Introduction
Background
Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off after Christianity was adopted in 994. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence from Sweden.
Geography
Area
total : 323,802 sq km
land: 304,282 sq km
water: 19,520 sq km
Climate
temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower
People and Society
Population
total: 5,509,733
Ethnic groups
Norwegian 81.5% (includes about 60,000 Sami), other European 8.9%, other 9.6% (2021 est.)
Languages
Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities
Religions
Church of Norway (Evangelical Lutheran - official) 67.5%, Muslim 3.1%, Roman Catholic 3.1%, other Christian 3.8%, other 2.6%, unspecified 19.9% (2021 est.)
Population growth rate
0.59% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital
name: Oslo
Executive branch
chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991)
head of government: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr STORE (since 14 October 2021)
Legislative branch
summary: unicameral Parliament (169 seats)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Anniken Scharning HUITFELDT (since 18 September 2024)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Sharon HUDSON-DEAN (since February 2024)
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, non-EU economy with trade links via European Economic Area (EEA); key European energy security role as leader in oil, gas, and electricity exports; major fishing, forestry, and extraction industries; oil sovereign fund supports generous welfare system; low unemployment; inflation and response hampering growth in non-energy sectors
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$499.528 billion (2023 est.)
$496.973 billion (2022 est.)
$482.472 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$90,500 (2023 est.)
$91,100 (2022 est.)
$89,200 (2021 est.)
Exports
$228.625 billion (2023 est.)
$327.706 billion (2022 est.)
$203.228 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Germany 27%, UK 21%, France 9%, Belgium 7%, Sweden 6% (2022)
Exports - commodities
natural gas, crude petroleum, fish, refined petroleum, aluminum (2022)
Imports
$157.032 billion (2023 est.)
$161.645 billion (2022 est.)
$140.331 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
Sweden 18%, Germany 11%, China 10%, Denmark 6%, Netherlands 6% (2022)
Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, ships, garments, nickel (2022)
Page last updated: Thursday, October 03, 2024
