long periods every summer when the sun shines 24 hours a day.

Oslo, Norway's capital and largest city, is in the southern part of the country. Norway is a ruggedly beautiful country of mountains, fjords and glaciers. The 'Land of the Midnight Sun' has delightfully long summer days, pleasantly low-key cities, unspoiled fishing villages and rich historic sites that include Viking ships and medieval stave churches...More Information on Norway.

Also Read: Norway - A special feature on the background of Norway

Full country name:Kingdom of Norway
Area: 324,220 sq km
Population: 4.54 million
Capital City: Oslo
People: 97% Nordic, Alpine & Baltic, with a Sami minority
Language: Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk, Northern Sami
Religion: Christian (86.3% Evangelical Lutheran)
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Harald V
Head of Government: Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik

History of Norway

The Viking period (9th to 11th centuries) was one of national unification and expansion. The Norwegian royal line died out in 1387, and the country entered a period of union with Denmark. By 1586, Norway had become part of the Danish Kingdom. In 1814, as a result of the Napoleonic wars, Norway was separated from Denmark and combined with Sweden. The union persisted until 1905, when Sweden recognized Norwegian independence...more on History of Norway.

Overview of Norway Economy

GDP: US$149.1 billion
GDP per capita: US$33,000
Annual Growth: 3.5%
Inflation: 3.1%
Major Industries: Oil, natural gas, computers, high technology, fishing, fish farming, forestry, shipping, shipbuilding, paper production
Major Trading Partners: EU (esp. UK, Germany & Sweden)
Member of EU: Yes

Also Read: A special Feature on Economy of Norway

Political System of Norway

- Political Conditions
- Government of Norway
- Foreign Relationship
- Defense and Military of Norway

Climate, Vegetation and Fauna

Scotch pine and Norway spruce, but also contain birch, alder, aspen, and mountain ash. Wild berries, such as blueberries, cranberries, and cloudberries, grow in most woodland areas. In the far north and at high elevations are tundra regions. The tundra is a treeless heath, with vegetation consisting mainly of hardy dwarf shrubs and wildflowers.Reindeer, polar foxes, polar hare, wolves, wolverines, and lemmings are common in the north and in the higher mountain areas. Elk, deer, foxes, otters, and marten are found in the south and southeast. Both freshwater and saltwater fishes abound. Salmon, trout, grayling, perch, and pike are common in the streams and lakes. Herring, cod, halibut, mackerel, and other species inhabit coastal waters.


People Of Norway: The population of Norway is 4,503,440 (2001 estimate). Norway has the lowest population density in continental Europe...Norway's Population.

Life In Norway: The population of Norway is ethnically homogenous. Apart from several thousand Saami and people of Finnish...more on life and lifestyle of Norway

Languages: Two forms of the Norwegian language are officially recognized as equal...more on languages spoken in Norway

Education: Compulsory education was accomplished in Norway by the Primary School Act of 1827. Changes made since the 1960s have reduced regional...more of education in Norway.

Culture: Norway has preserved a valuable folk culture that retains elements from the Viking age. Norwegians today have a great interest in preserving folk...more on Culture of Norway.

Envoirnment of Norway: Only 3% of Norway is arable. Some 27% remains forested, though acid rain is affecting forests thanks to pollutants pumped...more on Environment of Norway.


Facts for the Traveler

Visas: Scandinavian citizens can enter Norway freely without a passport. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Ireland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand do not require visas for stays of less than three months. The same is true for EU and EAA countries, most of Latin America and most Commonwealth countries.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1
Dialling Code: 47
Electricity: 230V ,50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

Also Read:Money and Cost Required | Transportation System in Norway

When to Go to Norway

Norway is at its best and brightest from May to September. Late spring is a particularly pleasant time - fruit trees are in bloom, daylight hours are long, the weather is mild and most hostels and sights are open but uncrowded. Summers are marked by the phenomena of the midnight sun, especially north of the Artic Circle. At Nordkapp, in the far north, the sun stays out from 13 May to 29 July, but nowhere in the country - even the far south, experiences true darkness between late May and late July.

Unless you're heavily into winter skiing or searching for the Aurora Borealis of the polar nights, Norway's cold, dark winters are not the prime time to visit.

Also Read: Getting Around Norway | Norway: Getting There and Away

What to See in Norway

Major Tourist Attractions in Norway
- Oslo: Norway's capital and largest city creeps up on you and makes you very glad you came...
- Central Norway: The central part of Norway takes in the country's highest mountains, largest glacier and most spectacular fjords...
- Risør: This cluster of historic white houses built around a small fishing harbour is one of Norway's most picturesque villages...
- Tromsø: The ‘Gateway to the Arctic' is a stark contrast to the sober communities dotting the northern coast of Norway...

Other Tourist Attractions in Norway
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