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| CIA Background Information |
Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is on containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning for the time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.
| U.S. State Department Description |
Country Description:
Norway is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. The cost of living in Norway is high and tourist facilities are well developed and widely available. Read the Department of State Background Notes
on Norway for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Norway is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Norway for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details ... Read this Article
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Norwegian(s).
Population (2007): 4,769,100.
Annual growth rate (2006): 0.340.
Density (2006): 15.2 per sq. km (excluding inland water)
Ethnic groups: Norwegian (Nordic, Alpine, Baltic), Sami, a racial-cultural minority of 40,000 foreign nationals (415,000) from Nordic and other countries.
Religion (2004): Church of Norway (Lutheran), 88%; Pentecostal Christian, 1%; Roman Catholic, 1%; Other Christian, 2.4%; Muslim, 1.8%; other, none, or ... Read this Article
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Location: Norway is Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden See Map
Capital: name: Oslo
geographic coordinates: 59 55 N, 10 45 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Currency (Code): Norwegian krone (NOK) ...More
Area: total: 323,802 sq km , land: 307,442 sq km , water: 16,360 sq km ( 1 sq km is approximately 0.4 sq miles or 250 acres)
Area Comparison: slightly larger than New Mexico
Elevation Extremes: lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m , highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m (1 meter = 3.28 feet)
Population: 4,644,457 (July 2008 est.)
Unemployment: 2.5% (2007 est.)
Ethnic Groups: Norwegian 94.4% (includes Sami, about 60,000), other European 3.6%, other 2% (2007 estimate)
Religion: Church of Norway 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%, other Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)
Languages: Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami is official in six municipalities
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| History
The Viking period (9th to 11th centuries) was one of national unification and expansion. The unification of Viking settlements along the Norwegian coast was well advanced by the death, in 1030, of St. Olav, who had overseen the population’s conversion to Christianity. A period of civil war ended ... Read this Article
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| Geographic Info for Norway : |
Geography
Area (including the island territories of Svalbard and Jan Mayen: 385,199 sq. km. (approx sq. miles); approximately the same size as New Mexico.
Cities (2007): Capital --Oslo (pop. 839,423, including suburbs). Other cities--Bergen (248,668), Stavanger (212,691, including suburbs) Trondheim (166,304).
Terrain: Rugged with high plateaus, steep fjords, mountains, and fertile valleys. Norway’s northern ... Read this Article
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