Norway

Northern Europe

Norway is a country in Northern Europe, home to 5.6 million people, with an area of 385,207 km². Its capital is Oslo.

Capital: Oslo
Population: 5.6 million
Area: 385,207 km²
Region: Northern Europe
Density: 14.4 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Norway · Northern Europe · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Norway is known for

Norway is best known for Fjords, Northern Lights and Oslo.

Norway is a country located in Northern Europe, bordering Sweden, Finland, and Russia. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with majestic mountains, glaciers, and fjords. The country has a high standard of living and is often ranked as one of the happiest and most prosperous nations in the world.

Norway at a glance

Language: Norwegian is the official language, but many Norwegians also speak English fluently
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
Religion: The majority of Norwegians are members of the Church of Norway, but many people are not religious or practice other religions
National dish: Fårikål (mutton stew with cabbage and potatoes) is considered the national dish
Climate: Norway has a temperate climate, with mild summers and cold winters. The coastal areas are influenced by the Gulf Stream, which makes them milder and wetter than the inland areas
Main industries: Petroleum and gas production, fishing, aquaculture, forestry, mining, and manufacturing, including shipbuilding, paper, and food processing
GDP: $405.5 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Norway is considered a developed country with a high human development index (HDI) ranking of 1 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Norway

Some of the main tourist attractions in Norway include:

Fjords Norway is famous for its fjords, which are long, narrow inlets of the sea surrounded by steep cliffs. The most popular fjords to visit include Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Hardangerfjord.
Northern Lights The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions. Norway is one of the best places in the world to see this stunning phenomenon.
Oslo The capital city of Norway is known for its museums, parks, and architecture. Some of the top attractions include the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Munch Museum, and the Oslo Opera House.
Bergen This picturesque city on the west coast of Norway is surrounded by mountains and fjords. It is known for its colorful wooden houses, fish market, and historic Bryggen Wharf.
Hurtigruten The Hurtigruten is a cruise ship that travels along the Norwegian coast, stopping at various ports along the way. It is a great way to see Norway's stunning scenery and experience its unique culture.
Lofoten Islands These islands are located off the northwest coast of Norway and are known for their rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and beautiful beaches.
Tromsø This city in northern Norway is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" and is a great place to see the Northern Lights. It is also home to the Arctic Cathedral and the Polaria aquarium.
Stavanger This city on the southwest coast of Norway is known for its historic old town, museums, and nearby Preikestolen, or "Pulpit Rock," which is a popular hiking destination.
Trondheim This city in central Norway is known for its medieval architecture, including the Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace.
Jotunheimen National Park This national park is located in central Norway and is known for its stunning mountain scenery and hiking trails.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Norway has to offer. The country is also known for its outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and fishing, as well as its rich cultural heritage and traditions.