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 Norway
gained its independence from Sweden in 1905. As a separate realm, Norway stayed free of
World War I but suffered German occupation in World War II. Discovery of oil and
gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s gave a strong boost to Norway's
economic fortunes. Norway is planning for the time when its oil and gas reserves
are depleted and is focusing on containing spending on its extensive welfare
system. It has decided at this time not to join the European Union and the new
euro currency regime. According
to UN and the development program (UNDP) Norway is the riches and best
country to live in the world, with Australia as number two and Canada as number
three!
Population:
Estimated
around 4,448,000
Country
name:
conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway
conventional short form: Norway
local long form: Kongeriket Norge
local short form: Norge
Data
code:
NO
Government
type:
Constitutional
monarchy and three party government!
Liberty of the Press
Capital:
Oslo
Geographic
coordinates::
62
00 N, 10 00 E
Map references:
Europe
Area:
total: 324,220 sq km
land: 307,860 sq km
water: 16,360 sq km
Area—comparative:
slightly larger than New Mexico
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Land
boundaries:
total: 2,515 km
border countries: Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 km
Climate:
Temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior;
rainy year-round on west coast
Terrain:
Glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys;
small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in
north
National
Sport:
Cross-country, Fotball and Alpine skiing
Birkebeinere,
saving the little king from the enemy
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