MONETARY UNIT: The krone (Kr) of 100 øre is the national currency. There are coins of 50 øre and 1, 5, and 10 kroner, and notes of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1, 000 kroner. Kr1 = $0.15798 (or $1 = Kr6.33) as of 2005.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard.

HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Labor Day, 1 May; National Independence Day, 17 May; Christmas, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Movable religious holidays include Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension, and Whitmonday.

TIME: 1 pm = noon GMT.

1 Location and Size

Norway occupies the western part of the Scandinavian peninsula in northern Europe, with almost one-third of the country situated north of the Arctic Circle. It has an area of 323, 802 square kilometers (125, 020 square miles), slightly larger than the state of New Mexico. Extending 1, 752 kilometers (1, 089 miles) north-northeast to south-southwest, Norway has the greatest length of any European country. The country has a land boundary length of 2, 544 kilometers (1, 581 miles) and a total coastline (Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and North Sea) estimated at 21, 925 kilometers (13, 703 miles).

Norway’s capital city, Oslo, is in the southern part of the country.

2 Topography

Norway is formed of some of the oldest rocks in the world. It is dominated by mountain masses, with only one-fifth of its total area less than 150 meters (500 feet) above sea level. The Galdhøpiggen (2, 469 meters/8, 100 feet) mountain peak is the highest point in Norway and the

GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE

Geographic Features

Area: 323, 802 sq km (125, 020 sq mi)

Size ranking: 66 of 194 Highest elevation: 2, 469 meters (8, 100 feet) at Galdhøpiggen

Lowest elevation: Sea level at the Norwegian Sea

Land Use*

Arable land: 3%

Permanent crops: 0%

Other: 97%

Weather**

Average annual precipitation: 83.2 centimeters (32.8 inches)

Average temperature in January: (Oslo): -7°c to -2°c (19°f to 28°f)

Average temperature in July: (Oslo): 13°c to 22°c (55°f to 72°f)

* Arable Land: Land used for temporary crops, like meadows for mowing or pasture, gardens, and greenhouses.

Permanent crops: Land cultivated with crops that occupy its use for long periods, such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, fruit and nut orchards, and vineyards.

Other: Any land not specified, including built-on areas, roads, and barren land.

** The measurements for precipitation and average temperatures were taken at weather stations closest to the country’s largest city.

Precipitation and average temperature can vary significantly within a country, due to factors such as latitude, altitude, coastal proximity, and wind patterns.

highest point in Europe north of the Alpine-Carpathian mountain range. The lowest point is at sea level (Norwegian Sea).

The principal river is the Glåma, with a total length of 598 kilometers (372 miles). The largest lake, Lake Mjosa, covers an area of 362 square kilometers (140 square miles). There are 1, 700 glaciers totaling some 3, 400 square kilometers (1, 310 square miles). Excellent harbors are provided by the almost numberless fjords (deeply indented bays). Along many coastal stretches is a chain of islands known as the skjærgård.

3 Climate

Because of the North Atlantic Drift, Norway has a mild climate for a country so far north. The north is considerably cooler than the south, while the interior is cooler than the west coast. Oslo’s average yearly temperature ranges from -7°c to -2°c (19°f to 28°f) in January to 13°c to 22°c (55°f to 72°f) in July. The eastern valleys have less than 30 centimeters (12 inches) of rain yearly, whereas along the west coast the average rainfall is 330 centimeters (130 inches).

Norway is the land of the midnight sun in the North Cape area, with 24-hour daylight from the middle of May to the end of July, during which the sun does not set. Conversely, there are long winter nights from the end of November to the end of January, during which the sun does not rise above the horizon and the northern lights, or aurora borealis, can be seen.

4 Plants and Animals

The richest vegetation is found in the southeast around Oslofjord, which is dominated by conifers (spruce, fir, and pine). At lower levels, deciduous trees such as oak, ash, elm, and maple are common. In areas exposed to salt sea winds, there

is little tree growth. Of the larger wild animals, elk, roe deer, red deer, and badger survive, as do fox, lynx, and otter. Bird life is abundant and includes game birds such as capercaillie (cock of the woods) and black grouse. In the rivers are found trout, salmon, and char.

5 Environment

Norway’s environment has suffered in recent years from the growing population and development of urban areas, roads, and hydroelectric power. The forest floor and waterways have been polluted by Norway’s own industry and by acid rain from central Europe and the British Isles. The acid rain problem has affected the nation’s water supply.

Between 1962 and 1985, 15 national parks, with a total area of more than 5, 000 square kilometers (2, 000 square miles), and more than 150 nature reserves were established. As of 2003, 6.8% of Norway’s total land area was protected, including 37 Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance. The West Norwegian Fjords were named as natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2005. In 2006, threatened species included nine types of mammals, six species of birds, seven species of fish, and two species of plants. Threatened species include the Baltic sturgeon, marsh snail, and freshwater pearl mussel.

6 Population

The population in 2005 was estimated at 4.6 million. The projection for 2025 is 5.1 million. Average density in 2005 was 15 people per square kilometer (39 per square mile). Oslo, the capital and principal city, had a population of 795, 000 in 2005.

7 Migration

Emigration in recent years has not been significant. In 2004, about 23, 271 Norwegians moved abroad. Most emigrants went to Sweden, Denmark, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Immigration was principally from the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Sweden. In 2005, Norway’s immigrant population numbered 364, 981. The estimated net migration rate for 2005 was 1.73 migrants per 1, 000 population.

8 Ethnic Groups

The Norwegians have for centuries been a population with only one ethnic heritage. The population is nearly all of Germanic stock (Nordic, Alpine, and Baltic), generally tall and fair-skinned, with blue eyes. Small minority communities include some 20, 000 Sami (Lapps) and 7, 000 descendants of Finnish immigrants.

9 Languages

Norwegian, closely related to Danish and Swedish, is part of the Germanic language group. In addition to the letters of the English alphabet, it has the letters æ, å, and ø. Many dialects are spoken. There are two language forms, Bokmål and Nynorsk. Both forms of Norwegian have absorbed many modern international words, particularly from British and American English. While Norwegian is the official language, English is spoken widely in Norway, especially in the urban areas. The Sami (Lapps) in northern Norway have retained their own language, which is of Finno-Ugric origin. There is also a small Finnish-speaking minority.

10 Religions

The state church is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway. Citizens are generally considered to be members of the state church unless they specifically indicate other affiliations. Reports indicate that about 86% of the population is nominally affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. About 3.4% of the population belong to other Protestant denominations, 1.6% are Muslim, and 1% are Roman Catholic. Other groups include Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Orthodox Christians, and Sikhs. The Norwegian Humanist Association, an organization for atheists and the nonreligious, claims about 69, 652 adults as registered members.

11 Transportation

In spite of Norway’s difficult terrain, the road system has been well engineered, but there are problems of maintenance because of heavy rain in the west and freezing in the east. Road transport accounts for nearly 90% of inland passenger transport. As of 2002 the total length of highway was 91, 852 kilometers (57, 074 miles), of which 71, 185 kilometers (44, 232 miles) were paved, including 178 kilometers (111 miles) of expressways. As of 2003, there were 1, 932, 663 passenger cars and 468, 500 commercial vehicles. In 2004, 4, 077 kilometers (2, 533 miles) of rail line were operational.

With a merchant fleet of 740 vessels (18, 820, 495 gross registered tons, or GRT) as of 2005, Norway possessed one of the world’s largest fleets. Oslo and Bergen have excellent harbor facilities, but several other ports are almost as fully equipped.

Fornebu Airport (Oslo), Flesland (Bergen), and Sola (Stavanger) are the main centers of air traffic. External services are operated by the Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS). Braathens Air Transport operates most of the domestic scheduled flights. In 2003, 12.7 million passengers were carried on scheduled domestic and international flights.

12 History

Humans have lived in Norway for about 10, 000 years. In the early centuries of the Christian era small kingdoms were formed. The name Norge (“Northern Way”) was in use for parts of the coastal district before ad 900. The Vikings were seagoing adventurers who lived from the eighth to tenth centuries. The Viking period (800–1050) was one of vigorous expansion under Olav Haraldsson. Vikings took territory by force for Norway. From the death of Olav in 1030, the nation was officially Christian.

The next two centuries were marked by dynastic conflicts and civil wars. A landed aristocracy emerged, displacing peasant farmers. A common legal code was adopted in 1274 to 1276 and the right of succession to the crown was established. Iceland came under Norwegian rule in 1261 and Greenland between 1261 and 1264. However, the Hebrides (Western Isles) near Scotland were lost in 1266.

Norway lost its independence at the death of Haakon V in 1319, when Magnus VII became ruler of both Norway and Sweden. The Bubonic Plague, known as the Black Death, swept the country in the middle of the 14th century.

In 1397 three Scandinavian countries, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, were united under Queen Margrethe of Denmark. Sweden left the union in 1523, but for nearly 300 more years Norway was ruled by Danish governors.

Denmark’s support of France during the Napoleonic Wars (1803–15) resulted in the breakup of the union. With the Peace of Kiel (1814), Norway was turned over to Sweden, but the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland were kept by Denmark. However, Norwegians resisted Swedish rule. They adopted a new constitution on 17 May 1814 and elected the Danish Prince Christian Frederick king of Norway. Sweden then invaded Norway, but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting union with Sweden under the rule of the Swedish king.

Independence From Sweden During the second half of the 19th century, the Storting (parliament) became more powerful. An upsurge of nationalist feeling, both within the Storting and among Norway’s cultural leaders, paved the way for the election that in 1905 gave independence to Norway. Feelings ran high on both sides, but once the results were announced, Norway and Sweden settled down to friendly relations. The Danish Prince Carl was elected king of Norway, assuming the name Haakon VII.

World War II and the End of Neutrality Although Norway remained neutral during World War I (1914–18), its merchant marine suffered losses. Norway proclaimed its neutrality during the early days of World War II (1939–45), but Norwegian waters were strategically too important for Norway to remain outside the war. On 9 April 1940, Germany invaded. The national resistance was led by King Haakon. In June 1940 Haakon escaped, taking the government with him. Then he established Norway’s government-in exile in England.

The government that remained in Oslo fell to Vidkun Quisling, a former Norwegian defense minister who had aided the German invasion. His name afterwards became a term in the Norwegian language for one who collaborates with the enemy. After the German surrender, he was arrested, convicted of treason, and shot. During the late 1940s, Norway abandoned its former neutrality, accepted aid from the United States, and joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). King Haakon died in 1957 and was succeeded by Olav V.

Norway After World War II The direction of economic policy has been the major issue in Norway since World War II. Especially controversial have been the issues of taxation and the degree of government involvement in private industry. Economic planning has been introduced and several state-owned enterprises established. Prior to the mid-1970s, Labor Party-dominated governments enjoyed a broad public consensus for their foreign and military policies.

About 54% of the Norwegians who voted, in November 1972 rejected Norway’s entry into what was then the European Economic Community (EEC). The EEC, now the European Union (EU), is intended to make trade between European countries as easy as it is between Michigan and New York.

After the 1973 general elections, the Labor Party, which had been in favor of joining the EEC, found its control over the government had begun to weaken. The Labor Party lost control of the government to the Conservatives in the 1981 elections, but regained control in 1986. On 17 January 1991 King Harald took over the throne when his father died.

The EU issue has remained controversial. In late November 1994, Norwegians again voted to reject membership in the EU, despite the fact

that its neighbors, Sweden and Finland, would become members in January 1995. However, public opinion polls in 2003 indicated that about 51.9% of the electorate was in favor of joining the EU. Those in favor of membership are primarily from urban areas and are engaged in business. Those opposed, from coastal areas to the north and the western rural areas, feel that Norway is strong enough and rich enough in natural resources to remain independent. Of special concern is protection of the rich fishing grounds in Norway’s territorial waters.

Jens Stoltenberg of the Labor Party became the prime minister in 2005. Stoltenberg had previously serviced as been prime minister from 2000 to 2001.

13 Government

Norway is a constitutional monarchy. The constitution of 17 May 1814, as amended, places executive power in the king and legislative power in the Storting (parliament). A constitutional amendment in May 1990 allows females to take the throne. The sovereign (king or queen) must be a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway, which he or she heads. Royal power is exercised through a cabinet (the Council of State), consisting of a prime minister and at least seven other ministers of state (these numbered 18 in 2005).

Since the introduction of parliamentary rule in 1884, the Storting has become the supreme

BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE

Name: Jens Stoltenberg

Position: Prime minister of a constitutional monarchy

Took Office: 17 October 2003

Birthplace: Norway

Birthdate: 16 March 1959

Education: University of Oslo

Spouse: Ingrid Schulerud

Children: Two children

Of interest: He was first prime minister from 2000–2001.

authority, with complete control over finances and with power to override the king’s (or queen’s) veto under a specified procedure. The monarch is theoretically free to choose his or her own cabinet. In practice the Storting selects the ministers, who must resign if the Storting votes no confidence (in their abilities).

The Storting is made up of 169 representatives from 19 counties. Election for a four-year term is by direct voting. After election, the Storting divides into two sections by choosing one-fourth of its members to form the upper chamber, Lagting, with the rest constituting the lower chamber, Odelsting. The Odelsting deals with certain types of bills (chiefly proposed new laws) after the committee stage and forwards them to the Lagting. After approving bills, the Lagting sends them to the king for the royal assent (agreement).

Norway has 435 municipalities of varying size. They are grouped into 19 counties (fylker), each governed by an elected county council. Each county is headed by a governor by the king in council.

14 Political Parties

The present-day Conservative Party (Høyre) was established in 1885. The Liberal Party (Venstre), founded in 1885, stresses social reform. Industrial workers founded the Labor Party (Arbeiderparti) in 1887 and, with the assistance of the Liberals,

obtained the universal vote for men in 1898 and for women in 1913. The Social Democrats broke away from the Labor Party in 1921–22 and the Communist Party (Kommunistparti), made up of former Laborites, was established in 1923.

The Agrarian (Farmers) Party was formed in 1920. It changed its name to the Center Party (Senterparti) in 1958. The Christian People’s Party (Kristelig Folkeparti), founded in 1933 and also known as the Christian Democratic Party, supports the principles of Christianity in public life.

In the September 2005 parliamentary elections, the Labor Party came in first, followed by the far-right Progress Party. Other parties represented in parliament that year were the Conservative Party, the Socialist Left Party, the Christian People’s Party, Center Party, and the Liberal Party.

15 Judicial System

Each municipality has a conciliation council (forliksråd), elected by the municipal council, to mediate in lesser civil cases so as to settle them, if possible, before they go to court. Cases receive their first hearing in town courts (byrett) and rural courts (herredstrett), which try both civil and criminal cases. Their decisions may be brought before a court of appeals (lagmannsrett); there are six such courts, at Borgarting, Eidsivating, Agder, Gulating, Frostating and Hålogaland.

Yearly Growth Rate

This economic indicator tells by what percent the economy has increased or decreased when compared with the previous year.

Appeals may be taken to the Supreme Court (Høyesterett) at Oslo, which consists of a chief justice and seventeen judges. Special courts include a Social Insurance Court and a Labor Disputes Court that handles industrial relations disputes.

16 Armed Forces

In 2005, the armed forces had a total strength if 25, 800 active personnel and reserves numbering 219, 000. The army’s total strength was 14, 700 members. The navy had a total of 6, 100 active personnel. The air force numbered 5, 000. Norway is the host nation for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allied Forces North and provides troops for six peacekeeping operations. As of 2006 the government had withdrawn it small number of troops from Iraq but pledged to increase support of peacekeeping operations around the world. The defense budget in 2005 was $4.69 billion.

17 Economy

Norway, with its long coastline and vast forests, was traditionally a fishing and lumbering country. Since the end of World War I, it has greatly increased its transport and manufacturing activities. The discovery of major new oil reserves in the North Sea in the late 1970s had considerable impact on the Norwegian economy.

Foreign trade is a critical economic factor. Norway was especially sensitive to the effects of the worldwide recession of the early 1980s and is affected by variations in world prices, particularly those of oil, gas, and shipping. Since the early 1980s, Norway’s exports had been dominated by petroleum and natural gas. However, by 2005, the service sector had grown to account for 56% of the gross domestic product (GDP).

In 2001, GDP growth was at 1.4%, but fell to 1% in 2002 and to 0.5% in 2003, largely due to the global economic slowdown. The economy recovered strongly in 2004 with a growth rate of 3.4%, rising to 4% in 2005.

18 Income

In 2005, Norway’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $194 billion, or about $42, 400 per person. The annual growth rate of GDP was estimated at 4%. In 2002, the average inflation rate was 2.1%.

19 Industry

The most important export industries are oil and gas production, metalworking, pulp and paper, chemical products, and processed fish. Products traditionally classified as home market industries (electrical and nonelectrical machinery, casting and foundry products, textiles, paints, varnishes, rubber goods, and furniture) also make an important contribution.

Electrochemical and electrometallurgical products—aluminum, ferroalloys, steel, nickel, copper, magnesium, and fertilizers—are based mainly on Norway’s low-cost electric power. Without any bauxite reserves of its own, Norway has thus been able to become a leading producer of aluminum. Industrial output is being increasingly diversified.

About half of Norway’s industries are situated in the area of Oslo’s fjord.

20 Labor

In 2005, the labor force totaled 2.4 million workers. In 2003, 74% of the workforce was employed in the service sector, 22.1% in industry, and 4% in agriculture. Unemployment stood at 4.2% in 2005.

In 2005, Norway’s unions represented about 55% of the employed labor force.

Norwegian workers receive four weeks plus one day of annual vacation time with pay. Generally, employee representatives make up one-third of a company board of directors. Children between the ages of 13 and 18 years may engage in light work that will not negatively affect their health or education, but only on a part-time basis. There is no legal minimum wage. Wage scales are set through negotiations with local government, employers, and workers.

Components of the Economy

This pie chart shows how much of the country’s economy is devoted to agriculture (including forestry, hunting, and fishing), industry, or services.

21 Agriculture

In 2005, agricultural land covered about 3% of the country’s total land (excluding Svalbard and Jan Mayen). As of 2005, about 96% of all agricultural lands were held by individuals. Because of the small size of the holdings, many farm families pursue additional occupations, mainly in forestry, fishing, and handicrafts. In 2004 major crops included 1.0 million tons of grain (barley, oats, and wheat) and 340, 000 tons of potatoes. Norway imports most of its grain and large quantities of its fruits and vegetables.

22 Domesticated Animals

Norway is self-sufficient in farm animals and livestock products. In 2005, there were 2.4 million sheep, 920, 000 head of cattle, 515, 000 hogs, 28, 000 horses, and 3.3 million fowl. Norway is well known for its work horses and dairy cows. In 2005, production included 83, 600 tons of beef and veal, 116, 500 tons of pork, 25, 400 tons of mutton and lamb, 1.7 million tons of milk, 81, 200 tons of cheese, 51, 000 tons of eggs, and

Yearly Balance of Trade

The balance of trade is the difference between what a country sells to other countries (its exports) and what it buys (its imports). If a country imports more than it exports, it has a negative balance of trade (a trade deficit). If exports exceed imports there is a positive balance of trade (a trade surplus).

13, 000 tons of butter. Norwegian production of milk, cheese, and meat satisfies local demand.

In 2003 there were 320, 000 farm-raised foxes and 440, 000 mink. Nearly 200, 000 reindeer graze in the north and on the lichen-clad mountains. In 2001, exports of hides and skins amounted to $66.1 million.

23 Fishing

Fishing is of modest importance, with 2.5 million tons caught in 2004. The main commercial species are herring, cod, mackerel, and sardines. The value of fish and fishery products exported in 2004 was $1.5 billion.

Aquaculture (fish farming) is also important in Norway, with more than 3, 500 workers and 700 facilities. The production of farmed salmon reached 537, 000 tons in 2004. In 2003 seal hunting expeditions in the Arctic Ocean caught 12, 870 seals. Norway was one of the four countries that did not agree to phase out whaling by 1986. In 2006 Norway sparked controversy by increasing the annual quota of minke whales that could be killed by whalers 30%, from 797 to 1, 052.

24 Forestry

Norway’s forestland covers about 8, 868, 000 hectares (21, 913, 000 acres). In 2004 removals amounted to 8.78 million cubic meters (309.9 million cubic feet). Sawn wood production in 2004 totaled 2.23 million cubic meters (78.7 million cubic feet); wood pulp, 2.5 million tons; and paper and paperboard, 2.29 million tons. The value of forest product exports was $1.8 billion in 2004.

25 Mining

Mining is Norway’s oldest major export industry. In 2004 petroleum and gas comprised Norway’s leading industries. Known deposits of other minerals are small. They include limestone, quartz, dolomite, feldspar, and slate. In 2004, production included 449, 743 tons of iron ore and concentrate and 426, 594 tons of titanium. The largest titanium deposit in Europe is at Soknedal.

26 Foreign Trade

Foreign trade plays an exceptionally important role in the Norwegian economy. Exports are largely based on oil, natural gas, shipbuilding, metals, forestry (including pulp and paper), fishing, and electrochemical and electrometallurgical products. The manufacture of oil rigs, drilling platforms, and associated equipment has developed into a sizable export industry. Norway imports large quantities of motor vehicles and other transport equipment, raw materials, and industrial equipment.

Primary export partners include the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and the United States. Primary import partners include Sweden, Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

27 Energy and Power

Norway, always well supplied with waterpower, also has the advantage of vast petroleum and natural gas deposits in the North Sea. Norway has the largest proven reserves of oil in Western Europe. Altogether, the nation’s remaining reserves of oil totaled 8.5 billion barrels as of the beginning of 2005. Production in 2004 was about 3.1 million barrels per day. Natural gas reserves totaled 2 trillion cubic meters (73.6 trillion cubic feet). Production of natural gas in 2003 was estimated at 76.6 billion cubic meters (2.6 trillion cubic feet).

Electric power production in 2000 totaled 140.9 billion kilowatt hours, which was almost entirely hydroelectric. The importance of coal and other solid fuels has steadily declined in recent years. However, coal reserves were estimated at 5.5 million tons in 2003 and production the same year amounted to 3.2 million tons.

28 Social Development

Norway has been a pioneer in the field of social welfare and is often called a welfare state. Accident insurance for factory workers was introduced in 1894 and compulsory health insurance in 1909. Sickness benefits, family allowances during hospitalization, and grants for funeral expenses are paid. Public assistance, available in Norway since 1845, supplements the foregoing programs. Social welfare has long included maternity benefits with free prenatal clinics.

The National Insurance Act, which came into effect in 1967, provides old-age pensions, rehabilitation allowances, disability pensions, widow and widower pensions, and survivor benefits to children. Workers’ compensation covers both accidents and occupational diseases. Family allowance coverage, in force since 1946, is provided for children under the age of 16.

In spite of a 1978 law mandating equal wages for equal work by men and women, economic discrimination continues, and the average pay for women in industry is lower than that for men. There are legal provisions to protect the rights and cultural heritage of minority peoples, such as the Sami (Lapps).

29 Health

Since 1971, there has been a tax-based National Insurance Scheme. Hospital care is free of charge, but a minor fee is charged for medicine and primary health care. As of 2004 there were an estimated 310 physicians per 100, 000 people. In 2005, average life expectancy was 79 years and the infant mortality rate was estimated at 3.7 per 1, 000 live births.

As of 2004, the number of people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) was estimated at 2, 100. Deaths from AIDS in 2003 were estimated at 100. The heart disease mortality rates were higher than the average compared to other high human development countries.

Selected Social Indicators

The statistics below are the most recent estimates available as of 2006. For comparison purposes, data for the United States and averages for low-income countries and high-income countries are also given. About 15% of the world’s 6.5 billion people live in high-income countries, while 37% live in low-income countries.

Indicator	Norway	Low-income countries	High-income countries	United States
sources: World Bank. World Development Indicators. Washington, D.C.: The World Bank, 2006; Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 2006; World Resources Institute, Washington, D.C.
Per capita gross national income (GNI)*	$38, 680	$2, 258	$31, 009	$39, 820
Population growth rate	0.6%	2%	0.8%	1.2%
People per square kilometer of land	15	80	30	32
Life expectancy in years: male	78	58	76	75
female	82	60	82	80
Number of physicians per 1, 000 people	3.1	0.4	3.7	2.3
Number of pupils per teacher (primary school)	10	43	16	15
Literacy rate (15 years and older)	100%	65%	>95%	99%
Television sets per 1, 000 people	884	84	735	938
Internet users per 1, 000 people	394	28	538	630
Energy consumed per capita (kg of oil equivalent)	5, 100	501	5, 410	7, 843
CO² emissions per capita (metric tons)	8.25	0.85	12.97	19.92
* The GNI is the total of all goods and services produced by the residents of a country in a year. The per capita GNI is calculated by dividing a country’s GNI by its population and adjusting for relative purchasing power.
n.a.: data not available >: greater than <: less than

30 Housing

As of 2001 Norway had 1, 961, 548 dwelling units; 57% of them were detached houses. About 29% of the housing stock was built in the period 1981–2001. In 2001, 21, 099 new dwellings were completed. In 2002 at least 22, 980 new dwellings were under construction and in 2003, about 22, 677 units were started. According to estimates for 2004, about 52% of all households lived in single-family detached dwellings and about 82% of all dwelling were owner occupied.

31 Education

A 10-year system of compulsory education is available for all children between the ages of 6 and 16. Three-year general secondary schools (gymnasiums) prepare students for the university. The upper secondary school system also includes vocational schools of various types. As of 2003, 100% of primary school-age children were enrolled in school, while about than 96% of those eligible were enrolled in secondary school. The pupil-to-teacher ratio in primary schools in 2005 was estimated at 10 to 1.

Norway’s institutions of higher education include 130 colleges and 4 universities. The four major universities include the University of Oslo (founded in 1811), the University of Bergen (1948), the University of Trondheim (1969), and the University of Tromsø (1969). There are also specialized institutions, such as the Agricultural University of Norway (near Oslo); the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (Bergen); and the Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine (Oslo).

Folk high schools are associated with a long Scandinavian tradition of public enlightenment. There are more than 80 folk schools in Norway geared toward providing personal growth and development rather than academic achievement. In 2003, about 81% of the adult population were enrolled in some type of continuing education program. As of 2005 the entire adult population was literate.

32 Media

In 2003, there were an estimated 713 mainline phones 909 mobile phones in use for every 1, 000 people. As of 1998 Norway had 5 AM and at least 650 FM radio broadcasting stations. As of 2004, there were an estimated 3, 324 radios and 884 television sets for every 1, 000 people. The same year, there were about 580 personal computers for every 1, 000 people and 394 of every 1, 000 people had access to the Internet.

The Norwegian press is characterized by a large number of small newspapers. The following are the largest dailies with their circulations in 2004: Verdens Gang, 365, 000; Aftenposten, 398, 000; and Dagbladet, 183, 000.

33 Tourism and Recreation

Norway’s main tourist attractions are the cities of Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, which are connected by road, rail, and daily flights; the marvelous scenery of the fjord country in the west; and the arctic coast with the North Cape and “midnight sun.” In 2003, foreign visitors numbered 3.1 million and income from tourism totaled $3 billion. There were 67, 114 hotel rooms with 143, 798 beds and a 35% occupancy rate that year.

A favorite method of tourist travel is by coastal steamer, sailing from Bergen northward to Kirkenes, near the Russian frontier. Many cruise ships sail the Norwegian fjords and coastal towns. Notable outdoor recreational facilities include the Oslomarka, a 100, 000-hectare (247, 000-acre) area located near Oslo, with ski trails and walking paths. To compensate for the shortness of winter days, several trails are illuminated for evening skiing.

Other popular sports include ice skating, freshwater fishing, mountaineering, hunting (grouse, reindeer, and elk), and soccer. There are major theaters in Oslo and Bergen, as well as six regional theaters; Den Norske Opera in Oslo; and four symphony orchestras. International musical events include the Bergen Festival, held annually in late May or early June; and several jazz festivals in July. In 1994 Norway hosted the XVII Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer.

34 Famous Norwegians

Ludvig Holberg (1684–1745), the father of Danish and Norwegian literature, was a leading dramatist whose comedies are still performed. Henrik Wergeland (1808–1845), Norway’s greatest poet, was a patriot and social reformer. His sister, Camilla Collett (1813–1895), author of the first Norwegian realistic novel, was a pioneer in the movement for women’s rights. Henrik Ibsen (1827–1906), founder of modern dramas, placed Norway in the forefront of world literature. Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1832–1910), poet, playwright, and novelist, received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1903. Other noted novelists are Knut Hamsun (1859–1952), Nobel Prize winner in 1920, and Sigrid Undset (1882–1949), awarded the Nobel Prize in 1928.

Ole Bull (1810–1880) was a world-famous violinist. Edvard Grieg (1843–1907) was the first Norwegian composer to win broad popularity. Kirsten Flagstad (1895–1962), world-renowned soprano, served for a time as director of the Norwegian State Opera. Edvard Munch (1863–1944) was an outstanding expressionist painter. Norway’s foremost sculptor is Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943).

Outstanding scientists are Armauer (Gerhard Henrik) Hansen (1841–1912), discoverer of the leprosy bacillus; Fridtjof Nansen (1861–1930), an oceanographer and Arctic explorer who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922 for organizing famine relief in Russia; Roald Amundsen (1872–1928), polar explorer; Regnar Frisch (1895–1978), who shared the first Nobel Prize in economics in 1969 for developing econometrics; and Thor Heyerdahl (1914–2002), explorer and anthropologist.

The first secretary-general of the United Nations was a Norwegian, Trygve (Halvdan) Lie (1896–1968), who served from 1946 to 1953. The historian Christian Louis Lange (1869–1938) was co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1921.

Sonja Henie (1913–1969) was the leading woman figure skater of her time, and Liv Ullmann (1939–) is an internationally known actress. Grete Waitz (1953–) is a champion long-distance runner.