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General information


Population : 5.3 milion people (213th in the World,27th in Europe)
Total Area : 385,203 km^2 (67th in the World,6th in Europe)
Official languages : Norwegian, Sami
Official currency : Norwegian krone(NOK)
Capital : Oslo
Population density : 15.8 people/km^2 (213th in the World,54th in Europe)
Top 5 biggest cities : Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Tromsø

Norway is considered to be one of the most developed democracies and states of justice in the world. From 1814, c. 45% of men (25 years and older) had the right to vote, whereas the United Kingdom had c. 20% (1832), Sweden c. 5% (1866), and Belgium c. 1.15% (1840). Since 2010, Norway has been classified as the world's most democratic country by the Democracy Index.

According to the Constitution of Norway, which was adopted on 17 May 1814 and inspired by the United States Declaration of Independence and French Revolution of 1776 and 1789, respectively, Norway is a unitary constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government, wherein the King of Norway is the head of state and the prime minister is the head of government. Power is separated among the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, as defined by the Constitution, which serves as the country's supreme legal document.

Norway has two integral overseas territories: Jan Mayen and Svalbard, the only developed island in the archipelago of the same name, located miles away to the north. There are three Antarctic and Subantarctic dependencies: Bouvet Island, Peter I Island and Queen Maud Land. On most maps, there had been an unclaimed area between Queen Maud Land and the South Pole until 12 June 2015 when Norway formally annexed that area.





National sport : Biathlon

Handball


Bandy - a hybrid of field and ice hockey





National animals : Lion(Panthera leo) - heraldic symbol

White-throated dipper(Cinclus cinclus)


Fjord horse

National plant: Heather (Calluna spp.)



National instruments: Hardanger fiddle






The significance of the 17th of May

The 17th of May celebrates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814 by the Norwegian Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll. It was at the time considered to be one of the most liberal or radically democratic constitutions in the world, and it is today the second oldest single-document national constitution in Europe after the Constitution of Poland (3 May 1791) and second oldest in the world still in continuous force after the United States Constitution, as the Polish 3 May Constitution survived for less than 2 years.

During May 2014 the Storting passed the most substantial changes since 1814, particularly by including paragraphs on human rights.

A noteworthy aspect of the Norwegian Constitution Day is its very non-military nature. All over Norway, children's parades with an abundance of flags form the central elements of the celebration. Each elementary school district arranges its own parade with marching bands between schools. The parade takes the children through the community, often making stops at homes of senior citizens, war memorials, etc. The longest parade is in Oslo, where some 100,000 people travel to the city centre to participate in the main festivities. This is broadcast on TV every year, with comments on costumes, banners, etc., together with local reports from celebrations around the country. The massive Oslo parade includes some 100 schools, marching bands, and passes the royal palace where the royal family greet the people from the main balcony.











Since Norway is a Scandinavian country, our thoughts immediately jump to the vikings. So, let us talk about one of the most famous Viking kings:

Harald Hardrada, King of Norway


Harald Sigurdsson (Old Norse: Haraldr Sigurðarson; c. 1015 – 25 September 1066), given the epithet Hardrada (Old Norse: harðráði, modern Norwegian Hardråde, roughly translated as "stern counsel" or "hard ruler") in the sagas,was King of Norway (as Harald III) from 1046 to 1066. In addition, he unsuccessfully claimed the Danish throne until 1064 and the English throne in 1066. Before becoming king, Harald had spent around fifteen years in exile as a mercenary and military commander in Kievan Rus' and of the Varangian Guard in the Byzantine Empire.


When he was fifteen years old, in 1030, Harald fought in the Battle of Stiklestad together with his half-brother Olaf Haraldsson (later Saint Olaf). Olaf sought to reclaim the Norwegian throne, which he had lost to the Danish king Cnut the Great two years prior. In the battle, Olaf and Harald were defeated by forces loyal to Cnut, and Harald was forced into exile to Kievan Rus' (the sagas' Garðaríki). He thereafter spent some time in the army of Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise, eventually obtaining rank as a captain, until he moved on to Constantinople with his companions around 1034. In Constantinople, he soon rose to become the commander of the Byzantine Varangian Guard, and saw action on the Mediterranean Sea, in Asia Minor, Sicily, possibly in the Holy Land, Bulgaria and in Constantinople itself, where he became involved in the imperial dynastic disputes. Harald amassed considerable wealth during his time in the Byzantine Empire, which he shipped to Yaroslav in Kievan Rus' for safekeeping. He finally left the Byzantines in 1042, and arrived back in Kievan Rus' in order to prepare his campaign of reclaiming the Norwegian throne. Possibly to Harald's knowledge, in his absence the Norwegian throne had been restored from the Danes to Olaf's illegitimate son Magnus the Good.


In 1046, Harald joined forces with Magnus's rival in Denmark (Magnus had also become king of Denmark), the pretender Sweyn II of Denmark, and started raiding the Danish coast. Magnus, unwilling to fight his uncle, agreed to share the kingship with Harald, since Harald in turn would share his wealth with him. The co-rule ended abruptly the next year as Magnus died, and Harald thus became the sole ruler of Norway. Domestically, Harald crushed all local and regional opposition, and outlined the territorial unification of Norway under a national governance. Harald's reign was probably one of relative peace and stability, and he instituted a viable coin economy and foreign trade. Probably seeking to restore Cnut's "North Sea Empire", Harald also claimed the Danish throne, and spent nearly every year until 1064 raiding the Danish coast and fighting his former ally, Sweyn. Although the campaigns were successful, he was never able to conquer Denmark.


Not long after Harald had renounced his claim to Denmark, the former Earl of Northumbria, Tostig Godwinson, brother of the newly chosen English king Harold Godwinson, pledged his allegiance to Harald and invited him to claim the English throne. Harald went along and entered Northern England in September 1066, raided the coast and defeated English regional forces in the Battle of Fulford near York. Although initially successful, Harald was defeated and killed in an attack by Harold Godwinson's forces in the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Modern historians have often considered Harald's death, which brought an end to his invasion, as the end of the Viking Age. Harald is also commonly held to have been the last great Viking king, or even the last great Viking.








Places to visit:


Western Fjords











Norway’s famous fjords are found throughout the country and not limited to a particular region or location. However, the most dramatic and famous fjords are largely found in West Norway, approximately from Stavanger to Molde. Although the western fjords vary slightly in appearance they are generally relatively narrow, surrounded by steep rock faces, tall mountains and extremely deep. The most famous fjords include Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.



Bergen







Norway’s second largest city, Bergen has been the nation’s leading western port since the Middle Ages. Today, its 15th-century waterfront in the Bryggen district is both a working port and a tourist destination for visitors eager to sample fresh fare at seaside restaurants. Although Bergen makes a great home base for explorations of the scenic fjords around the city and the neighboring islands, there’s plenty to see within the city as well. A quick trip up Bergen’s popular funicular is a good way to get oriented in the place known as the Gateway to the Fjords.



Lofoten Islands







One of the most popular places to visit in Norway, Lofoten is a group of islands in the northern part of the country. With its postcard looking small fishing villages nestled in fjords, dotting a very rugged coast with abrupt peaks rising directly from the ocean, the archipelago is often described as one of the most scenic parts of Norway. Although the archipelago is located well above the Arctic Circle, at about the same latitude as Greenland it enjoys a relatively mild climate due to the circulation of the Gulf Stream. Temperatures up to 23°C in the summer are not uncommon although it remains a subarctic destination and the weather changes fast.



Stavanger


Located in the southwest region of Norway, Stavanger is one of the few places in the country with long sandy beaches, making it the ideal summer destination for those who want to mix sunbathing with their Scandinavian explorations. The city’s harbor is a popular stopping point for cruise ships touring the fjords, and many of Stavanger’s attractions are just a short stroll from the shore. The Rogaland Kunstmuseum boasts an excellent exhibition of Norwegian art, the Stavanger Cathedral is the country’s best Medieval church and the Gamle Stavanger district transports visitors back in time to 18th-century Scandinavia.




Oslo

Norway’s capital and most populated city, Oslo is a vibrant modern city with a confident attitude and laid-back atmosphere. Hugging the horseshoe-shaped shores of the Oslofjord, Oslo is one-third city and two-thirds forests, parks and green spaces, making outdoor activities like hiking and biking popular pastimes. From its 19th-century city center with its museums, lively bars and restaurants to the Nobel Peace Center located in the city’s former railway station, Oslo is culturally rich as well. The city’s 50 museums range from the Munch Museum, which features “The Scream” and other works by Edvard Munch, to the Folkemuseet, an outdoor museum that includes more than 150 historic buildings from all over Norway, including a Stave Church.



Svalbard



Svalbard is a group of islands located between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and the Norwegian Sea. The islands are under Norwegian rule since 1920. Its settlements are the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet, far more northerly than any part of Alaska and all but a few of Canada’s Arctic islands. The combined permanent population is less than 3000, nearly all of which is concentrated in the main settlements of Longyearbyen and Barentsburg on Spitsbergen. Svalbard’s visitors come mostly to experience Arctic nature at its rawest and most powerful. The islands feature untouched glaciers and craggy mountains, but also amazing wildlife such as polar bears, caribou, reindeer, polar foxes, whales, seals and walruses.


Jotunheimen National Park






Jotunheimen, or Home of the Giants, is Norway’s premier national park. Located in the nation’s south central region, the park encompasses several mountain ranges, including Norway’s 29 highest peaks. The park is also home to Vettisfossen, which at 275 meters is the highest waterfall in Norway. Mountain lodges and well-marked trails in the area offer visitors easy access to glacier hikes, summit tours, mountain climbing and skiing. Tour companies and trekking associations offer outdoor adventures for visitors of every age and skill level.


Trondheim



There’s something for everyone in the northern city of Trondheim. Founded in 997, Norway’s third largest city was the country’s capital during the Viking Age and the nation’s religious center during the Middle Ages, making it the ideal destination for those who want to explore Norway’s history. From Sverresborg, a restored 12th century castle, to the Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost Medieval cathedral in the world, the city abounds with remnants of the past.







Inventions Norway gave to the world!

*Cheese slicer!
*Thor Bjorklund, 1925 AD





*Aerosol spray cans!
*Erik Rotheim, 1926 AD



*Paper clip!
*Johann Vaaler, 1890s AD




*Mineral fertilizer!
*Kristian Birkeland, 1903 AD



*Modern harpoon cannon!
*Svend Foyn, 19th century AD












Famous people from Norway

Erik the Red - Erik Thorvaldsson, a.k.a Erik the Red because of his mane of fire coloured hair, is remembered in medieval and Icelandic sagas as being the Viking who created the first Norse settlement in Greenland.Erik was born in the Jæren district of Norway, but when he was young his family was forced into exile in punishment for his father’s crime of manslaughter. After the family moved to Iceland, Erik followed in his fathers footsteps and was sent to exile for three years for killing Eyiolf the Foul around the year 982.
It was during this time that Erik Sailed to Greenland and explored. Erik's son, Leif Erikson, is also rather well known as the first European to discover North America.
(950 - 1003 AD)


Roald Amundsen - Born in 1872 in the small town of Borge, Roald Engelbregt Gravning Amundsen was an explorer of Polar regions. From 1910-1912, he led an Antarctic expedition and became the first person to reach the South Pole.A decade later he led an air expedition to the North Pole, making him the first person to reach both poles! Before doing this, he led the first expedition that traversed the Northwest passage.

(1872 - 1928 AD)


Henrik Ibsen - One of the most distinguished European playwrights, Ibsen is the second most frequently performed dramatist in the world, only falling behind Shakespeare. The man from Skien is often credited with being “the father of realism” and one of the founders of Modernism in theatre.
A number of his dramas were considered to be quite scandalous, contrasting the traditional morals of European theatre. Much of Ibsen’s work examined the realities of way lies behind the facades of contemporary society.

(1828 - 1906)



Edvard Grieg - Norwegian composer and pianist. He is widely considered one of the leading Romantic era composers, and his music is part of the standard classical repertoire worldwide. His use and development of Norwegian folk music in his own compositions put the music of Norway in the international spectrum, as well as helping to develop a national identity, much as Jean Sibelius and Antonín Dvořák did in Finland and Bohemia, respectively.
Grieg is the most celebrated person from the city of Bergen, with numerous statues depicting his image, and many cultural entities named after him: the city's largest concert building (Grieghallen), its most advanced music school (Grieg Academy) and its professional choir (Edvard Grieg Kor). The Edvard Grieg Museum at Grieg's former home, Troldhaugen, is dedicated to his legacy.

One of his most famous compositions is “In the Hall of the Mountain King”, composed as music for a scene in Henrik Ibsen’s “Peer Gynt”.



(1843 - 1907)


Magnus Carlsen - Norwegian chess grandmaster and the current World Chess Champion. A chess prodigy, Carlsen earned his grandmaster title at the age of 13 years and 148 days.
Carlsen was introduced to chess at the age of five and played in his first tournament at the age of eight. He earned his grandmaster title in 2004 and was competing successfully against the world's strongest grandmasters by 2007. He surpassed an Elo rating of 2800 in 2009 and reached No. 1 in the FIDE rankings in 2010, becoming the youngest person ever to achieve those feats.



(born 1990)







Traditional food


Fårikål



Traditional Norwegian dish and also considered the national dish of the country. Consisting of pieces of mutton with bone, cabbage, whole black pepper and often a little wheat flour, cooked for several hours in a casserole, traditionally served with potatoes boiled in their jackets. The dish is typically prepared in early autumn.

Pinnekjøtt



Main course dinner dish of lamb or mutton. Pinnekjøtt is a festive dish typical to Western- and Northern Norway, and is rapidly gaining popularity in other regions as well. This dish is largely associated with the celebration of Christmas, served with puréed swede, a.k.a. mashed rutabaga, and potatoes, beer and akevitt.

Kjøttkaker



Rough and large cakes of ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper. Roughly the size of a child's fist. Generally served with sauce espagnol (Kjøttkakesaus or Brunsaus in Norwegian). Potatoes, stewed peas or cabbage and carrots are served on the side. Many like to use a jam of lingonberries as a relish. The pork version is called medisterkake.

Smalahove



Feeling adventurous? This is a salted and smoked sheep's head, boiled and served with potatoes and the omnipresent kohlrabi mash. As with many Norwegian foods, the flavour is smoky and salty enough to require liberal amounts of beer to wash it down and this rustic delicacy was traditionally paired with a home brew.

Raspeballer



This dense ball of mashed potato and flour is slowly simmered in stock with fatty cuts of sheep or pork. It's usually served with thick cubes of pan-fried bacon and lots of brown butter.


Rakfisk



These fermented fillets of freshwater trout hail from the landlocked parts of the country. They are salted, layered in wooden barrels and covered with spruce branches before being left to ferment for months. It is most commonly enjoyed on the soft flatbread lefse which is spread with butter and soured cream and served alongside an onion and beetroot salad. The pungency of the fish can be overwhelming, but with liberal amounts of butter and soured cream, it's well worth trying!

Lutefisk



This festive dish of dried cod soaked in lye (a strong alkali) goes all the way back to the 16th century – it's mentioned in early literature as being favoured by royalty. The process of making it is complex, but in essence a soak in lye before the second of three cold-water rinses changes the appearance and texture of the fish (making it springy). All of the caustic lye is removed by the time you're served it, usually with generous amounts of bacon, mashed peas, boiled potatoes and golden syrup.



Traditional desserts

Svele



Originating on the west coast, this batter-based cake has gained popularity throughout the country in the last 40 years. Unlike the American pancakes they resemble, svele is usually an afternoon treat with coffee, eaten warm from the pan. They're served buttered and covered with anything sweet from syrup to uniquely Norwegian brown cheese. The use of salt of hartshorn (ammonium bicarbonate) and baking soda as raising agents give these cakes their characteristic flavour.

Lefse



Norwegians love this sweetened variety of the traditional soft flatbread with a cup of coffee. It is slathered with a blend of butter, sugar and cinnamon, then meticulously folded or rolled and cut into portions so that it's easy to carry. The need to quickly get back into the fields after dinner perhaps necessitated the easy, portable nature of this dessert and, to this day, you can grab one to go on ferries around the country and in well stocked grocery stores.

Krumkake



Those with a sweet tooth can satisfy their cravings with krumkake. Translated as ‘curved or crooked cake’, krumkake consists of paper-thin rolls of a waffle-like pancake, which are then filled with whipped cream or any other desired filling. Krumkake can be said to be similar in style to an Italian pizzelle, being cooked in a special two-sided iron griddle. The griddles often print feature decorations onto the sides of the krumkake. Whilst the krumkake is still hot from the griddle, it wrapped around a wooden spoon, creating a cone-like shape that can then be filled with sweet fillings.



Traditional drinks

Akevitt



Used in the cooking process of many Norwegian delicacies, and typically consumed during festive occasion and celebrations, akevitt is Norway’s national drink. The name derives its roots from the Latin words aqua and vitae which translate as ‘water of life’. This alcoholic beverage is made from potato and is flavored with caraway, dill and other herbs and spices. Akevitt has a rich history of popularity in Norway, with its roots being traced back to the 15th century. Variations of akevitt can be found throughout Scandinavia, but Norway creates its own twist on the drink by maturing the beverage in oak casks.

Juleøl - Christmas beer



Coffee



While not exactly traditional, Norwegians are avid coffee drinkers, second in the world only to the people of Finland.






Interesting facts about Norway


1.In 2011, Norway went through a nationwide butter shortage, where smugglers would often get caught smuggling butter and online auctions for one packet of butter reached as high as $77.
2. The length of the Norwegian coastline is 25.148 km, including fjords.
3.In 1251, Henry III of England was given a polar bear by the King of Norway. He kept it in the Tower of London, on a long chain so that it could swim in the Thames.
4.In 2008, Norway knighted a king penguin. Nils Olav is his name.
5.The Lærdal Tunnel is the world’s longest road tunnel at 15 miles (24.5 km).
6.Norway is the world’s largest exporter of salmon.
7.The Norwegians founded Dublin, Ireland, in A.D. 836.
8.Norway has the highest gasoline prices in the world at US$9.79 per gallon, even though Norway is one the biggest exporters of oil in the world.
9.Norway has two official languages: Riksmål or Bokmål (book language), a modification of the old Dano-Norwegian tongue left over from the days of Danish dominance, and Nynorsk (or Landsmål), which was developed with the 19th century upsurge of Norwegian nationalism and is based on the Old Norse dialects that came before. Bokmål is most commonly used.
10.The Sami constitute approximately 1% of Norwegian population. They are an ancient ethnic people with their own language and culture. Only 7% are employed in herding reindeer. Half of the world’s Sami population of 70,000 live in Norway.






My 5 words when I hear about the Norway:
#Fjord,#Salmon,#Viking,#Oil,#Biathlon

What are your 5?





Special thanks to hans erik for the help.




I leave you with some Norwegian memes:






Waiting for feedback , comments , opinions and if there is anyone that thinks I missed something , I could do something better or just wants to help me with this project , PM me !

Special thanks to Kariky for the spacers !!


Before ending the article I want to apologise for the articles with which I a late, will try to get them up as soon as posible. I am in the period of my final exams in RL and my brother is the one helping with the writing in this days.




Hope you enjoyed and see you next time!

P.S. Article 46/74!










P.S.2. Don't forget to push the flags !