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NORWAY, Kingdom of Norway, states Northern Europe, in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Territory area - 385.2 thousand square meters. km. It ranks second in size (after Sweden) among the Scandinavian countries. The length of the border with Russia is 196 km, with Finland - 727 km, with Sweden - 1619 km. The length of the coastline is 2650 km, and taking into account the fjords and small islands - 25 148 km.

Norway is called the land of the midnight sun because 1/3 of the country lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the sun barely sets below the horizon from May to July. In the middle of winter in the far north, the polar night, and in the south daylight hours last only a few hours.

Norway is a country of picturesque landscapes, with jagged mountain ranges, glacier-cut valleys, and narrow, steep-sided fjords. The beauty of this country inspired the composer Edvard Grieg, who tried to convey in his works the mood swings inspired by the alternation of light and dark seasons of the year.

Norway has long been a country of seafarers, and most of its population is concentrated on the coast. The Vikings, experienced sailors who created an extensive system of overseas trade, ventured across the Atlantic Ocean and reached the New World ca. 1000 AD In the modern era, the role of the sea in the life of the country is evidenced by the huge merchant fleet, which in 1997 occupied the sixth place in the world in terms of total tonnage, as well as the developed fish processing industry.

Norway is a hereditary democratic constitutional monarchy. It received state independence only in 1905. Prior to that, it was ruled first by Denmark, and then by Sweden. The union with Denmark existed from 1397 to 1814, when Norway passed to Sweden.

The area of ​​the Norwegian mainland is 324 thousand square meters. km. The length of the country is 1770 km - from Cape Linnesnes in the south to the North Cape in the north, and its width ranges from 6 to 435 km. The shores of the country are washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Skagerrak in the south and the Arctic Ocean in the north. The total length of the coastline is 3,420 km, and including the fjords - 21,465 km. In the east, Norway borders on Russia (the length of the border is 196 km), Finland (720 km) and Sweden (1660 km).

Overseas possessions include the Svalbard archipelago, consisting of nine major islands(the largest of them is Western Svalbard) with a total area of ​​63 thousand square meters. km in the Arctic Ocean; o.Jan Mayen with an area of ​​380 sq. km in the North Atlantic Ocean between Norway and Greenland; the small islands of Bouvet and Peter I in Antarctica. Norway claims Queen Maud Land in Antarctica.

NATURE

terrain

Norway occupies the western, mountainous part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. This is a large boulder, composed mainly of granites and gneisses and characterized by a rugged relief. The block is asymmetrically raised to the west, as a result, the eastern slopes (mainly in Sweden) are more gentle and long, and the western ones, facing the Atlantic Ocean, are very steep and short. In the south, within Norway, both slopes are present, and between them there is a vast upland.

To the north of the border between Norway and Finland, only a few peaks rise above 1200 m, but towards the south the heights of the mountains gradually increase, reaching maximum heights of 2469 m (Mount Gallhöppigen) and 2452 m (Mount Glittertinn) in the Jutunheimen massif. Other elevated areas of the highlands are only slightly inferior in height. These include Dovrefjell, Ronnane, Hardangervidda and Finnmarksvidda. Bare rocks are often exposed there, devoid of soil and vegetation cover. Outwardly, the surface of many highlands is more like gently undulating plateaus, and such areas are called "vidda".

During the great ice age, glaciation developed in the mountains of Norway, but modern glaciers are small. The largest of them are Jostedalsbre (the largest glacier in Europe) in the Jotunheimen mountains, Svartisen in north central Norway and Folgefonni in the Hardangervidda region. The small Engabre glacier, located at 70° N, approaches the shore of the Kvenangenfjord, where small icebergs calve at the end of the glacier. However, usually the snow line in Norway is located at altitudes of 900-1500 m. Many features of the country's topography were formed during the Ice Age. Probably, there were several continental glaciations then, and each of them contributed to the development of glacial erosion, deepening and straightening of the ancient river valleys and their transformation into picturesque U-shaped steep troughs, deeply cutting through the surface of the uplands.

After the melting of the continental glaciation, the lower reaches of the ancient valleys were flooded, where fjords formed. The fjord shores amaze with their extraordinary picturesqueness and are of great economic importance. Many fjords are very deep. For example, Sognefjord, located 72 km north of Bergen, reaches a depth of 1308 m in the lower part. A chain of coastal islands - the so-called. skergor (in Russian literature, the Swedish term shkhergord is more often used) protects the fjords from strong westerly winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean. Some islands are exposed rocks washed by the surf, others reach considerable sizes.

Most Norwegians live on the banks of the fjords. The most significant are Oslo Fjord, Hardanger Fjord, Sognefjord, Nord Fjord, Stor Fjord and Tronnheims Fjord. The main occupations of the population are fishing in the fjords, agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry in some places along the banks of the fjords and in the mountains. In the fjord areas, industry is poorly developed, except for individual manufacturing enterprises that use rich hydropower resources. In many parts of the country, bedrock comes to the surface.

Water resources

In the east of Norway are the largest rivers, including the Glomma 591 km long. In the west of the country the rivers are short and fast. There are many picturesque lakes in southern Norway. Lake Mjosa, the largest in the country, with an area of ​​390 sq. km is located in the southeast. At the end of the 19th century several small canals were built connecting the lakes with seaports on the south coast, but they are currently little used. The hydropower resources of the rivers and lakes of Norway make a significant contribution to its economic potential.

Climate

Despite the northern position, Norway has a favorable climate with cool summers and relatively mild (for the corresponding latitudes) winters - the result of the influence of the Gulf Stream. The average annual precipitation varies from 3330 mm in the west, where moisture-carrying winds first arrive, to 250 mm in some isolated areas. river valleys in the east of the country. The average January temperature of 0°C is typical for the southern and western coasts, while in the interior it drops to -4°C or less. In July, average temperatures on the coast are approx. 14°C, and in the interior - approx. 16 ° C, but there are higher.

Soils, flora and fauna

Fertile soils cover only 4% of the entire territory of Norway and are concentrated mainly in the vicinity of Oslo and Trondheim. Since most of the country is covered by mountains, plateaus and glaciers, the opportunities for plant growth and development are limited. There are five geobotanical regions: a treeless coastal region with meadows and shrubs, deciduous forests to the east of it, coniferous forests further inland and to the north, a belt of dwarf birches, willows and perennial grasses higher and even further to the north; finally, on the most high altitudes- a belt of grasses, mosses and lichens. Coniferous forests are one of Norway's most important natural resources and provide a variety of export products. Reindeer, lemmings, arctic foxes and eiders are commonly found in the Arctic region. Ermine, hare, elk, fox, squirrel and - in small numbers - wolf and brown bear are found in the forests to the very south of the country. The red deer is distributed along the southern coast.

POPULATION

Demography

Norway's population is small and growing at a slow pace. In 2004, 4574 thousand people lived in the country. In 2004, per 1 thousand people, the birth rate was 11.89, the death rate was 9.51, and the population growth was 0.41%. This figure is higher than natural population growth due to immigration, which in the 1990s reached 8,000–10,000 people a year. Improvements in health and living standards have ensured a steady, albeit slow, increase in population over the last two generations. Norway, along with Sweden, is characterized by record low infant mortality rates - 3.73 per 1000 newborns (2004) against 7.5 in the USA. In 2004 life expectancy for men was 76.64 years and for women 82.01 years. Although Norway's divorce rate was below some of its neighboring Nordic countries, after 1945 this figure increased, and in the mid-1990s, about half of all marriages ended in divorce (as in the US and Sweden). 48% of children born in Norway in 1996 are out of wedlock. After the restrictions introduced in 1973, for some time immigration was sent to Norway mainly from the Scandinavian countries, but after 1978 a significant stratum of people of Asian origin appeared (about 50 thousand people). In the 1980s–1990s, Norway accepted refugees from Pakistan, countries in Africa, and the republics of the former Yugoslavia.

In July 2005, 4.59 million people lived in the country. 19.5% of residents were under the age of 15, 65.7% were between the ages of 15 and 64, and 14.8% were 65 or older. Average age a resident of Norway - 38.17 years. In 2005, per 1 thousand people, the birth rate was 11.67, the death rate was 9.45, and the population growth was 0.4%. Immigration in 2005 - 1.73 per 1000 people. infant mortality- 3.7 per 1000 newborns. Average duration life - 79.4 years.

Population density and distribution

Norway was once the world's leading whaling power. In the 1930s, its whaling fleet in Antarctic waters supplied 2/3 of the world's production to the market. However, reckless capture soon led to a sharp decline in the number of large whales. In the 1960s whaling in Antarctica was discontinued. In the mid-1970s, there were no whaling ships left in the Norwegian fishing fleet. However, fishermen still kill small whales. The annual slaughter of some 250 whales caused serious international controversy in the late 1980s, but as a member of the International Whale Commission, Norway stubbornly rejected all attempts to ban whaling. She also ignored the 1992 International Convention on the Cessation of Whaling.

Extractive industry

The Norwegian sector of the North Sea contains large reserves of oil and natural gas. According to estimates in 1997, industrial oil reserves in this region were estimated at 1.5 billion tons, and gas - at 765 billion cubic meters. m. 3/4 of the total reserves and oil fields in Western Europe are concentrated here. In terms of oil reserves, Norway is ranked 11th in the world. Half of all gas reserves in Western Europe are concentrated in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, and Norway holds the 10th place in the world in this respect. Prospective oil reserves reach 16.8 billion tons, and gas - 47.7 trillion. cube m. More than 17 thousand Norwegians are engaged in oil production. The presence of large oil reserves in the waters of Norway north of the Arctic Circle has been established. Oil production in 1996 exceeded 175 million tons, and natural gas production in 1995 - 28 billion cubic meters. m. The main fields under development are Ekofisk, Sleipner and Thor-Valhall southwest of Stavanger and Troll, Oseberg, Gullfax, Frigg, Statfjord and Murchison to the west of Bergen, as well as Dreugen and Haltenbakken further north. Oil production began at the Ekofisk field in 1971 and increased throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In the late 1990s, the rich new deposits of Heidrun near the Arctic Circle and Baller were discovered. In 1997, oil production in the North Sea was three times higher than 10 years ago, and its further growth was only held back by reduced demand in the world market. 90% of the produced oil is exported. Norway started gas production in 1978 at the Frigg field, half of which is in British territorial waters. Pipelines have been laid from Norwegian deposits to Great Britain and Western European countries. The fields are being developed by the state company Statoil together with foreign and private Norwegian oil firms.

Explored oil reserves for 2002 - 9.9 billion barrels, gas - 1.7 trillion cubic meters. m. Oil production in 2005 amounted to 3.22 million barrels per day, gas in 2001 - 54.6 billion cubic meters. m.

With the exception of fuel resources, Norway has small reserves of minerals. The main metal resource is iron ore. In 1995, Norway produced 1.3 million tons of iron ore concentrate, mainly from the Sør-Varangergra mines in Kirkenes near the Russian border. Another large mine in the Rana region supplies the nearby large steel plant in the city of Mu.

The most important non-metallic minerals are raw cement and limestone. In Norway in 1996, 1.6 million tons of cement raw materials were produced. Building stone deposits are also being developed, including granite and marble.

Forestry

A quarter of the territory of Norway - 8.3 million hectares - is covered with forests. The densest forests are in the east, where logging is predominantly carried out. More than 9 million cubic meters are being procured. m of timber per year. Spruce and pine are of the greatest commercial importance. The logging season usually falls between November and April. In the 1950s and 1960s there was a rapid increase in mechanization, and in 1970 less than 1% of all employed in the country received income from forestry. 2/3 of the forests are privately owned, but all forested areas are under strict state supervision. As a result of unsystematic logging, the area of ​​overmature forests has increased. In 1960, an extensive reforestation program began to expand the area of ​​productive forests in the sparsely populated areas of the north and west as far as the Westland fjords.

Energy

Energy consumption in Norway in 1994 amounted to 23.1 million tons in terms of coal, or 4580 kg per capita. Hydropower accounted for 43% of all energy production, oil also 43%, natural gas 7%, coal and wood 3%. Norway's full-flowing rivers and lakes have more hydropower than any other European country. Electricity, generated almost entirely by hydroelectric power, is the cheapest in the world, and its per capita production and consumption is the highest. In 1994, 25,712 kWh of electricity was produced per person. In general, more than 100 billion kWh of electricity is generated annually.

Electricity production in 2003 - 105.6 billion kilowatt-hours.

Manufacturing industry

Norway developed at a slow pace due to a shortage of coal, a narrow domestic market, and limited capital inflows. The share of manufacturing, construction and energy in 1996 accounted for 26% of gross output and 17% of all employed. In recent years, energy-intensive industries have been developed. The main industries in Norway are electrometallurgical, electrochemical, pulp and paper, radio-electronic, shipbuilding. The Oslofjord region is characterized by the highest level of industrialization, where about half of the country's industrial enterprises are concentrated.

The leading branch of industry is electrometallurgy, which relies on the widespread use of cheap hydropower. main product, aluminum, is made from imported aluminum oxide. In 1996, 863.3 thousand tons of aluminum were produced. Norway is the main supplier of this metal in Europe. Norway also produces zinc, nickel, copper and high-quality alloy steel. Zinc is produced at a plant in Eitrheim on the coast of the Hardangerfjord, nickel is produced in Kristiansand from ore brought from Canada. A large ferroalloy plant is located in Sandefjord, southwest of Oslo. Norway is Europe's largest supplier of ferroalloys. In 1996 metallurgical production was approx. 14% of the country's exports.

Nitrogen fertilizers are one of the main products of the electrochemical industry. The nitrogen necessary for this is extracted from the air using a large amount of electricity. A significant part of nitrogen fertilizers is exported.

The pulp and paper industry is an important industrial sector in Norway. In 1996, 4.4 million tons of paper and pulp were produced. Paper mills are located mainly in the vicinity of large forest areas Eastern Norway, for example, at the mouth of the Glomma River (the country's largest timber-floating artery) and in Drammen.

Approx. 25% of industrial workers in Norway. The most important areas of activity are shipbuilding and ship repair, production of equipment for the production and transmission of electricity.

Textile, clothing and food industry supply few products for export. They provide most of Norway's own needs for food and clothing. These industries employ approx. 20% of the country's industrial workers.

Transport and communications

Despite the mountainous terrain, Norway has a well-developed internal communication. The state owns railways with a length of approx. 4 thousand km, of which more than half are electrified. However most of population prefers to travel by car. In 1995 the total length highways exceeded 90.3 thousand km, but only 74% of them had a hard surface. In addition to railways and roads, there were ferries and coastal shipping. In 1946, Norway, Sweden and Denmark founded Scandinavian Airlines Systems (SAS). Norway has a developed local air service: in terms of domestic passenger traffic, it occupies one of the first places in the world. Length railways in 2004 - 4077 km, of which 2518 km were electrified. The total length of motor roads is 91.85 thousand km, of which 71.19 km are paved (2002). The merchant fleet in 2005 consisted of 740 ships with a displacement of St. 1 thousand tons each. There are 101 airports in the country (including 67 runways with hard surface) - 2005.

The means of communication, including telephone and telegraph, remain in the hands of the state, but the question of creating mixed enterprises with the participation of private capital is being considered. In 1996, there were 56 telephones per 1,000 people in Norway. The network of modern electronic means of communication is rapidly expanding. There is a significant private sector in broadcasting and television. Norwegian Public Broadcasting (NRK) remains the dominant system despite the widespread use of satellite and cable television. In 2002 there were 3.3 million subscribers of telephone lines, in 2003 there were 4.16 million mobile phones.

In 2002, there were 2.3 million Internet users.

International trade

In 1997, Norway's leading trading partners in both exports and imports were the FRG, Sweden and the United Kingdom, followed by Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States. The predominant export items by value are oil and gas (55%) and finished goods (36%). Products of the oil refining and petrochemical, timber, electrochemical and electrometallurgical industries, foodstuffs are exported. The main import items are finished products (81.6%), food products and agricultural raw materials (9.1%). The country imports certain types of mineral fuels, bauxite, iron, manganese and chromium ore, and cars. With the growth of oil production and exports in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Norway had a very favorable foreign trade balance. Then world oil prices fell sharply, its exports declined, and for several years the trade balance of Norway was reduced to a deficit. However, by the mid-1990s, the balance turned positive again. In 1996, the value of Norway's exports was 46 billion dollars, and the value of imports was only 33 billion dollars. The trade surplus is supplemented by large receipts from the Norwegian merchant fleet with a total displacement of 21 million gross register tons, which, according to the new International Register of Shipping, received substantial privileges allowing it to compete with other ships flying foreign flags.

In 2005, exports were estimated at $111.2 billion, imports at $58.12 billion. Leading export partners: UK (22%), Germany (13%), Netherlands (10%), France (10 %), USA (8%) and Sweden (7%), imports - Sweden (16%), Germany (14%), Denmark (7%), UK (7%), China (5%), USA ( 5%) and the Netherlands (4%).

Money circulation and state budget

The currency unit is the Norwegian krone. The exchange rate of the Norwegian krone in 2005 is 6.33 kroons per 1 US dollar.

In the budget, the main sources of income were social security contributions (19%), income and property taxes (33%), excise duties and value added tax (31%). The main expenditures were directed to social security and housing construction (39%), external debt service (12%), public education (13%) and health care (14%).

In 1997, government revenues were $81.2 billion and expenditures were $71.8 billion. In 2004, state budget revenues were $134 billion and expenditures were $117 billion.

The government set up a special oil fund in the 1990s using windfall profits from the sale of oil, intended as a reserve for when oil fields run out. It is estimated that by the year 2000 it will reach $100 billion, most of it is located abroad.

In 1994, Norway's external debt was $39 billion. In 2003, the country had no external debt. The size of the total public debt is 33.1% of GDP.

SOCIETY

Structure

The most common agricultural cell is a small family farm. With the exception of a few forest holdings, there are no large land holdings in Norway. Seasonal fishing is also often family-based and on a small scale. Motorized fishing boats are mostly small wooden boats. In 1996, about 5% of industrial firms employed more than 100 workers, and even such large enterprises sought to establish informal relations between workers and management. In the early 1970s, reforms were introduced that gave workers the right to exercise greater control over production. At some large enterprises, working groups themselves began to monitor the course of individual production processes.

Norwegians have a strong sense of equality. This egalitarian approach is the cause and effect of the use of the economic levers of state power to mitigate social conflicts. There is a scale of income taxes. In 1996, approximately 37% of budget expenditures were directed to direct financing of the social sphere.

Another mechanism for equalizing social differences is the strict state control over housing construction. Most of the loans are provided by the state housing bank, and the construction is carried out by companies with cooperative ownership. Due to the climate and topography, construction is expensive, however, the ratio between the number of residents and the number of rooms they occupy is considered to be quite high. In 1990, on average, there were 2.5 people per dwelling, consisting of four rooms with a total area of ​​103.5 square meters. m. Approximately 80.3% of the housing stock belongs to individuals living in it.

Social Security

The National Insurance Scheme, a compulsory pension system covering all Norwegian citizens, was introduced in 1967. Health insurance and unemployment assistance were included in this system in 1971. All Norwegians, including housewives, receive a basic pension upon reaching the age of 65. Additional pension depends on income and length of service. The average size pension roughly corresponds to 2/3 of earnings in the highest paid years. Pensions are paid from insurance funds (20%), employer contributions (60%) and the state budget (20%). Loss of income during illness is compensated by sickness benefits, and in case of long-term illness - disability pensions. Medical service paid, but social insurance funds cover all treatment costs in excess of $ 187 per year (doctors' services, stay and treatment in public hospitals, maternity hospitals and sanatoriums, purchase of medicines for certain chronic diseases, and also, with full employment - a two-week annual allowance in case of temporary disability). Women receive free prenatal and postnatal care, and full-time working women are entitled to 42 weeks of paid maternity leave. The state guarantees all citizens, including housewives, the right to four weeks of paid leave. In addition, persons over 60 years of age have an additional week's leave. Families receive benefits of $1,620 per year for each child under age 17. Every 10 years, all workers are entitled to an annual leave with full pay for training to improve their skills.

Organizations

Many Norwegians are involved in one or more voluntary organizations that satisfy different interests and most often associated with sports and culture. Of great importance is the Sports Association, which organizes and supervises hiking and skiing routes and supports other sports.

The economy is also dominated by associations. Chambers of Commerce control industry and business. The Central Organization of the Economy (Nøringslivets Hovedorganisasjon) represents 27 national trade associations. It was formed in 1989 by the merger of the Federation of Industry, the Federation of Artisans and the Association of Employers. The interests of shipping are expressed by the Association of Norwegian Shipowners and the Association of Scandinavian Shipowners, the latter is involved in the conclusion of collective agreements with seafarers' unions. Small business activities are controlled mainly by the Federation of Trade and Service Industries, which in 1990 had about 100 branches. Other organizations include the Norwegian Forest Society, which deals with forestry issues; the Federation of Agriculture, representing the interests of livestock, poultry and agricultural cooperatives, and the Norwegian Trade Council, which promotes the development of foreign trade and foreign markets.

Trade unions in Norway are very influential, they unite about 40% (1.4 million) of all employees. The Central Association of Trade Unions of Norway (COPN), founded in 1899, represents 28 unions with 818.2 thousand members (1997). Employers are organized in the Norwegian Confederation of Employers, founded in 1900. It represents their interests in the conclusion of collective agreements in enterprises. Labor disputes often go to arbitration. In Norway for the period 1988-1996 there were an average of 12.5 strikes per year. They are less frequent than in many other industrialized countries. Most big number trade union members are in management and manufacturing, although the highest enrollment rate is in the maritime sectors of the economy. Many local trade unions are affiliated with local branches of the Norwegian Workers' Party. The regional trade union associations and the OCPN allocate funds for the party press and for the election campaigns of the Norwegian Workers' Party.

local color

Although the integration of Norwegian society has increased with the improvement of means of communication, local customs are still alive in the country. In addition to spreading the New Norwegian language (nynoshk), each district carefully preserves its own dialects, as well as national costumes intended for ritual performances, the study of local history is supported, and local newspapers are published. Bergen and Trondheim as former capitals have cultural traditions that differ from those adopted in Oslo. Northern Norway is also developing a distinctive local culture, mainly as a result of the remoteness of its tiny settlements from the rest of the country.

Family

A close-knit family has been a specific feature of Norwegian society since the Vikings. Most Norwegian surnames are of local origin, they are often associated with some natural features or with economic development lands that took place during the Viking Age or even earlier. Ownership of an ancestral farm is protected by inheritance law (odelsrett), which gives the family the right to buy the farm even if it has been recently sold. In rural areas, the family remains the most important unit of society. Family members travel from far and wide to attend weddings, christenings, confirmations, and funerals. This commonality often does not disappear even in the conditions of city life. With the onset of summer, the favorite and most economical form of spending holidays and vacations with the whole family is living in a small country house (hytte) in the mountains or on the seashore.

Status of women

in Norway is protected by the laws and customs of the country. In 1981, Prime Minister Bruntland brought an equal number of women and men into her cabinet, and all subsequent governments have been formed on the same principle. Women are well represented in the judiciary, education, health care and administration. In 1995, approximately 77% of women aged 15 to 64 worked outside the home. Thanks to the developed system of nurseries and kindergartens, mothers can work and run the household at the same time.

CULTURE

The roots of Norwegian culture go back to Viking traditions, the medieval "age of greatness" and the sagas. Although usually the Norwegian masters of culture were influenced by Western European art and assimilated many of its styles and subjects, nevertheless, the specifics of their native country were reflected in their work. Poverty, the struggle for independence, admiration for nature - all these motifs are manifested in Norwegian music, literature and painting (including decorative art). Nature still plays important role in folk culture, this is evidenced by the extraordinary predilection of Norwegians for sports and life in the bosom of nature. Mass media are of great educational value. For example, periodicals devote a lot of space to events cultural life. abundance bookstores, museums and theaters also serves as an indicator of the keen interest of the Norwegian people in their cultural traditions.

Education

At all levels, education costs are covered by the state. The education reform launched in 1993 was supposed to improve the quality of education. Program compulsory education divided into three levels: from preschool to 4th grade, 5-7 grades and 8-10 grades. Adolescents between the ages of 16 and 19 can complete the upper secondary education required to enter trade school, high school (college) or university. Approx. 80 higher folk schools where general subjects are taught. Most of these schools receive funds from religious communities, private individuals or local authorities.

Higher education institutions in Norway are represented by four universities (in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Tromsø), six specialized higher schools (colleges) and two state art schools, 26 state colleges in the county and additional education courses for adults. In the 1995/1996 academic year, 43.7 thousand students studied at the country's universities; in other higher educational institutions- 54.8 thousand more

Tuition at universities is paid. Usually, loans are provided to students for education. Universities train civil servants, clergy and university professors. In addition, universities almost completely provide a cadre of doctors, dentists, engineers and scientists. Universities are also engaged in fundamental scientific research. The Oslo University Library is the largest national library.

Norway has numerous research institutes, laboratories and development offices. Among them stand out the Academy of Sciences in Oslo, the Christian Michelsen Institute in Bergen and the Scientific Society in Trondheim. There are large folk museums on the island of Bygdøy near Oslo and in Maihäugen near Lillehammer, in which one can trace the development of building art and various aspects of rural culture since ancient times. In a special museum on the island of Bygdøy, three Viking ships are exhibited, clearly illustrating the life of Scandinavian society in the 9th century. AD, as well as two ships of modern pioneers - Fridtjof Nansen's ship "Fram" and Thor Heyerdahl's Kon-Tiki raft. On the active role of Norway in international relations testify to the Nobel Institute, the Institute for Comparative Cultural Studies, the Institute for Peace Research and the Society for International Law based in this country.

Literature and art

The spread of Norwegian culture was hampered by the limited audience, which was especially true for writers who wrote in the little-known Norwegian language. Therefore, the government has long been allocating subsidies to support the arts. They are included in the state budget and are used to provide grants to artists, organize exhibitions and directly purchase works of art. In addition, revenue from state-run football competitions is provided to the General Research Council, which funds cultural projects.

Norway gave the world outstanding figures in all fields of culture and art: playwright Henrik Ibsen, writers Bjornstern Bjornson (Nobel Prize 1903), Knut Hamsun (Nobel Prize 1920) and Sigrid Unset (Nobel Prize 1928), artist Edvard Munch and composer Edvard Grieg. Problematic novels by Sigurd Hul, poetry and prose by Tarjei Vesos and paintings rural life in the novels of Johan Falkberget also stand out as the achievements of Norwegian literature of the 20th century. Probably, writers writing in the New Norwegian language stand out most in terms of poetic expressiveness, among them the most famous is Tarja Vesos (1897–1970). Poetry is very popular in Norway. In relation to the population in Norway, several times more books are published than in the USA, and there are many women among the authors. The leading contemporary lyricist is Stein Meren. However, the poets of the previous generation are much better known, especially Arnulf Everland (1889–1968), Nordal Grieg (1902–1943) and Hermann Willenwey (1886–1959). In the 1990s, the Norwegian writer Jostein Gorder gained international recognition philosophical tale for kids Sofia World.

The Norwegian government supports three theaters in Oslo, five theaters in major provincial cities and one traveling national theater company.

Influence folk traditions can also be seen in sculpture and painting. The leading Norwegian sculptor was Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) and the most famous painter was Edvard Munch (1863–1944). The work of these masters reflects the influence of German and French abstract art. In Norwegian painting, a gravitation towards frescoes and other decorative forms appeared, especially under the influence of Rolf Nesch, who immigrated from Germany. At the head of representatives of abstract art is Jacob Weidemann. The most famous propagandist of conditional sculpture is Dure Vaux. The search for innovative traditions in sculpture manifested itself in the work of Per Falle Storm, Per Hurum, Yusef Grimeland, Arnold Haukeland and others. expressive school figurative art, which played an important role in the artistic life of Norway in the 1980s-1990s, is represented by such masters as Björn Carlsen (b. 1945), Kjell Erik Olsen (b. 1952), Per Inge Björlu (b. 1952) and Bente Stokke (b. 1952).

The revival of Norwegian music in the 20th century. noticeable in the works of several composers. Musical drama by Harald Severud based on motifs Peer Gynt, Fartein Valen's atonal compositions, Klaus Egge's fiery folk music and Sparre Olsen's melodic interpretation of traditional folk music testify to the life-giving tendencies in contemporary Norwegian music. In the 1990s, the Norwegian pianist and classical music performer Lars Ove Annsnes won worldwide recognition.

Mass media

With the exception of the popular illustrated weeklies, the rest of the media are serious. There are many newspapers, but their circulation is small. In 1996, 154 newspapers were published in the country, including 83 daily newspapers, the seven largest accounted for 58% of the total circulation. Radio broadcasting and television are state monopolies. Movie theaters are mostly owned by the communes, with occasional success from Norwegian-made films subsidized by the state. Usually American and other foreign films are shown.

In con. In the 1990s, more than 650 radio stations and 360 television stations operated in the country. The population had over 4 million radios and 2 million television sets. Among the largest newspapers are the daily Verdens Gang, Aftenposten, Dagbladet and others.

Sports, customs and holidays

Outdoor recreation plays an important role in national culture. Football and the annual international ski jumping competition at Holmenkollen near Oslo are very popular. At the Olympics, Norwegian athletes most often excel in skiing and speed skating. Swimming, sailing, orienteering, hiking, camping, boating, fishing and hunting.

All citizens in Norway are entitled to nearly five weeks of paid annual leave, including three weeks of summer vacation. Eight church holidays are celebrated, on these days people try to leave the city. The same applies to two national holidays, Labor Day (May 1) and Constitution Day (May 17).

STORY

Ancient period

There is evidence confirming that primitive hunters lived in some areas in the northern and north west coast Norway shortly after the retreat of the ice sheet edge. However, the naturalistic drawings on the walls of the caves along the west coast were created much later. Agriculture spread slowly in Norway after 3000 BC. During the Roman Empire, the inhabitants of Norway had contact with the Gauls, runic writing (used from the 3rd to 13th centuries AD by Germanic tribes, especially Scandinavians and Anglo-Saxons for inscriptions on tombstones, as well as for magic spells), and the settlement process territory of Norway was carried out at a rapid pace. From 400 AD the population was replenished by migrants from the south, who paved the "way to the north" (Nordwegr, from where the name of the country - Norway) came from. At that time, in order to organize local self-defense, the first tiny kingdoms were created. In particular, the Ynglings, a branch of the first Swedish royal family, founded one of the most ancient feudal states west of the Oslo Fjord.

Viking Age and Middle Ages

Period of peaceful development (1905–1940)

The achievement of full political independence coincided with the beginning of an accelerated industrial development. At the beginning of the 20th century the Norwegian merchant fleet was replenished by steamships, and whaling ships began to hunt in the waters of the Antarctic. A long period in power was the liberal party Venstre, which carried out a number of social reforms, including the full enfranchisement of women in 1913 (Norway was a pioneer among European states in this respect) and the adoption of laws to limit foreign investment.

During the First World War, Norway remained neutral, although Norwegian sailors sailed on Allied ships that broke through the blockade organized by German submarines. In 1920, Norway was granted sovereignty over the Svalbard (Svalbard) archipelago as a token of gratitude for supporting the Entente country. Wartime anxieties helped bring about a reconciliation with Sweden, and Norway subsequently played more active role in international life along the lines of the League of Nations. First and the last presidents this organization were Norwegians.

In domestic politics the interwar period was marked by the growing influence of the Norwegian Workers' Party (NLP), which originated among the fishermen and tenants of the far north, and then received the support of industrial workers. Under the influence of the revolution in Russia, the revolutionary wing of this party gained the upper hand in 1918, and for some time the party was part of the Communist International. However, after the breakaway of the Social Democrats in 1921, the ILP broke off relations with the Comintern (1923). In the same year, the independent Communist Party of Norway (CPN) was formed, and in 1927 the Social Democrats again merged with the CHP. In 1935, a government of moderate representatives of the CHP was in power with the support of the Peasant Party, which gave its votes in exchange for subsidies to agriculture and fisheries. Despite the unsuccessful experiment with Prohibition (abolished in 1927) and the mass unemployment generated by the crisis, Norway has made progress in health care, housing, social welfare and cultural development.

The Second World War

April 9, 1940 Germany unexpectedly attacked Norway. The country was taken by surprise. Only in the Oslofjord area were the Norwegians able to put up stubborn resistance to the enemy thanks to reliable defensive fortifications. Within three weeks, the German troops dispersed throughout the interior of the country, preventing individual formations of the Norwegian army from uniting. Seaport Narvik in the far north was recaptured from the Germans a few days later, but Allied support proved insufficient, and when Germany launched offensive operations in Western Europe, Allied forces had to be evacuated. The king and government fled to Great Britain, where they continued to lead the merchant fleet, small infantry units, naval and air force. The Storting gave the king and government the authority to lead the country from abroad. In addition to the ruling CHP, members of other parties were introduced into the government to strengthen it.

A puppet government headed by Vidkun Quisling was created in Norway. In addition to acts of sabotage and active underground propaganda, the leaders of the Resistance secretly organized military training and sent many young people to Sweden, where permission was obtained to train "police formations". The king and government returned to the country on June 7, 1945. Approx. 90 thousand cases on charges of high treason and other offences. Quisling, along with 24 traitors, was shot, 20 thousand people were sentenced to prison.

Norway after 1945.

In the 1945 elections, the CHP won the majority of votes for the first time and remained in power for 20 years. During this period, the electoral system was transformed by abolishing the article of the constitution on granting 2/3 of the seats in the Storting to deputies from rural areas of the country. The regulatory role of the state has been extended to national planning. Was introduced state control for the prices of goods and services.

The financial and credit policy of the government helped maintain a fairly high growth rate of economic indicators even during the global recession in the 1970s. The necessary funds for the expansion of production were obtained through large foreign loans against future income from oil and gas production on the shelf of the North Sea.

Norway has become an active member of the UN. The Norwegian Trygve Lie, a former leader of the CHP, served as general secretary of this international organization from 1946-1952. With the onset of the Cold War, Norway made its choice in favor of the Western Alliance. In 1949 the country joined NATO.

Until 1963, the Norwegian Workers' Party firmly held power in the country, although already in 1961 it lost absolute majority in the Storting. The opposition, dissatisfied with the expansion of the public sector, was waiting for the right opportunity to remove the CHP government. Taking advantage of the scandal associated with the investigation of the disaster at the coal mine in Svalbard (21 people died), she managed to form the government of J. Lynge from representatives of the "non-socialist" parties, but it lasted only about a month. After returning to office, the Social Democratic Prime Minister Gerhardsen took a number of popular measures: the transition to equal pay for men and women, an increase public spending for social security. Introduction of monthly paid leave. But this did not prevent the defeat of the CHP in the elections of 1965. The new government of representatives of the parties of the Center, Heire, Venstre and the Christian People's Party was headed by the leader of the centrists, the agronomist Per Borten. The Cabinet as a whole continued social reforms (introduced a unified social security system, including a universal old-age pension, child benefits, etc.), but at the same time carried out new version tax reform in favor of entrepreneurs. At the same time, disagreements in the ruling coalition on the question of relations with the EEC escalated. Centrists and part of the liberals objected to plans to join the EEC, and their position was shared by many residents of the country, fearing that European competition and coordination would deal a blow to Norwegian fishing and shipbuilding. However, the minority Social Democratic government that came to power in 1971, headed by Trygve Bratteli, sought to join the European Community and held a referendum on this issue in 1972. After a majority of Norwegians voted no, Bratteli resigned and gave way to a minority government of three centrist parties (HNP, PC and Venstre) led by Lars Korvald. It has concluded a free trade agreement with the EEC.

Having won the 1973 elections, the CHP returned to power. Minority cabinets were formed by its leaders Bratteli (1973–1976). Odvar Nordli (1976-1981) and Gro Harlem Bruntland (since 1981) - the country's first female prime minister.

The centre-right parties increased their influence in the September 1981 elections, and the leader conservative party(Høire) Kore Willock formed the first government since 1928 from members of this party. At this time, the Norwegian economy was on the rise due to the rapid growth of oil production and high prices in the world market.

In the 1980s, environmental issues took on an important role. In particular, the forests of Norway have been heavily affected by acid rain caused by the release of pollutants into the atmosphere by industrial enterprises in the UK. As a result of an accident on Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986 significant damage was done to the Norwegian reindeer herding.

After the 1985 elections, negotiations between the socialists and their opponents stalled. The fall in oil prices gave rise to inflation, there were problems with the financing of social security programs. Willock resigned and Bruntland returned to power. The results of the 1989 elections made it difficult to form a coalition government. The non-socialist minority conservative government led by Jan Suce resorted to unpopular measures that stimulated unemployment. A year later, it resigned due to disagreements over the creation of the European Economic Area. The Workers' Party, led by Brutland, re-formed a minority government, which in 1992 resumed negotiations on Norway's accession to the EU.

Norway in the late 20th - early 21st century.

In the 1993 elections, the Workers' Party remained in power, but did not win a majority of seats in parliament. Conservatives - from the very right (Progress Party) to the very left (People's Socialist Party) - were increasingly losing their positions. Center Party, opposed to EU accession, received three times more places and moved into second place in terms of influence in parliament.

The new government has again raised the issue of Norway's accession to the EU. This proposal was strongly supported by voters from three parties - the Workers' Party, the Conservative Party and the Progress Party, living in cities in the south of the country. The Center Party, representing the interests of the rural population and farmers, mostly opposed to the EU, led the opposition, gaining support from the extreme left and Christian Democrats. In a popular referendum in November 1994, Norwegian voters, despite the positive results of voting in Sweden and Finland a few weeks earlier, again rejected Norway's participation in the EU. A record number of voters participated in the voting (86.6%), of which 52.2% were against EU membership, and 47.8% were in favor of joining this organization.

In the 1990s, Norway came under increasing international criticism for its refusal to stop commercial whale slaughter. In 1996, the International Fisheries Commission confirmed the ban on the export of whaling products from Norway.

In October 1996, Prime Minister Bruntland resigned in the hope of giving her party a better chance in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The new cabinet was headed by CHP chairman Thorbjørn Jagland. But this did not help the CHP win the election, despite the strengthening of the economy, the reduction of unemployment and the reduction of inflation. The prestige of the ruling party was undermined by internal scandals. Resigned were the planning secretary, who was accused of previous financial manipulation during her tenure as trade manager, the energy secretary (she sanctioned illegal surveillance practices during her tenure as justice minister), and the justice secretary, who was criticized for her stance on granting for shelter for foreign citizens. Having suffered a defeat in the elections in September 1997, Jagland's cabinet resigned.

The centre-right parties still did not have common position on the issue of EU membership. The Progress Party, opposed to immigration and for the rational use of the country's oil resources, this time gained more seats in the Storting (25 to 10). Moderate centre-right parties refused any collaboration with the Progress Party. HPP leader Kjell Magne Bundevik, a former Lutheran pastor, formed a coalition of three centrist parties (CHP, Center Party and Venstre), representing only 42 of the 165 deputies of the Storting. On this basis, a minority government was formed.

In the early 1990s, Norway achieved wealth growth through large-scale oil and gas exports. The sharp fall in world oil prices in 1998 took a heavy toll on the country's budget, and the government was so divided that Prime Minister Bundevik was forced to take a month's leave to "restore mental balance." In the 1990s, Norway came under increasing international criticism in connection with the refusal to stop the commercial slaughter of whales. In 1996, the International Fisheries Commission confirmed the ban on the export of whaling products from Norway.

In May 1996, the largest labor conflict in recent times broke out in shipbuilding and metallurgy. After a strike that swept the entire industry, the unions succeeded in lowering the retirement age from 64 to 62 years.

In October 1996, Prime Minister Bruntland resigned in the hope of giving her party a better chance in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The new cabinet was headed by CHP chairman Thorbjørn Jagland. But this did not help the CHP to win the elections, despite the strengthening of the economy, the reduction of unemployment and the reduction of inflation. The prestige of the ruling party was undermined by internal scandals. Resigned were the planning secretary, who was accused of previous financial manipulation during her tenure as trade manager, the energy secretary (she sanctioned illegal surveillance practices during her tenure as justice minister), and the justice secretary, who was criticized for her stance on granting asylum for foreign citizens. Having suffered a defeat in the elections in September 1997, Jagland's cabinet resigned.

In the 1990s, the royal family received media attention. In 1994, unmarried Princess Mertha Louise became involved in divorce proceedings in the UK. In 1998, the king and queen were criticized for overspending public funds on their apartments.

Norway is actively involved in international cooperation, in particular in settling the situation in the Middle East. In 1998, Bruntland was appointed Director General of the World Health Organization. Jens Stoltenberg served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Norway continues to be criticized by environmentalists for ignoring agreements to limit the fishing of marine mammals - whales and seals.

The parliamentary elections of 1997 did not reveal a clear winner. Prime Minister Jagland resigned as his CHP lost 2 seats in the Storting compared to 1993. The far-right Progress Party increased its representation in the legislature from 10 to 25 deputies: since the rest of the bourgeois parties did not want to enter into a coalition with it , this forced her to create a minority government. In October 1997, HNP leader Kjell Magne Bondevik formed a three-party cabinet with the participation of the Center Party and the Liberals. Government parties had only 42 mandates. The government managed to hold on to power until March 2000 and collapsed when Prime Minister Bondevik opposed a gas-fired power plant project that he believed could have an adverse environmental impact. The new minority government was formed by CHP leader Jens Stoltenberg. In 2000, the authorities continued privatization by selling a third of the shares in the state oil company.

The government of Stoltenberg was also destined for a short life. In the new parliamentary elections held in September 2001, the Social Democrats suffered severe defeat: they lost 15% of the vote, showing the worst result since the Second World War.

After the 2001 elections, Bondevik returned to power, who formed a coalition government with the participation of conservatives and liberals. Government parties had only 62 seats out of 165 in parliament. Representatives of the "Party of Progress" were not included in the cabinet, but supported him in the Storting. However, this alliance was not sustainable. In November 2004, the Party of Progress withdrew support from the cabinet, accusing it of insufficient funding for hospitals and hospitals. The crisis was averted as a result of intensive negotiations. The Bondevik government has also been criticized for its handling of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in South-East Asia which claimed the lives of many Norwegian tourists. In 2005, the leftist opposition intensified its anti-government agitation by condemning the private school development project.

In the beginning. In the 2000s, Norway experienced an economic boom associated with the oil boom. Throughout the period (except 2001) there was a steady the economic growth, a $181.5 billion reserve fund was accumulated from oil revenues, the funds of which were placed abroad. The opposition called for part of the funds to be used to increase spending on social needs, promised to reduce taxes on people with low and middle incomes, and so on.

The arguments of the left were supported by the Norwegians. The parliamentary elections in September 2005 were won by an opposition left-wing coalition consisting of the CHP, the Socialist Left Party and the Center Party. CHP leader Stoltenberg took over as prime minister in October 2005. Differences remain between the winning parties on EU accession (the CHP supports such a move, the SLP and the LC oppose), NATO membership, increased oil production and the construction of a gas power plant.

Literature:

Andreev Yu.V. Economy of Norway. M., 1977
Andreev Yu.V. Economy of Norway. M., 1977
History of Norway. M., 1980
Sergeev P.A. Oil and gas industry in Norway: economics, science, business. M., 1997
Vachnadze G., Ermachenkov I., Katz N., Komarov A., Kravchenko I. Business Norway: Economy and Relations with Russia in 1999–2001. M., 2002
Danielson R., Dyurvik S., Grenley T. et al. History of Norway: from the Vikings to the present day. M., 2002
Riste W. History of Norwegian foreign policy. M., 2003
Krivorotov A. Linguistics of Norway. Economy. M., 2004
Karpushina S.V. Norwegian textbook: From the cultural history of Norway. M., 2004
Russia - Norway: Through the Ages. Catalogue, 2004



Norway is a fantastic land of fairy tales and amazing landscapes. It is famous for its beautiful and rich forests and numerous majestic fjords. It is located in a picturesque area of ​​the Scandinavian Peninsula.
If you are tired of the bustle of the city, troubles at work and other everyday troubles, then drop everything and welcome to a calm and peaceful Norway! The stunning nature of this northern corner of Europe will make you completely relax and have a great rest.
If you are into skiing and are not indifferent to risk, then the numerous ski resorts will suit your taste! They are very popular with many famous athletes and are the most difficult and dangerous in the world.
Here you can see many new and unusual things and phenomena. Your attention will certainly be attracted by the bays, which are located between huge rocks.
If you are an extremely active and inquisitive person, you can take part in hiking, fishing, mountain climbing, scuba diving and take kayaking lessons from excellent specialists.

Capital of Norway?

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a city that is conveniently located at the beginning of the picturesque hundred-kilometer-long Oslo Fjord. Its forty islands, many of which can be easily reached by ferry, are a great place to relax.

What is the official language in the country?

Officially accepted languages in the country is Norwegian, it is spoken by the majority of the inhabitants of the country. Like many languages, Norwegian has its own dialects. There are only two of them: riksmol (or bokmål) and lannsmol (or nynorshk).
The inhabitants of the northern part of the country speak Lapland.
In a number of communes, such as Tromsa and Finnmark, Sami has equal status with the Norwegian language.

What is the currency in the country?

The Norwegian krone is the national currency of the country. At the moment, banknotes in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 crowns are in circulation in Norway.

What is the time zone (time difference) in the country?

Minsk is 1 hour ahead of Oslo. The time difference is not at all large, it is imperceptible and will cause you discomfort during the flight.

What is the climate in the country?

The western part of the country is dominated by mild maritime climate, and in the central regions the climate is continental. In the northern part of Norway, a rather severe subarctic climate reigns. Throughout the year in Norway falls a large number of precipitation. Especially a lot of them fall in autumn and winter. In general, the Norwegian climate is very cold and harsh, but there are also very good weather conditions.

Month	Average temperature during the day	Average temperature at night	Average water temperature
January	-3.8°C	-6.3°C	0.4°C
February	-3.9°C	-6.8°C	0.4°C
March	-2.3°C	-6°C	0.4°C
April	0.4°C	-4.1°C	1.4°C
May	6.3°C	-0.3°C	2°C
June	9.5°C	2.4°C	2°C
July	12.1°C	4.3°C	3.3°C
August	11.1°C	3.9°C	4°C
September	7.9°C	2.1°C	3°C
October	4.5°C	-1°C	2.3°C
November	-0.6°C	-3.5°C	1.5°C
December	-2.9°C	-5.8°C	0.8°C

What is the best time of the year to visit the country?

If you want to go to Norway, then the best time for this is the period from May to September. At this time, it is summer in Norway, which pleases guests and residents of the country with warm days. If you choose this time to travel, you will not only enjoy the warmth and hospitality of this country, but you will be able to see an amazing natural phenomenon - the summer solstice.

Economic situation?

Norway is a very highly developed industrial country, the economy of which occupies a stable position in the world. It is export-oriented and characterized by openness. This country has a very high standard of living and well-being of the population. It is one of the richest countries in the world.

Political situation?

The political situation in the country, as well as the economic one, is stable and favorable for the development of tourism in the region.

Religious affiliation of the population?

Norway has an official state church which is based on the teachings of Luther. About 88% of the population belong to the State Church of Norway and only 10% attend church services or other religious events. Slightly less than 6% of the country's population are members of other religious communities, and 6.2% are atheists.

Customs rules and regulations?

For unhindered entry into the country, you need a passport, the validity of which must be at least 3 months from the end of the trip and a valid Schengen or national visa. Still need a policy health insurance, which is valid in the Schengen countries for the entire period for which the trip is planned. Also, get ready for the fact that when entering the country, border guards may require you to show confirmation or return tickets.
When entering by your own car, in addition to the above documents, you must have an international driver's license, a registration certificate and an international policy of compulsory insurance of civil liability of vehicle owners.

Visa?

Norway is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Citizens of the Republic of Belarus need a visa to Norway. Documents for making a visa must be submitted to the French Embassy in Minsk, after registering for the application. For citizens under 25 years of age, a visa is granted free of charge, for people over this age it will cost 60 euros.

What do you need to have to apply for a visa to the country?

Passport, which must be no older than 10 years, two photographs 3.5 x 4.5 in size, financial guarantees (bank statement or account statement), salary certificate for the last 3 months, travel insurance.

What can be imported and exported (and in what quantity)?

Without paying duties, you can freely import into Norway no more than 200 cigarettes, 250 grams of other tobacco products, 200 sheets of cigarette paper (import allowed from 18 years old); no more than 1 liter of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 22 degrees, or 1 liter of wine with an alcohol content of up to 22 degrees, or 2 liters of drinks with an alcohol content of up to 22 degrees (from 20 years old); or 2 liters of wines and liqueurs with an alcohol content of up to 22 degrees or beer (from 18 years old); if you are driving your own car, you will not be able to bring in more than 10 liters of fuel in a spare canister; also, you can not import more than 10 kilograms of food.

Main attractions?

Arriving in Norway, you should definitely visit the sculpture complex of Gustav Vigeland located in the Frogner district. This is amazing place, which shows all the stages human life in sculptures. There are more than 670 sculptures in the park, created from a variety of materials: iron, granite, bronze. All sculptures are life-size. The author of the sculptures has made great efforts to create all this splendor!
Next to this complex is the Gustav Vigeland Museum, opened back in 1947. The exposition of the museum consists of thousands of drawings, wooden figures and sculptures of the famous creator.
The Bryggen embankment is an old merchant quarter, which is under the protection of UNESCO. In 1702, Bryggen was completely destroyed by fire, after which it recovered very quickly. Here in this area a large number of shops, souvenir shops, various workshops, offices, restaurants, nightclubs and art studios are concentrated.
Nidaros Cathedral is majestic building, the main architectural landmark not only throughout Norway. It was built in the distant 11th century. But many times it was destroyed and rebuilt again. This is the National Sanctuary of Norway, a place of pilgrimage for thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
The most beautiful of the Geirangerfjord are the waterfalls, the most famous of which are the Seven Sisters and the Bridegroom. The Seven Sisters waterfall is seven noisy streams of water running at high speed along the rock, the free fall height of which is 250 meters.
The Troll Road is the most unusual and memorable sight of the country! She is truly amazing! The troll road winds its way through steep mountain slopes near noisy waterfalls. The narrow road Trollstigen passes here - it is lined with sharp stones along the side of the road. It's a little scary to drive. But it's worth it. Overcoming your fears, as a reward you will receive an exciting spectacle and many pleasant memories!

What should you visit first?

More recently, in the Oslo Fjord, opposite the building where the Norwegian Opera is located, a sculpture called “Reclining” was opened. It is somewhat reminiscent of an iceberg. This is a huge structure, assembled from stainless steel and glass panels. It will surprise you that it rotates around its own axis under the influence of winds and tides.
If you go to Norway, be sure to visit the famous Atlantic Road, which runs along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean! It offers a great view of the ocean, and from one of the 12 bridges in good weather you can see fur seals and whales! This is a mesmerizing sight.

Holidays and festivals?

Norwegians are very fond of holidays and festivals. Therefore, there are a lot of them here, especially before Christmas. The brightest of them are the most diverse rites of honoring Yulenisse (the so-called Santa Claus in Norway), many folklore ceremonies and church services, etc. All holidays are held until January 13 (St. fun", ski races, reindeer races, and concerts.
Maslenitsa is not much different from ours. Main religious holiday countries, however, like ours, is Easter and Easter week.
In March, Norway hosts the Stavanger Wine Festival and the Lillehammer Blues Festival.
May is the loudest and most musical month in the country! In May you can visit the Bergen International Music Festival, Stavanger May Jazz Festival, Balestrand Jazz Festival, Hardanger Music Festival, Kinsarvik Traditional Dance Festival, etc.

Where are the main areas of tourism in the country?

The largest cities in Norway - Tromso, Stavanger, Trondheim, Bergen, Alesund are the main centers of tourism.
Bergen is one of the largest cities in the country. In addition, he is also very handsome! The history of the city is very rich, which is reflected in numerous sights, museum expositions, etc.
Trondheim is a city that used to be the capital of Norway. It is located in the northwest of the country, near the shores of the Trondheimsfjord. Today Trondheim is a bustling university town and technology capital of Norway. This city is a city of innovation, science and business.
Tromso is a city located beyond the Arctic Circle, among numerous fjords and amazingly beautiful mountains. It is a major port and university center.
Ålesund is considered by many to be the most beautiful city countries. It is located on three islands on the west coast of Norway. The architecture of the city is very unusual. Alesund attracts tourists with an unusual atmosphere of the Middle Ages and fabulousness. This city is full of life!

National cuisine?

The basis of the Norwegian diet is fish and other seafood. Traditional dishes include whale meat and dishes from it.
In addition to seafood, Norwegians are very fond of milk. Various dairy products are consumed here in large quantities. For breakfast, Norwegians prefer to eat a kind of local delicacy - goat cheese with a specific smell.
Also, Norwegians are not averse to indulging in meat products.
There is a wide range of potato products used both as independent dishes and as a side dish.
Baking a homemade pie is part of the Norwegian culinary tradition. In each region, pies are made according to their own recipes.
Of the drinks, herbal tinctures, kefir and yogurt, fruit compotes and tea are most often used. Of the alcoholic beverages, beer, whiskey, vodka, gin and various liquors are the most popular, but “akevit” is considered a purely Norwegian drink - a kind of moonshine made from potatoes with caraway seeds, aged in wooden barrels. It is supposed to be drunk slightly warm.

How much is it customary to leave a tip in the visited country?

You don't have to leave a tip, as it is usually included in the bill. If you really liked the service, you can leave 5 crowns. It is also not customary for taxi drivers to leave a tip, because they usually round the bill and mostly in their favor. The service staff of hotels also do not leave tips.

Where can you exchange money?

Post offices and banks exchange foreign currency and still accept travelers checks. Some banks charge a fee for cashing each traveler's check. ATMs in cities are not uncommon and accept most credit cards. It is most profitable to change currency in banks.

Until what time are shops, bars, cafes, restaurants open?

Banks are open from 8:30 to 15:00 on weekdays, some banks in tourist areas are open from 8:00 to 19:30-23:00 on weekdays and until 17:00 on Saturdays. The bank at Oslo Airport is open from 6:30 to 21:00 on weekdays, on Saturday - from 7:00 to 17:00, on Sunday - from 7:00 to 20:00.
Store hours vary across the country. In large settlements large stores are open Monday to Friday from 9:00-10:00 to 17:00, on Thursday from 9:00-10:00 to 19:00-20:00, and on Saturday - from 9:00-10: 00 to 15:00-16:00. Many supermarkets and large shopping complexes are open until late in the evening. Kiosks and small private shops are also often open in the evenings and on weekends until 22:00-23:00. In summer, during the sales season, discounts in stores reach 50-70%.

What are the popular resorts in the country?

Trysil is one of the largest ski resorts in Norway. There are about 40 lifts, and the length of the ski slopes is more than 70 kilometers.
The Hafjell ski resort is located 15 kilometers from Lillehammer. The ski slopes here are simply magnificent. You will get a lot of pleasure from riding! The total length of the slopes is a little more than 40 kilometers, which are divided into 30 tracks.
The largest ski resort in southern Norway is located in the Setesdal valley. Hovden has more than 30 pistes, about 10 ski lifts and over 30 kilometers of prepared ski tracks. The trails vary greatly in terms of difficulty. Both a child who skied for the first time and a professional athlete can have a great time here.
The ski complex in Rauland, which includes three ski resorts, is the largest ski center in Telemark. A free shuttle runs regularly between the resorts. In addition to skiing, there are many other interesting activities for every taste and budget.
The modern ski resort Kongsberg, located just an hour from the capital, has not only easy, but also difficult slopes. In Kongsberg there are also downhills for slalom competitions, a snow park and special tracks and a ski lift for children.

Crime situation?

The crime rate in Norway is not very high. Most of the crimes committed are theft of personal property. Sometimes there are thefts from houses and cars. As in many other countries, there are also pickpockets in Norway. So keep an eye on your belongings.
Violent crimes are very rare; thieves and robbers almost never use weapons.

Norway is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. More than ten centuries ago, the country got its name due to its geographical location - "The Road to the North". The capital of the country is washed Barents Sea, the extreme point of the Arctic Ocean. At the word , different associations arise, but they are all associated with snow, cold, Vikings and New Year's miracles.

Everyone who has visited Norway notes the hospitality of the locals, interesting and informative museum expositions, cozy and compact cities, and comfortable ski resorts. Norwegian cuisine has a unique taste. The country is still constitutional monarchy which is a special pride of the Norwegian people.

A bit of geography

Where is Norway located on the world map? What kind of country is this and why is it so popular with travelers?

Norway is a country on the Scandinavian Peninsula, has the islands of Bear and Jan Mayen. The state borders on such neighbors as Sweden, Russia, Finland. The coastline of the country exceeds twenty-five thousand kilometers. The area of ​​Norway is a little less than four hundred square kilometers.

The capital of the state is Oslo. The official language is Norwegian. Currency - Norwegian krone.

Most Norwegians live in cities.

The third part of the country's territory lies on a hill, more than half a kilometer above sea level.

The unique flavor of Norway

Each country has something special, its own - unique and original. Norway is a fabulous country that enchants children and adults with its color.

Norway is one of the five richest countries, and not only in terms of living standards or incomes of the population, it is rich in its history, culture, and sights.

Everyone can come here for an excursion: lovers of outdoor activities or those who prefer to learn history, couples with children or single travelers. Here everyone will find something that will touch the strings of his soul and will never be forgotten.

Norway is a country with a cold climate, but very friendly people.

The country of sea bays, crashing into the land - fjords - will not leave indifferent fans of extreme recreation. Here you can engage in climbing, fishing, camping or hunting.

Norwegians are very law-abiding people with a minimum number of crimes: doors are not locked here, surveillance cameras are not installed. Over the past eight years, there has not been a single case of the use of firearms in the country.

The country is home to just over five million people who occupy a leading position in Europe in terms of the number of people with higher education.

The country has an unstable climate. The weather here changes several times a day, during the day the air warms up to a comfortable level, but the nights are cool even on warm summer days.

Norway on the world map

When planning your trip to Norway, check out the map of the country. You can plan your trip by studying the physical, political, geographical, tourist map, maps of the main resorts and the coast of the country, see what Norway looks like on the world map. This or that map provides basic information about the most popular routes and activities. You can find out about the best hiking trails, monuments, ski areas, parks or cathedrals.

It will be no less interesting to read the reviews of people who have visited the country, to find out their impressions about the level of service, the quality of recreation with children or active recreation.

Did you know that...?

Norway is a mysterious country, unusual and attractive, those who have visited Norway at least once tend to come here again. Travelers with special passion tell their relatives about the facts that they learned in the country:

• The most popular in the country are winter sports.
• Norway occupies a leading position in the world in terms of the length of the fjords.
• Here they do not deceive even in trifles. Merchants in the villages do not sit with their goods - they simply put up a container for money.
• Norwegians are extremely calm and balanced. But if you happen to provoke their wrath, Viking blood will make itself felt, beware!
• Going to visit without an invitation is a sign of bad taste.
• The population of Norway is almost three times smaller than in the capital of Russia.
• Norwegians are fluent in two languages ​​- English and Norwegian.
• Residents of Norway practically do not consume fast food.
• Each dwelling hangs the flag of the country. If the owner leaves the house, the flag is lowered, but if everyone has gathered within the walls of the house, the flag is fluttered.

Norway is a bright, colorful, unforgettable and very interesting country that welcomes all guests. Hospitable Norwegians will create all conditions for everyone who visits their country.

Norway - country in northern Europe, the main part of which is located in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula.

The territory of Norway includes approximately 50,000 small coastal islands, as well as the large Svalbard archipelago, Bear Islands and Jan Mayen Islands in the Arctic Ocean. On a detailed map of Norway, you can find the country's border with three states: with Sweden in the east, with Finland and Russia in the northeast.

Norway is one of the largest oil and gas producers in Europe and a global exporter of timber, titanium and fish.

Norway on the world map: geography, nature and climate

Norway on the world map is located in Northern Europe, in the west of the Scandinavian Peninsula, washed by the waters of the North Sea from the south, Norwegian - from the west, Barents - from the north.

Minerals

The country has large reserves of oil and gas, iron, titanium and zinc. In smaller volumes, there are also deposits of lead, copper, coal, apatite and graphite.

Relief

Most of the territory of Norway is occupied by the Scandinavian mountains with numerous fjords (bays deep into the land with rocky shores) and valleys. The northern and southern part of the country is occupied by elevated plateaus - fjelds - Yuste-dalsbrs, Telemark, Yutunheimen, in the last of which is located highest point Norway - Mount Gallhøpiggen (2470 m).

Hydrography

The river network of Norway is dense, and the rivers themselves are full-flowing, deep and narrow. The rivers are fed by snow-rain or ice. The longest river is the Glomma (619 km), flowing through the east of the country.

About 4 thousand Norwegian lakes occupy 5% of the country's area and are located mainly in southern Norway. The largest lake is Mjosa with an area of ​​365 km 2, located on the map of Norway in Russian in the southern part of the country, 100 km north of the capital Oslo.

There are almost 900 glaciers on the territory of the country, most of which also occur in Southern Norway.

Flora and fauna

Norwegian soils are not very fertile. The most common types of soils are: mountain-meadow, low-humus podzols, podzols, brown, marsh gleyed and others.

There are mixed broad-leaved forests, taiga and coniferous-broad-leaved forests, mountain forests and tundra vegetation in the country. Forests occupy 27% of the country's territory, they grow: oaks, beeches, ash trees, birches, spruces, mosses and lichens.

Lynxes, deer, martens, ermines, squirrels, bears, hares and foxes are found in local forests and tundra; and among the representatives of birds - capercaillie, black grouse, gulls, geese and other birds. Fish of the salmon family live in fresh water, and herring, mackerel, and cod live in sea water.

The protected areas of Norway include 37 national parks, several nature reserves and about a hundred wildlife preserves.

Climate

Norway's climate varies from mild temperate maritime in the south, temperate continental in the center, to subarctic in the very north of the country. The climate of Norway is significantly softened under the influence of the warm currents of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, being soft, for such high latitudes, winter and cool summer. The average January temperature in Norway ranges from -17°C in the far north to +2°C in the southwest of the country, while the average July temperatures range from +7°C to +17°C respectively. Cloudy and rainy weather prevails in Norway - approximately 800 - 1200 mm of precipitation falls annually.

Map of Norway with cities. Administrative division of the country

Norway consists of 19 counties (provinces, counties), and is also unofficially divided into 5 regions:

• Southern Norway,
• Northern Norway,
• Western Norway,
• Eastern Norway,
• Central Norway.

Largest cities

• Oslo- the capital and most important city of Norway, located on the banks of the Oslo Fjord, in the southeast of the country. Oslo is big seaport and center oil and gas industry, as well as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Akershus Fortress, built in the 13th century, is the main attraction of the city. Oslo is home to 673,000 people.
• Bergen- the second largest city in the country, which on the map of Norway with cities in Russian can be found in its western part. Being on the coast of the North Sea determines the main specialization of the city - maritime business and maritime research (oceanography). The population of Bergen is 273 thousand people.
• Alesund- Another city on the west coast of Norway, the largest center of the country's fishing industry. Three kilometers west of Alesund there is a large aquarium, which clearly shows the life of the marine inhabitants of the North Atlantic in the most natural conditions - cod, eels, halibut and other fish - because the water comes directly from the sea. The population of the city is 42 thousand people.

An amazing country: this is not just the northern edge of the Vikings and fjords, but also European state with cozy cities and friendly people. If you love majestic landscapes, snowy peaks and dream of resting your body and soul, then Norway perfect option For you. There is no scorching southern sun, warm ocean and white sandy beaches, but nature has rewarded this corner of the planet with mighty mountains, fjords of stunning beauty and mountain rivers rich in fish.

Every guest of the country will find something for himself in Norway. Here you can stay in fashionable or more modest family hotels, in lodges in ski resorts and even unique ice hotels. Fans of cultural recreation will appreciate a large number of various museums and excursion programs. What else attracts tourists to Norway?

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Geography

The state is located in the northern and western regions of the Scandinavian Peninsula, and also includes the Svalbard archipelago. It is washed by the Norwegian Sea, the waters of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. In addition, there are about one hundred and fifty thousand lakes. If we count the territories of all the islands belonging to the state (and there are about fifty thousand of them), the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe country is 385,186 square meters. borders with (in the Murmansk region) and Sweden. Cape Nordkin is located in this country, which is the most northern point continental Europe.

The relief of the country is represented by elevated plateaus, deep valleys and several glaciers (Justedalsbreen, the largest glacier in Europe, belongs to them). Norway is also distinguished by a large number of mountain ranges (in this indicator, it significantly surpasses many states of the Old World). On the west coast of the country you can find many fjords (narrow sea bays with rocky shores). The most famous and visited among them are Vestfjord, Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, Trondheimsfjord, and Hardangerfjord.

In the northeastern part of Norway, further arctic circle, the landscape is mainly characterized as arctic tundra. Due to the short growing season, there is virtually no vegetation. The southern and central parts of the country are a plateau, gently descending to the Trendelag region. It is a hilly area with fertile soil. southeastern part The country is mostly lowlands.

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Climate

Despite the fact that the country is located in the same latitude as Siberia, Greenland and Alaska, it can be said that the local climate is much milder. The coldest months are January and February, during this time the average temperature varies from -17 (in the north of the country) to +2 degrees Celsius (in the southern part). It is warmest in July: in Oslo it usually gets up to +17, and in the north - up to +7 degrees Celsius.

In terms of precipitation, the driest periods are March, April and May. On average, from 30 to 50 mm falls per month at this time, the total number of days with precipitation ranges from 11 to 15. In other seasons, it can fall from 80 to 100 mm per month, the total number of days with precipitation is 16-17.

In general, the weather in this country is changeable. Fog may give way to the sun, followed by rain and gusty winds, after which it will become clear again. Aborigines joke that if someone does not like the weather in their country, then you just need to wait fifteen minutes.

Countries closest in spirit to Norway

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About residents

The population of the state, according to 2015, is 5,245,041 people. This is one of the lowest rates in all of Europe. At the same time, residents are unevenly settled in: over eighty percent have chosen for themselves the eastern, southern and western parts of the country. Moreover, more than half of the population lives in the former. Over one and a half million people live in Oslo and nearby places. At the same time, any city with a population of more than thirty thousand inhabitants is considered a large one.

Guests of the country note that the Norwegians are very polite and educated people. The older generation is trying to carefully preserve the traditional way of Scandinavian life. Also local population is distinguished by striking honesty: most Norwegians are responsible for complying with the laws, and surveillance cameras can only be found in some large supermarkets. For many tourists, it will be a pleasant surprise that the vast majority of Norwegians (excluding, perhaps, the oldest) speak English perfectly. Moreover, many programs on local television are broadcast in this language, accompanied by Norwegian subtitles.

The locals treat tourists with restraint, but very kindly. You can always count on a hint or all possible help. In general, despite the proximity of Sweden, the Norwegians are completely different from their neighbors. In general, this nation is the most distinctive of all Scandinavians. You can be convinced of this only once visiting Norway. And, of course, after that you will want to return more than once, because you won’t fall in love with this little northern country very difficult.

About culture and art

One of the most mysterious countries. Situated partly on the Scandinavian peninsula, as well as in many large and small archipelagos, it offers tourists unusual natural beauties and amazing cultural features. Life, traditions, crafts, folklore of the inhabitants of this country are unusual. In many ways, they are a continuation of the culture of the Sami - an ancient people who once lived on the peninsula. Therefore, one of the main holidays celebrated on February 6 is the Day of the Sami people.

There is continuity in the arrangement of the dwelling. Norwegians are adherents of a simple, spartan life in a rustic style. Until now, houses made of log cabins with numerous outbuildings are popular.

Some restraint can also be seen in communication: Norwegians are emphatically polite, they prefer simple handshakes to passionate hugs. Although they have a sense of humor, everything is in order: the language is rich in anecdotes and jokes.

It cannot be said that the inhabitants of this country are very fond of dancing. But literature is popular. To preserve and develop the traditions of this art form, a large number of grants are allocated annually, there is a separate permanent line in the budget. There are not very many theaters in the country, but the state is trying to instill the interest of residents in them. Museums are in demand, and not only among tourists. Residents of the country are sensitive to the traditions and history of the state. For example, the royal family is highly respected, it is generally not customary to joke about this topic.

But sports are very popular, especially outdoor games. Norwegians love football, swimming, sailing, skating, boating, fishing and hunting. And of course, ski competitions are in the lead in terms of preferences.

Another feature of Norwegian culture is the desire for equality: men and women, nationalities, minorities. For example, same-sex marriages are officially registered here. Tolerance in everything is one of the fundamental principles of the life of any Norwegian. Therefore, tourists are always comfortable here!

Books and films related to Norway

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National cuisine

Any country is famous for its special national dishes that delight tourists or, conversely, cause bewilderment in them. The description and its cuisine simply cannot be imagined without the mention of fish and various dishes from it. Today, this country ranks second in the world in the export of all kinds of seafood. One of the traditional dishes is smoked salmon, and rakfisk, a fermented trout, is also popular. In the northern regions, you should definitely try the dried cod turrfisk, as well as mölle - a dish of boiled cod, liver and caviar. In the southern part of Norway, mussels, crabs and shrimps are very popular.

Naturally, meat dishes can also be seen on the menus of local restaurants and Aboriginal houses. Norwegian lamb is considered one of the best in the world. For Christmas, they often cook lamb ribs dried with sea salt - pinneshchet. Also considered traditional is smalahove - a stewed sheep's head. And for those who want to try something less exotic, we can recommend fenalor - a dried leg of lamb.

Norway is also famous for its delicious cheeses. Brunust is a caramelized whey product that can taste like toffees familiar to everyone. Locals love to eat it with traditional waffles. In general, there are about one and a half hundred cheese makers in Norway, which are ready to offer the most different types of this product: from camembert to pultust (prepared from sour milk with the addition of cumin).

Römmegröt porridge, cooked from sour cream, whole milk and butter and flavored with cinnamon, is very popular. You should also try Norwegian cookies - krumkake.

During the hunting season, elk, venison and partridge dishes are very popular. If you want to dine with something more familiar, you can order local meatballs. Of course, Norway does not lag behind world trends, so you will find both pizza and hamburgers in cafes and restaurants in the country. Many tourists believe that the latter are especially tasty here, because cows in Norway graze on untouched mountain meadows.