Norway is one of the three Nordic countries that is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula and is bordering Sweden, Finland and Russia. It has a population of 4.7 million and is not a member of the European Union.

Big cities

Oslo which is the capital is located somewhat southeast in the country, as far in as possible on the Oslo fjord, and inhabits 550.000 people. Bergen which lies on the west coast have a population of 245.000 and the third largest city is Trondheim, also located on the west coast but in the middle of the country. Trondheim has 163.000 inhabitants and used to be the capital of Norway until 1217.

Climate

Norway has because of its long coast, a cool temperate climate with more of a mountain climate up in the northern parts. Norway, as well as Sweden and Finland, have a part of its country situated above the polar circle giving it endless light during summer nights and endless darkness during the winter months.

Temperatures

Even though Norway is located so high up in the north the temperatures are not that harsh during winter time. In January the temperatures varies from around -2 °C in the south up to -10°C in the middle part of the country to around -12°C in the northern parts.

During summer which are cool the temperatures in July lies around +17 in the south and +20°C in the middle to cool of to around +14°C in the northern parts.

Cultural society

9% of the Norwegian population has immigrant background today. The three largest groups of immigrants are Pakistanis, Swedes and Iraqis. However the Poles will be the largest immigrant group in Norway if the current trend is continuing for a couple of years. Oslo today contains of 18% of non-western immigrants adding diversity and cultural reflection to the city.

Religious Views

Norwegians are automatically registered in the state Church of Norway when they are born. Rites as marriage, burial, baptism and other, has a big attendance and is a stronghold in cultural life. Even so a total of 83% belongs to the church today. Islam is the religion for about 1.5% of the population and other Christian beliefs add another 4.5% of the population.

Languages in practice

Norwegian is the official language and is closely related to both Swedish and Danish. The Norwegian language has however two different types of official written form, Bokmål and Nynorsk. Bokmål is used by the vast majority. English, German and French are the main foreign languages thought but also Danish and Swedish if so desired.

Political system

Norway is a constitutional monarchy which was born in 1814, and has a parliamentary system of government. The parliament is elected every four years. The king, Harald V, has more ceremonial functions but has also influence as a symbol of unity. He is also the Head of the Church of Norway.

Currency

Norway has its own currency, Norwegian Krone (crown). It was introduced in 1875 after Norway joined the Scandinavian Monetary Union that was created by Sweden and Denmark in 1873. The union was dissolved in 1914 when WW I broke out.