Kingdom Norway occupies the western and northern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Spitsbergen archipelago in the Arctic Ocean and the island of Jan Mayen in the North Atlantic Ocean. Norway is washed by the North and Norwegian seas. In the northeast it borders with Finland and Russia, in the east with Sweden.
The name of the country comes from the Old Norse Norreweg - “northern road”.
Official name: Kingdom of Norway
Capital: Oslo
The area of the land: 385.2 thousand sq. km
Total Population: 4.8 million people
Administrative division: Norway is divided into 18 counties (counties), which are governed by governors. Traditional division: Northern Norway, including three historical and geographical regions (Nordland, Troms, Finmark), and Southern Norway, uniting four regions: Trennelag, Vestland (West), Östland (East) and Sørland (South).
Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.
Head of State: King.
Population composition: Norwegian. In a number of communes in Troms and Finnmark, the Sami have equal status with it.
Official language: German. Most people working in the tourism industry understand and speak English. In the border areas they speak: Hungarian, Slovenian, Croatian, Czech, Italian.
Religion: 85.7% - Lutheran Church, 2.4% - Orthodox, 1.8% - Muslims, 1% - Pentecostals, 1% - Catholics, 8.1% - others.
Internet domain: .no
Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +47
Country barcode: 700-709
Climate
Located almost entirely in the temperate zone, in comparison with other land areas located at the same latitudes, the south of Norway turns out to be much warmer and more humid due to the large influx of heat from the Norwegian Current. The warm current, however, does not penetrate the Skagerrak Strait, which dramatically affects the climate of southeastern Norway, while at the same time continental air masses from the Baltic easily penetrate here.
Also often masses from higher latitudes, where the Arctic Maximum dominates in winter, penetrate into the non-coastal zone. Since the surface of Norway slopes steeply to the sea, and the valleys are elongated meridionally, warm air masses cannot penetrate very deeply into them, which creates a situation where in winter the temperature gradient when moving deeper into the fjord is greater than when moving north.
The height of the Scandinavian mountains does not allow air masses to pass to the east of the country, and create a barrier effect, which, subject to significant moisture saturation, causes huge amounts of precipitation, both in summer and winter. The influence of the warm current on the country's climate is associated not with the direct heating of the oceanic layer of air (after all, the territory of southern Norway is separated from this current by 300-400 km), but with the westerly transport bringing these heated air masses.
Average January temperatures range from -17 °C in northern Norway in the city of Karashuk to +1.5 °C on the southwest coast of the country. Average July temperatures are around +7°C in the north and around +17°C in the south in Oslo.
Geography
Norway is located in northern Europe, in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. A third of the country lies beyond the Arctic Circle. The total area of the country is about 387 thousand square meters. km. The country shares land borders with Russia, Sweden and Finland. In the north, the coast of Norway is washed by the Barents Sea, in the west by the Norwegian and North Seas, in the south the Skagerrak Strait separates Norway from Denmark. Norway owns the Spitsbergen archipelago with Bear Island in the Arctic Ocean, Jan Mayen Island in North Atlantic, as well as Bouvet Island off the coast of Antarctica and more than 50 thousand small islands.
The territory of Norway is predominantly mountainous and covered with forests, tundra and mountain vegetation. Highest points- the city of Gallhöpiggen (2469 m) and the city of Glittertinn (2452 m), located in the Jotunheimen massif. The longest river is Glomma (600 km), the longest big lake- Miessa (362 km). The high plateaus (felds) are covered with the largest glaciers in Europe, the total area of which is 5 thousand square kilometers. The largest glaciers are Jostedalsbre (the largest glacier in Europe), Svartisen in north-central Norway. There are fjords all along the Norwegian coastline, they were formed thousands of years ago when glaciers cut deep into the land. The longest is the Sogne fjord (204 km).
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
Tundra vegetation (subnival-nival belt) has a significant distribution and is confined to the most high mountain areas, to areas adjacent to glaciers and the northern part of the country. The growing conditions here are the most unfavorable within Norway: low temperatures, short growing season, widespread snowfields and proximity to glaciers, strong winds and thin soil cover. Therefore, the vegetation cover here is extremely fragmented and is mainly represented by various mosses and lichens.
The vegetation of the Alpine belt occupies vast expanses of fjelds and the most elevated areas west coast above the line of possible tree growth, located on average height 800 - 1700 m, the values of which, as in the case of vegetation of the subnival-nival zone, increase when moving from west to east. The climatic conditions in which these formations grow are also unfavorable. Trees in this belt are completely absent, the dominant communities are shrubs and forbs, shrub vegetation appears only at the lowest hypsometric levels, the moss-lichen layer is poorly developed and appears only in areas long covered with snow. The species composition includes amphiatlantic and circumpolar species. The dominant plant forms here are hemicryptophytes and chamephytes.
Mountain forests and woodlands occupy the largest areas in Norway, located in the lower tier of the Scandinavian mountains. They rise up to 1000 m in the most continental areas, and in the coastal zone of the Atlantic they descend even into the lowlands under the influence of a general decrease in the belt boundaries. This belt includes pure birch forests on the western macroslope, and pine-birch forests in more continental parts.
The taiga zone also occupies significant areas in southern Norway, occupying its most continental sections (Østlan and East Sørland), as well as reaching the coast on the Trønnelaga plain, where the warming influence of the ocean is still noticeable, but allows taiga vegetation to grow here. Formations of this belt are absent on the western macroslope of the mountains and in the fjord area. It is represented by spruce and, in the south, oak-spruce and pine forests.
The Atlantic moorlands occupy a narrow coastal outer strip along the entire western coast, without extending anywhere into the fjords. Heather heaths here develop on well-drained, oligotrophic acidic substrates. Tree and shrub species are generally absent here, but may appear in some places well protected from the wind blowing from the sea. In terms of species, heathers predominate in combination with shrubs, herbs, grasses, mosses and lichens. The soil and vegetation cover here is often fragmentary.
Mixed and broad-leaved forests in Norway are represented by small areas occupying the southernmost part of the country. However, the inner parts of the largest fjords, where the warming influence of the ocean is strong, are also occupied by mixed broad-leaved forests, which there take on an intrazonal character. Represented by oak, beech and ash forests.
Floodplain vegetation is represented by one significant section of the floodplains of the Glomma and Logen rivers in the area of their confluence. Hydrophilic vegetation is developed here due to periodic flooding. It is represented by forests of alder and spruce, which occupy floodplain and oxbow depressions.
Animal world
The following representatives of the animal world are found in the forests of Norway: lynx, red deer, marten, weasel, badger, beaver, ermine, squirrel. The tundra is home to white and blue foxes, lemmings (Norwegian mice), reindeer. The hare and fox are found everywhere in large commercial quantities, while the wolf and bear are practically exterminated.
Norway has a large number of birds: wood grouse, black grouse, gulls, eiders, wild ducks, geese. Huge bird colonies nest on the coastal cliffs. IN sea waters There is a large amount of fish, of which the traditional commercial ones are: herring, cod, mackerel. Rivers and lakes are inhabited by trout, salmon, and salmon.
Attractions
Norway's main treasure is its nature. Thousands of secluded bays and picturesque fjords encircle its coast, and low mountains covered with forests and meadows create the unique flavor of this country. Thousands of clean lakes and rivers provide a unique opportunity to enjoy fishing and water sports, and carefully protected nature allows you to get acquainted with one of the most untouched corners of Europe.
The fjords are the main attraction of the country. All coastline The country is cut by these narrow and deep bays, glorified in the ancient Scandinavian sagas. The most popular among tourists are Yairangerfjord, Lysefjord, Sognefjord,
You can exchange currency at any bank or post office, as well as at bank branches in railway station and at Oslo airport. Non-cash forms of payment are extremely developed, major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Traveler's checks can be exchanged at most banks, travel agencies, post offices and offices of international payment systems. Some banks take a certain percentage from each check, so it is more profitable to import money in a single check.
Useful information for tourists
Nightclubs, discos and other entertainment venues have a clear gradation regarding the age of visitors, the range of alcoholic drinks offered and opening hours. Therefore, many of them may require a passport to enter. Entry to most museums is free.
Smoking is prohibited in all types public transport and on board aircraft, as well as in most public buildings, offices, etc. In hotels, bars and restaurants, smoking is prohibited in all common areas, and a third of the tables are mandatory for non-smokers. Hotels also follow the same policy - up to 50% of hotel rooms are non-smoking only, and this should be taken into account when choosing a hotel. Cigarettes are sold only to persons over 18 years of age.
All parking in Norway is paid. You cannot park outside the parking lots - only cars of residents living in the surrounding houses can be parked there.
The Kingdom of Norway is a country with a strong economy. The state, thanks to rich natural reserves, managed to fully compensate for the lack of opportunities for farming. Residents of other parts of the world know Norway as a country with beautiful nature and numerous fjords surrounded by inaccessible cliffs.
Geographical characteristics
Norway is a Northern European country located in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The territory of the state includes adjacent small islands and overseas possessions in Atlantic Ocean, Bouvet Island.
The country borders Finland, Sweden and Russia. Its total area is 324,200 square km.
The majority of the population is Norwegian. Of the total population they are 86%. The remaining residents are representatives of European countries and refugees.
Nature
Mountains and rocks
Norway is a country with mountainous terrain. Most high peak is Mount Gallhepiggen. Its height is 2,469 m.
In the list of Norwegian mountain ranges:
- Jotunheimen
- Hardangervidda;
- Finnmarksvidda;
- Sunnmer Alps;
- Dovrefjell;
- Lyngsalpene;
- Troll tongue and others.
Most of the mountains are covered with tundra vegetation and forests, there are waterfalls, lakes and glaciers that do not melt throughout the year. The ridges off the coast are cut by deep fjords...
Rivers and lakes
Large rivers flow through Norway, irrigating green valleys: Glomma, Tana, Paz, Otra, Alta, Namsen, Logen and others. Mountain rivers, deep, with rapids. They are fed by precipitation and glaciers. Due to the country's topography, many rivers have waterfalls. The highest reach 600 meters. Their beds are rich in fish, in particular salmon.
There are more than 400 lakes in the country. Deep reservoirs with branches are located in mountainous regions; on the plains lakes are characterized by larger area and are the sources of many rivers...
The seas surrounding Norway
The territory of Norway is washed by the waters of three seas at once:
- from the south by North;
- from the northeast by the Barents;
- from the northwest by Norway.
Despite its northern location, it is available in Norway swimming season. The coast owes its warm waters to the warm Gulf Stream.
The sea affects the life of the entire kingdom. Most of the population lives in coastal populated areas. The sea is an important route for Norway's trade exchanges with other countries...
Forests
Much of Norway's mountains are covered with forests. Depending on the climatic conditions There are taiga forests, represented by conifers such as spruce and pine, deciduous with oak, birch, alder and beech.
An incomplete amount of cutting allows forests to renew themselves, without outside interference. In areas with poor soils, additional artificial care is carried out with the creation of a reclamation system and the application of mineral fertilizers.
Most of the forests, 5.5 million hectares, are privately owned, a fifth of this area is state land, and about 0.2 million hectares are public forests...
Plants and animals of Norway
Due to the terrain and harsh climate, vegetable world countries is interesting. Coastal areas are an area of forests with small shrubs; to the north and higher above sea level there are deciduous and coniferous forests, followed by plantings of dwarf birch trees. At the highest altitudes, only lichens, mosses and grasses can be found.
The most common animals in the kingdom are the hare, squirrel, elk and fox. Found in the forests brown bears and wolves. Their population is relatively small. In the south, near the coast, you can find red deer...
Climate of Norway
The Gulf Stream has a powerful influence on the climate of the kingdom. Along the coast of the country, temperatures reach 25 degrees Celsius in summer. Winters here are mild and warm, the average January temperature is 1.7 degrees Celsius plus, summers are cool with heavy rainfall.
In the interior of the country the temperature is slightly lower. In January, the average is -3.5 degrees Celsius. Warm masses from the Atlantic do not arrive here due to mountain ranges that create obstacles...
Resources
Natural resources
There are few mineral resources on the mainland. The main share of resources important for the economy is represented by oil, gas and iron ore, and is concentrated on the islands or in the territorial waters of the state.
Norway is famous for its fish stocks, both river and sea, as well as seafood. Forests provide the country with timber and make it possible to export it...
Industry and Agriculture
Norway's main economic sectors are the oil and gas industry. It is these natural resources, extracted in the country’s territorial waters, that Norwegians export. Since the 90s, Norway has been firmly among the top ten world leaders in oil export volumes.
Mechanical engineering and a huge merchant fleet are also closely related to the oil industry, and for the most part, are aimed at servicing it. Chemical industry enterprises are engaged in the production of urea, saltpeter, and nitrate fertilizers.
Climatic conditions and a small number of fertile soils do not create conditions for the development of agriculture. Only fodder varieties of cereals are grown. Agriculture is represented mainly by livestock farming. The population raises cattle and other meat and dairy animals...
Culture
People of Norway
Norwegians honor their traditions and folk art. They value musical talents, hand-painted wood products, paintings, etc. Norwegians treat handmade jewelry with special respect; jewelry is passed on from generation to generation, by inheritance.
The country's population approaches the conservation of their natural environment with trepidation and responsibility. The streets and outdoor recreation areas are always clean and well-groomed. Smoking and drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited. The Norwegians themselves are hospitable...
Kingdom of Norway is a land of fjords, ice and polar lights. Norway is perhaps the most “heroic” country in all globe. Only Vikings and Valkyries are born here, for whom nothing matters: cold, impenetrable forests, harsh northern nature. The very name of the country comes from the Old Norse word Norðrvegr - “way to the north”.
For tourists, Norway is interesting for its picturesque fjords and the most comfortable capital of Northern Europe, Oslo, excellent ski resorts and polar exoticism, tasty and satisfying cuisine (where salmon is the king of everything), interesting museums and excellent infrastructure. But the main thing that Norway can boast of is an indescribable atmosphere of hospitality, respect for individuality and a sincere desire to make the guest enjoy his harsh but charming northern lands.
general information
- Form of government- a constitutional monarchy.
- King– Harald V.
- Capital of Norway- Oslo.
- Administrative-territorial structure: Norway is divided into 19 counties (counties), which are grouped into 5 main unofficial regions.
- official languages– Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk).
Policy
Norway is a real kingdom, with a king and queen. Norway is a monarchy, but parliament has political power. Norwegians love and protect their monarchy. The older population is more proud than the younger population of maintaining the royal family.
“Everything for Norway” - this motto is written on the coat of arms of the King of Norway. And for many years now it has served as the motto for the Kings of Norway.
Climate of Norway
Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, the climate in Norway is quite mild. The sea off the coast of northern Norway, located above the Arctic Circle, does not freeze even in winter, and in summer, even in the northern part of the country, the temperature rises to 20 °C. In the coastal areas there is a temperate maritime climate (in the far north it is subarctic). In inland areas, especially in mountainous areas, the climate is continental - hotter in summer and colder in winter.
But be careful, Norway has an incredibly changeable climate. Fog, sun, harsh wind, and rain can change with amazing frequency. The Norwegians even came up with a saying: “Don’t like our weather? Wait 15 minutes."
Population of the Kingdom
The population is less than 5 million people. More than 1.5 million Norwegians live in the capital Oslo and its suburbs. Any city with a population of more than 30 thousand is considered large. In the Scandinavian countries (Norway and Iceland) the highest birth rate in Europe is among the indigenous, rather than immigrant, population. The Scandinavians initially relied on improving the quality of life of the child, and not on increasing the number of births. All Norwegians love and appreciate the sea. They prefer to live no further than 200–300 meters from the water, or in direct visibility of it. Those who live inland still buy a second house by the sea. 80% of the population even have boats.
Natural resources and attitude towards them
The nature of Norway is varied. Forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, sea - in pristine condition. The attitude towards nature is very careful. There are no poachers, and there is practically no garbage either. Thanks to the sea there are no mosquitoes and other insects.
Norway has the longest fjords in the world. A fjord is a wide, often winding and deep channel with rocky shores, piercing from the sea deep into the mainland for many kilometers.
According to the law, any resident of the country and its guest have the right of unhindered access to all natural resources without restrictions - both in the forest and at sea. You can walk and swim wherever you want. If the land is private or fenced, it is advisable to ask the owners permission to visit it as a courtesy.
Norway has the most northern point mainland Europe. It's called North Cape and it's located on the edge of a cliff far to the north. In good weather you can see the edge of the Arctic glaciers there.
Standard of living
Since 2009, Norway has topped the list of countries on the Human Development Index. Norway is considered safe country. The law is respected here, there is no crime, and theft is considered something unthinkable for most Norwegians. Only large retail chains have detector frames for theft of goods at the exit, or surveillance cameras. Otherwise, they are practically nowhere to be found. The average salary for many Norwegians can be up to 5-7 thousand euros per month.
It is almost impossible to meet people begging on the streets. The only exceptions are big cities, and almost always it is someone from immigrants. And the murder of at least one person is discussed on national TV and radio for at least a week.
Culture
In Norway, education and culture are at the forefront. Here, for the first time in the world, back in 1979, compulsory primary education was introduced. In elementary school they teach not only English (from the first grade), but also, in addition to traditional school subjects, ecology and art. 100% of Norwegians speak, write and read English perfectly. Children learn a language from the age of 5-6 years or earlier. Any child over 10 can easily communicate with you in English. The exception is pensioners 75+.
By the way, Norway spends three times more on education than on health care, and four times more on health care than on defense. At the same time, the Norwegian Air Force protects not only the borders of its country, but also air space Iceland, which does not have its own army at all.
Interesting features from the daily life of a Norwegian
Life throughout the country flows very calmly and measuredly. Norwegians start working at about 10 a.m. and finish by 4 a.m. On weekends, only restaurants or supermarkets are open. Respect for private property is observed throughout. During the day, most houses are not locked at all, except for those in big cities– and it’s completely safe. It is customary to visit by invitation.
The main means of transportation in Norway are bicycles. Norwegians prefer this type of transport in any weather.
The average salary in Norway fluctuates around 5,000-6,000 € per month.
In Norway, it is not customary to throw away empty containers; all cans and bottles made in Norway are returned - in stores there are special machines that count bottles and issue a receipt. The check is presented at the cash register, where the specified amount is issued.
All Norwegians speak at least two languages - Norwegian and English.
Almost 100% of the population is connected to high-speed Internet. Due to the climate and long distances, Norwegians spend a lot of time online.
Four out of five Norwegians have their own boat, or at least a boat. Norwegians love the sea. Apparently, the spiritual heritage of the Viking ancestors plays a role.
Almost all of Norway's electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants.
A city with a population of over 25-30 thousand people in Norway is considered large.
There is no deforestation in Norway at all - Norwegians prefer to buy wood from countries that do not care so much about their nature. For example, in Russia
On country roads there are often tables with vegetables and fruits, and next to them there is a price tag and a jar for money. As many as you took, put away as many bills. Nobody is watching. Cheating is simply not accepted here.
Contrary to popular belief, not all of Norway is cold. In the south of the country in winter there may be no snow at all, and the thermometer may not fall below zero.
Multi-storey and residential complexes little, almost none. Mostly people live in private houses. The houses are simple but comfortable. They are usually painted red or white, often with a lawn of wild grass on the roof.
Food in Norway
Products in Norway are of the highest quality. Especially dairy ones. By the way, here are the most expensive hamburgers in Europe.
There is an incredible abundance of fish in Norway, so sea and lake fishing is highly developed in the country. Fishing licenses are not required, which encourages many Europeans to come to Norway in refrigerated trucks, live in the cheapest houses or tents, fish for two weeks without a break, providing themselves with fish for 6 months in advance, and go back.
On country roads, usually near a farm, you can often find a table with vegetables or fruits with prices. On it there will be scales, shopping bags, and a jar for money. This is a form of self-service. Everything is built on trust.
Local cuisine is simple and unpretentious. Norwegians have excelled in fish preparation recipes: dried, salted, smoked, etc. Although it is almost impossible to find a sushi restaurant or cafe that serves sushi. They are only found in Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger. In other cities there is only one such establishment.
You can’t just buy strong alcohol in Norway! It is sold only in special stores - Vinmonopolet (alcohol monopoly), owned by the state. They work strictly Monday-Friday; in the capital there are Saturday shops that are open until 19:00 maximum. Alcohol is very expensive.
Shopping and shops in Norway
Store opening hours vary greatly in different parts of the country. In large populated areas, department stores and big stores Typically open Monday to Friday from 9:00–10:00 to 17:00, Thursday from 9:00–10:00 to 19:00–20:00, and Saturday from 9:00–10:00 until 15:00–16:00. Many supermarkets and large shopping malls open until late 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%.
Tourist
The attitude towards foreigners is reserved but friendly. Norwegians calmly invite people to visit, share food, and help with advice. Interestingly, in recent years Norway has even increased the influx of immigrants from other countries.
Stories about how Norway is very dear country- the true truth. In general, all goods are expensive, services (for example, taxis) will cost even more.
If you come as a tourist, do not forget to ask for Tax-free. It can be issued almost everywhere and for any goods, from a purchase amount equivalent to 50 euros. As a result, you can return up to 30% of the money spent.
Video
Norway, where the warlike Vikings lived, adopted Christianity in 994. In 1397, Norway became part of the tribute for more than 4 centuries.
Since 1905, Norway has been an independent state. During World War II, Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany, although it had previously declared neutrality.
In 1949 Norway joined NATO. In referendums in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.
Geography of Norway
Location:
Northern Europe, washed North Sea and the Arctic Ocean, west of Sweden
Geographical coordinates:
Total area: 323,802 sq. km
4,660,539 (July 2009 estimate)
10.99 births/1,000 (2009 estimate)
From the total population: 79.95 years
Country's place in the world: 23
men: 77.29 years
women: 82.74 years (2009 est.)
Type of government:
a constitutional monarchy
Capital: Oslo
Administrative districts:
Norway is divided into 19 counties (counties), which are combined into 5 main regions (which are not administrative units):
Nord Norge (Northern Norway):
county Nordland - center: Bodø;
Troms county - center: Tromsø;
county Finnmark - center: Vadsø;
Trøndelag (Central Norway):
county Nord-Trøndelag - center: Steinkjer;
county Sør-Trøndelag - center: Trondheim;
Vestland (Western Norway):
county Møre og Romsdal - center: Molde;
county of Sogn og Fjordane - center: Hermansverk (Leikanger);
county Hordaland - center: Bergen;
Rogaland county - center: Stavanger;
Östland (Eastern Norway):
county of Oslo - center: Oslo;
Akershus county - center: Oslo;
county Östfold - center: Moss;
County Buskerud - center: Drammen;
Vestfold county - center: Tønsberg;
county Telemark - center: Skien;
county Hedmark - center: Hamar;
county Oppland - center: Lillehammer;
Sørland (Southern Norway):
county Aust-Agder - center: Arendal;
West-Agder county - center: Kristiansand.
Each county is divided into several communes. Total There are 430 communes in Norway.
Dependent Areas:
Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard
Independence:
National holiday:
Constitution:
Executive branch:
head of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); crown prince Direct heir HEAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20 July 1973)
head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17 October 2005)
cabinet: the council of state appointed by the monarch with the approval of parliament
Legislature:
modified unicameral parliament (169 seats; deputies elected by popular vote by proportional representation, for four-year terms)
elections: last held on September 14, 2009 (next in September 2013)
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (judges appointed by the monarch)
Economy of Norway
Economics - a quick overview:
The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of prosperity, exemplary of a successful model of free markets and government intervention.
Key areas of government control are the oil sector.
The country is secured natural resources— oil, hydroelectric power, fish, forests, and minerals — and is highly dependent on the oil sector, which accounts for almost half of exports and more than 30% of government revenue.
Norway is the world's third largest gas exporter; its position as an oil exporter has declined to seventh place as oil production levels fall.
Norway is not a member of the EU.
Tourists of different social status and marital status are welcomed all year round.
Country information
The state of Norway is a constitutional monarchy and is officially called the Kingdom of Norway. The form of government is unitary.
Norway has its own flag, anthem and coat of arms. The flag is a red rectangle with a blue Scandinavian cross edged in white.
The country's coat of arms looks like a red shield with a crowned lion depicted on it. The animal stands on its hind legs, and in its front legs it holds an ax - silver, but with a gold handle. The shield itself is crowned with a royal crown.
The capital of Norway is, and the seat of government is also located here. The name of the country is translated from Old Norse as “the way to the north.”
The currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone. The Kingdom of Norway is part of the Schengen area and the Scandinavian Passport Union, which greatly facilitates the movement and temporary residence of citizens of the Nordic countries.
The total area of Norway is 385,186 square meters. km. Territorially, the state of Norway is divided into 5 large regions (Northern, Western, Southern, Central and Eastern Norway), and administratively into 19 counties (provinces).
Geography of Norway
On the world map you will find Norway in the northwestern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. This is a long strip of land, heavily indented by rocky fjords. Geographically, Jan Mayen and Bear are in the waters of the Arctic Ocean, the Spitsbergen archipelago (Svalbard) and many small coastal islands.
Also the territory of the state of Norway is Bouvet Island, located in the southern part of the Atlantic. The Kingdom lays claim to part of Antarctica: desert island Peter I and most of the coast, called Queen Maud Land.
Norway shares its eastern and southeastern border with Finland and Russia. From the south, Norway is washed by the waters of the North Sea, in the northeast by the Barents Sea, and in the northwest by the Norwegian Sea. Norway has the largest reserves of natural gas and oil, as well as rich deposits of titanium ores. The country has the largest fishing and merchant fleet in Europe. But agriculture is practically absent. In recent years, tourism has been actively developing in Norway.
The natural landscape of the Kingdom is very diverse. Norway has mountains and valleys, and forests, covering more than a third of the entire territory. The natural beauty of Norway, especially the fjords, will give you wonderful photos and long lasting memories. 
Weather in Norway
Norway has a mild climate because the country's coastline is washed by the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream. It is this that ensures average summer temperatures at +8...+15°С. Winter indicators, as a rule, do not fall below -15°С. The subarctic climate, within which the thermometer drops to -25°C in winter, covers only the very north of the country, lying beyond the Arctic Circle.
Population of Norway
The population in Norway has currently exceeded 5 million people. State religion in Norway - Lutheranism.
It is difficult to say what language is spoken in Norway because official language– Norwegian – exists in two versions: Bokmål and Nynorsk. In some areas Northern Norway In addition to Norwegian, the Sami language has also been given official status.
But experienced tourists should not have a language barrier: most Norwegians are fluent English language and even Danish.
What to see in Norway?
Separately, it is worth noting the variety of amusement parks and trips for families with children. Attractions, family parks and sports grounds, as well as - all this is designed for the youngest tourists.
Extreme seekers are offered:
- diving into the ocean;
- rafting on the mountain rivers of Norway;
- rock climbing on glaciers;
- photo hunt for polar bears within the Arctic Circle;
- musk ox safari in .
Hotels and restaurants in Norway
There are plenty of accommodation options in the Kingdom of Norway: from five-star to budget pensions. It is worth noting that the level of service in any establishment is at its best - this is the service culture in Norway. But prices for daily accommodation do not exceed the average European level. And this despite the fact that the Kingdom of Norway is a very rich state.
During the season of festivals and winter competitions, there are practically no free places left anywhere. Therefore, when going on vacation, book rooms in advance. It is worth noting the unusual accommodation options: all 50 lighthouses in Norway have been converted into mini-hotels. Particularly popular among tourists are Grand Hotel, Anker Hotel, Comfort Hotel Holberg 3*, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel and budget accommodation at Hostelling International Norway.
They also apply to her. Delicious dishes You can try it from fresh fish and seafood, goat and cow milk, meat, potatoes and cereals in any establishment in the country. Many options for snacks, soft drinks and baked goods are prepared traditionally according to old recipes.
In most establishments in the state of Norway, on the menu you will find meat soups with an abundance of greens, whale meat, potato bread, scallops stewed in milk, and a culinary abundance of buns with fruit. In addition to the traditional tea menu and wine list, pay attention to national apple compotes, herbal infusions and aquavit (moonshine made from potatoes with spices in oak barrels, 18+). Experienced travelers note such establishments as Maaemo (two Michelin stars), Gamle Raadhus, Frognerseteren Mansion and Cornelius.
The most popular city for is Oslo. The largest shopping center in the country is Oslo-City near the new railway station. The main street of the capital, Karl Johans Gate, and the Aker Brygge embankment are home to hundreds of shops and shops.
The most popular purchases among tourists are natural products made from wool and animal skins, and knives decorated with rune patterns. Travelers are also happy to buy clothes with ethnic embroideries and designs, wooden spoons, national alcoholic drinks, dried olein and handicraft products.
Classic opening hours for most stores and shopping centers in Norway: opening at 9:00-10:00 and closing at 17:00. Small craft shops and workshops are open until 21:00-22:00, and the 7-eleven supermarket chain is open around the clock every day of the year.
It is worth remembering that throughout the country, more than 2,500 company stores already offer partial VAT refund options. Keep your purchase packaging and receipt until you cross the border. According to Norwegian laws, this issue is dealt with by the customs service.
Net railways in Norway it consists of several branches. According to 2005 estimates, the total length of the railway track was 4087 km. These are main routes connecting Oslo with major cities of the country and with Sweden.
Net highways has a total length of about 100 thousand km, of which 74% is paved. About a third of all directions are roads of national importance. According to statistics, every second resident of the country has his own means of transportation. Traveling by car in Norway is very comfortable.
53, all of them carry out regular domestic flights. Of these, 8 airports have international status. The most popular airports in Norway are (Oslo), () and Flesland (Bergen).
Water transport in Norway consists of river trams and ferries, as well as small private vessels. The latter, in most cases, is the only option to get to the territory of coastal islands or to an area with a winding coast.
IN major cities and small settlements have well-established urban transport.
Visa information
Since the Kingdom is part of the Schengen zone, Russians and citizens of the former USSR need it. To obtain it, you must contact the Norwegian Consulate: Moscow, Povarskaya Street, Building 7. Working telephone number of the visa department: +7 499 951 1050.
Calls are accepted only from 9:00 to 10:00. Visa applications are accepted on weekdays except Thursdays from 10:00 to 12:00. Visa processing time is about 2-3 weeks.
Norway has very strict laws regarding environmental protection: you should not throw garbage on the ground, smoke in public places or cause any harm to nature. Despite the fact that Norwegians are usually polite and calm, such violations threaten you with severe punishment, including being placed on the persona non grata list.
How to get to Norway?
The simplest and most convenient option is to fly from Moscow and St. Petersburg to international airport in the Norwegian capital Oslo. When flying from Murmansk or Arkhangelsk, you arrive at Tromso airport. All European airlines fly to Oslo from capital airports and major cities. You can get to Norway by ferry from Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Scotland, Iceland, and even from St. Petersburg. You can also get to Oslo from Europe by rail.
