Destination
Norway

 
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Overview

The breathtaking fjords of the southwest are Norway’s most dramatic features, but there are many other reasons to visit this sparsely populated land on the northern fringe of Europe. The North Cape’s midnight sun is rightly famous – here, far above the Arctic Circle, lies the spectacularly situated town of Tromsø, where the sun never rises in winter, nor sets in midsummer. And each of Norway’s three major cities offers distinct appeal – Oslo as present-day capital, Bergen as major trading port and Trondheim as long-established centre of Christian pilgrimage.

In the wilderness that lies between the main urban centres are such delights as Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s largest glacier. There are opportunities to indulge in outdoor activities including skiing, hunting, fishing and rock-climbing. Even the less energetic can marvel at the awesome beauty of the Norwegian countryside, with its countless steep-sided valleys, high mountain lakes and unbelievable views.

For those who hike this stunning landscape, there emerges a thrill from following the footsteps of Norwegian ancestors. The known history of the country begins in the 9th century AD. Norway is foremost a land for those who love nature. However, it also offers a rich cultural experience, as would be expected of such varied history, from the Vikings to later luminaries such as artist Edvard Munch.

The Norwegians officially and peacefully dissolved from the Swedish in 1905, finally achieving true independence.

 
Author

Stuart Bowden

 
eneral Information
 
Area

323,759 sq km (125,004 sq miles).

 
Population

4.6 million (UN estimate 2005).

 
Population Density

15 per sq km.

 
Capital

Oslo. Population: 795,000 (UN estimate 2003).

 
Government

Constitutional monarchy. Declared independence from Sweden in 1905.

 
Language

Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk). Sami is spoken by the Sami population in the north. English is widely spoken.

 
Religion

Approximately 86% Evangelical Lutherans; plus other Christian denominations.

 
Time

 
Social Conventions

Normal courtesies should be observed. It is customary for the guest to refrain from drinking until the host toasts their health. Casual dress is normal. Lunch generally takes place between 1200 and 1300 and dinner usually takes place at 1700. It is customary for an invited guest to offer gifts to the host/hostess of a meal. Punctuality is expected if invited out for dinner. Smoking is prohibited in all public places.

 
Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the European round two-pin type.

 
Head of Government

Prime Minister Kjell Jens Stoltenberg since 2005.

 
Head of State

King Harald V since 1991.