The Kingdom of Norway (Norwegian: Kongeriket Norge or Kongeriket Noreg), commonly known as Norway, has its capital in Oslo. It is located in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. To the east, it borders Sweden, while its northeastern borders touch Finland and Russia. To the south, it faces Denmark across the sea, and to the west, it is bordered by the Norwegian Sea. Norway covers a total area of 385,000 square kilometers, including territories such as the Svalbard archipelago and Jan Mayen Island. Its coastline, including fjords, stretches 28,953 kilometers.
Most of Norway has a temperate maritime climate, and the country is rich in oil, gas, hydropower, forestry, and fisheries. Norway is divided into 1 city and 10 counties. As of September 2023, Norway's population is 5.534 million. The official languages are Norwegian and Sami, and the majority of the population adheres to Lutheran Christianity.
Norway is a highly developed modern industrial country and one of the wealthiest and most livable nations in the world. Since the discovery of large offshore oil and gas reserves in the 1970s, the oil and gas industry has become a dominant force in Norway's economy. The country is known for its world-class offshore oil and gas exploration, extraction technologies, and equipment.
Norway also has a long-standing history in shipbuilding and maritime industries, making it a major global shipping power. It leads in marine engineering, specialized shipbuilding, and manufacturing of related equipment. In addition, Norway has unique strengths in environmental protection, information and communication technologies, chemicals, metallurgy, and pharmaceuticals. Its financial services, tourism, environmental services, and information sectors are particularly distinct.
In 2022, Norway's GDP amounted to 5,570.7 billion Norwegian krone.
Norway is significantly warmer than other regions at the same latitude due to the influence of the Gulf Stream from the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, most of Norway's ports remain ice-free during the winter. The country receives abundant rainfall, with an annual average of about 1,000 millimeters nationwide. The average annual temperature in the capital, Oslo, is around 5.7°C, with winter temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C, and summer temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.
Western Norway experiences a maritime climate, with cool and wet summers, and mild, snowy winters. In contrast, the eastern regions, sheltered by central mountain ranges, have a more continental climate. Being located at high latitudes, Norway experiences large variations in daylight hours throughout the year. During the summer, days are long with short nights, while the opposite occurs in winter. North of the Arctic Circle, there is continuous daylight in midsummer, and during parts of winter, the sun does not rise at all.
In January 2020, Norway reorganized its administrative divisions into 1 city and 10 counties. These are the capital city of Oslo and the following counties: Agder, Innlandet, Møre og Romsdal, Nordland, Rogaland, Vestfold and Telemark, Troms and Finnmark, Trøndelag, Vestlandet, and Viken.
The flag of Norway is rectangular with a length-to-width ratio of 11:8. It has a red background with a blue and white cross off-center to the left. Norway was once ruled by Denmark, and the cross on the flag shares the same origin as the cross on the Danish flag. The colors blue, white, and red symbolize freedom and independence. There are two versions of the flag: a swallow-tailed version used by government institutions, and the rectangular version used on other occasions.
Norway’s coat of arms is simple and straightforward, in the shape of a shield. The red shield features a golden lion standing upright, wearing a crown, and holding a silver axe with a gold handle. The golden lion represents strength, while the silver axe is the weapon of Saint Olaf, the protector of Norway’s freedom. At the top of the shield is a golden crown adorned with a sphere and a cross. The coat of arms dates back to the 13th century when it appeared on the flag and emblem of King Haakon’s ancestor, King Sverre. The lion holding the battle axe has been a personal symbol of sacred kingship since the 8th century. The simple design of the crown atop the lion reflects the unique metalwork style of the Scandinavian region. The crown at the top of the shield represents royal authority and sovereignty.
Norway is a constitutional monarchy. King Harald V ascended the throne on January 21, 1991, and holds mainly symbolic power as the head of state