Kingdom of Norway
Area:
125,016 square miles.
Neighbours:
Finland, Russia and Sweden.
Environment:
Much of Norway consists of rugged mountains (Galdhopiggen 2,469 metres) broken by fertile valleys. Norway has one of the longest, most rugged coastlines in the world, deeply indented by fjords, with 50,000 islands. One third of Norway lies north of the Arctic Circle.
Population:
4.6 million.
Life expectancy:
79 years.
Literacy:
100%.
Principal cities:
Oslo (capital), Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger
Urbanisation:
79%.
Economy:
The Norwegian economy is prosperous and rich in natural resources, including petroleum, hydroelectric power (99%), fish, forests and minerals (nickel, iron ore, zinc and lead). In 1999 oil and gas accounted for 35% of exports; only Saudi Arabia and Russia export more oil than Norway. Norway opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994.
Religions:
Protestant 92% — predominantly Lutheran; Roman Catholic 1%; Muslim 1%; cults 1%; non-religious/other 5%.
Protestant denominations:
Lutheran (state church), Independent, Pentecostal and others.
History:
In 1905 Norway obtained independence from Sweden. It was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1940-1945. In 1949 it became a member of NATO.
