Norway

National name

Kongeriket Norge

Government

Constitutional monarchy

Geography
Norway is situated in the western part of the Scandinavian peninsula. It extends about 1,770 km from the North Sea along the Norwegian Sea to more than 483 km above the Arctic Circle, the farthest north of any European country. Nearly 70% of Norway is uninhabitable and covered by mountains, glaciers, moors, and rivers.

Historical Background
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. 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.

Name

NORWAY
Capital

Oslo

Government

Unitary parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy

Language

Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk)

Religion

Norwegians are registered at baptism as members of the Church of Norway, many remain in the state church to be able to use services such as baptism,confirmation, marriage and burial, rites which have strong cultural standing in Norway.

Area

385,252 km2 (61st1) 148,746 sq mi 

Population

2011 estimate 4,938,900 (116th) 2001 census 4,503,436

Currency

Norwegian krone (NOK)

GDP(PPP)

2010 estimate Total $259.054 billion

GDP(nominal)

2010 estimate Total $433.304 billion