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 an overseas possession in the 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. The highest 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 areas; on the plains, lakes are characterized by a 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 Northern;
- from the northeast by the Barents;
- from the northwest by Norway.
Despite its northern location, there is a swimming season in Norway. 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 settlements. 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 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 with the creation of a reclamation system and the introduction 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 peculiarities of the relief and harsh climate, the flora of the country 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. Brown bears and wolves live in the forests. 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
The main sectors of the Norwegian economy are 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. TO jewelry self made Norwegians treat them with special respect; they pass on jewelry from generation to generation, by inheritance.
The population of the country approaches the preservation of the nature around them with trepidation and responsibility. The streets and outdoor recreation areas are always clean and well-groomed. Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages in in public places forbidden. The Norwegians themselves are hospitable...
(proclaimed)
October 26(recognized)
(from Sweden)
Story
The first people appeared in Norway after the end of the Ice Age. They were engaged in hunting and fishing, and from the 5th - 6th millennium BC. - and agriculture. Archaeological excavations of layers dating back to the first centuries AD have shown the existence of connections between the inhabitants of Norway and representatives of Mediterranean civilizations.
By 700, there were about 30 small kingdoms on the territory of modern Norway, whose rulers bore the title of king. At that time, the kings were more military leaders than monarchs in the modern sense of the word. Detachments of Norwegian Vikings raided the coasts of the North Atlantic and reached Pomerania, called Bjarmaland in Scandinavian geographical treatises. The Vikings captured and settled Iceland , Greenland, subdued Orkney and Hebrides , Maine And Ireland, founding the city Dublin, created states in Northumbria and Normandy, ravaged the shores of England, Scotland, France and even the Mediterranean. The legendary Viking Leif Eiriksson reached the northeast coast of America around 1000, giving this land the name “Vinland” - “Grape Land”. The Viking Age ended around 1066 when king Harald the Harsh was defeated by the British at Stamford Bridge. His followers no longer committed robber raids.
In the 9th century, the process of unification of the country began in Norway. One of the local rulers, King of Vestfold Harald Halfdansson, later nicknamed Fair-Haired, from 866 to 872 subjugated almost all neighboring lands, becoming the sole ruler of Norway. However, even during Harald’s lifetime, a series of internecine wars began in Norway. The first king had 21 sons from numerous wives and mistresses, each of them considered himself the son of a king with the right to rule. In general, the entire history of Norway until the middle of the 13th century was marked by the fact that illegitimate children of kings had the same rights as legitimate ones. This led to the regular appearance of pretenders to the throne, who were often impostors. The applicants often turned to the rulers of neighboring powers, Sweden and Denmark, for help, as a result of which Norway periodically found itself, in whole or in part, under the rule of foreigners. Only with the death of Canute the Great in 1035 did the dynasty of Harald the Fairhair finally establish itself on the throne, but even after that the Danes considered themselves the rightful owners of some of the southern provinces.
Until the end of the 1st millennium AD. Norway was a pagan country, but Olav Tryggvasson, who became king in 995, began to convert the Norwegians to Christianity. One of his followers, Olav Haraldsson, was canonized and became the patron saint of Norway. In 1153, under Inga Gorbat, the Nidaros diocese was established. Jon Birgersson became the first Archbishop of Norway.
Period from 1130 to 1240 is the era of civil wars. After death Sigurd the Crusader began conflicts between his son Magnus and his illegitimate brother Harald. At the same time, Magnus and then his descendants regularly resorted to the help of the kings of Denmark and kept part of the provinces in subjection. After the death in 1161 of the childless Inge the Crooked, the last of the sons of Harald Sigurdsson, Magnus Erlingsson, the son of the influential magnate Erling the Crooked, who did not belong to the royal family of Harald Fairhair, was elected king. However, the power of Magnus Erlingsson was sanctified by the church, and in 1163 a law was passed establishing the order of succession to the throne by right of primogeniture. Thus, Norway was the first of the Scandinavian kingdoms to become a hereditary monarchy. However, in last years During the reign of Magnus, uprisings of the dissatisfied began to break out more and more often. In the 70s of the 12th century, with the support of the Swedish jarl Birger the Smiling, an uprising of the “Birkebeiners” (literally “birch-legged”: the participants in the uprising, for lack of money, made their own shoes from birch bark) broke out in the southeastern provinces under the leadership of a certain Jostein Josteinsson, one of the contenders -impostors. In 1177, the rebels were led by Sverre, a fugitive monk from the Faroe Islands who called himself the son of Sigurd Haraldsson. Sverre managed to extend his power over almost the entire territory of Norway, but he had to fight with numerous contenders from among the illegitimate sons of Magnus Erlingsson. By the end of the 12th century, two opposing parties had formed in Norway: the Birkebeiners (supporters of Sverre) and the Bagli, i.e. "bishops", supporters of the descendants of Magnus Erlingsson, who were supported by the kings of Denmark. The former were supported mainly by peasants and small landowners, the latter by representatives of the old nobility and the church. The war between the Birkebeiners and the Bagleys continued until 1208, when the pretender king Philip Simunsson recognized the power of Haakon IV and took possession of a third of Norway, however, renouncing the title of king. The last flashes of the war subsided in 1227 when Skule Bordsson, who ruled the country under the young Haakon IV, suppressed the uprising of the pretender Sigurd Ribbung.
After Skule Bordsson died in 1240, having rebelled against Haakon IV, a long period of peace and prosperity began in Norway. This time is known as the "Golden Age" of medieval Norway. Intensive stone construction began in the country, cities expanded, trade developed, and laws were unified. In brimstone However, with the death of Haakon V, the last of the sons of Magnus VI, a dynastic crisis occurred in Norway. Haakon V had no sons, and power passed to his grandson Magnus of the Swedish Folkung dynasty. Norway became embroiled in a series of conflicts with Sweden, where Magnus attempted to reclaim the throne. In 1376, after the death of Valdemar Atterdag, Olav Haakonsson became king of Denmark, and then of Norway and Sweden. However, he died young, leaving no heirs. Power passed into the hands of his mother Margrethe of Denmark, an intelligent and energetic woman. She promoted her relative Eric of Pomerania to the throne of the three Scandinavian kingdoms, and in 1397 convened a meeting of nobles of the three kingdoms in Kalmar, at which a union was signed, legitimizing their actual unification under the rule of the Danish monarch. According to the terms of the union, only local nobles could occupy leadership positions in Norway.
In the 14th century, the situation in Norway deteriorated significantly. Epidemics plague and other diseases, climate deterioration, the dominance of the Hanseatic League, which imposed its terms of trade, led to economic decline in the country. Asia, as the most developed of the Scandinavian countries, began to occupy a more influential position. Danish and German nobles were appointed officials to the highest government bodies. Lands and episcopal residences passed into the hands of foreigners. The Norwegian nobility was disappearing. The Norwegians' desire for national self-identification gradually faded. In 1450, the union with Denmark was formalized in the form of a treaty. Supposedly, this treaty was intended to guarantee the powers of the Norwegian Council of State in electing the monarch, but this provision of the treaty was never respected. The treaty was also supposed to ensure the equality of both kingdoms. But this was only in theory, but in practice it was completely different.
In 1521, Sweden finally withdrew from the Kalmar Union, and in 1536 a new union was concluded between Denmark and Norway. During the national assembly in Copenhagen, King Christian III publicly promised the Danish nobles that henceforth Norway would be subject to the Danish crown, as well as all other Danish possessions. The Norwegian Council of State was dissolved and the Norwegian Church lost its autonomy. From this moment on, Danish nobles could freely hold positions as officials, representatives of Danish government in Norway, and also earn income in Norway. Since Norway, unlike Denmark, was a hereditary monarchy, it still retained some semblance of autonomy, but the former Norwegian possessions, Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands came directly under the authority of the Danish crown. Even the capital of Norway has lost its name. Oslo, rebuilt after the fire of 1624, became known as Christiania in honor of Christian IV. The original name was returned to the city only in 1925. Immediately after the unification in 1537, the Reformation was introduced in Norway by royal decree. It was simply implanted by calling on the supreme clergy of the Danish-Norwegian Catholic Church in Norway. And from the beginning of the 17th century, the Lutheran doctrine became the only faith established in Norway.
Close political ties with Denmark inevitably involved Norway in the wars that Denmark waged against Sweden and the Baltic powers. This subsequently led to the Danish king having to cede the territory of Norway to Sweden; first Jämtland and Härjedalen in 1645, then Bohuslän and the fief of Trondheim in 1658. Two years later, this estate was returned to Norway. At a general state meeting held in 1660 in Copenhagen, Frederick III was declared heir to the throne. There he was tasked with drafting a new constitution for the kingdoms. Thus both kingdoms came under the rule of an absolute monarchy. This factor subsequently influenced Norway's position in the union with Denmark. Although Norway was ruled from Copenhagen, often the monarch did not actually rule himself. Real power was in the hands of government officials. Overall, Norway benefited from this situation because some government officials began to take into account the Norwegian point of view on various issues. In particular, in matters concerning Norway, the opinions of high-ranking Norwegian officials were often listened to. The policy formed during the period of absolutism stipulated that Denmark and Norway should be treated as a single economic union. Therefore, Denmark was assigned the exclusive right to sell grain in southeastern Norway (1737), while Denmark introduced a corresponding monopoly on the sale of steel from Norway. After the introduction of trade privileges for cities in 1662, all timber trade began to concentrate in those cities where residents were allowed to purchase timber from peasants and sawmill owners. The goal of all this was to create a rich middle class in the cities, and this goal was achieved. The emergence of a middle class as a result of the economic development of society formed the basis for the emergence of national identity, which acquired particular significance in the 18th century. Although this was partly due to the strong economic influence of this social group, the decisive factor was most likely the growing resistance to the attempts of the rulers to make Copenhagen the economic center of both countries. After all, Norwegian traders could not compete with the famous trading houses of the Danish capital.
At the end of the 18th century, the vast majority of imported goods passed through the port of Copenhagen. Timber traders from the south-eastern parts of Norway presented a general demand for the creation of a national bank of Norway, and also supported the initiative of senior officials to establish a university in Norway. These demands and initiatives were rejected because the government was afraid to make any concession that might strengthen Norway's autonomy and thus jeopardize the integrity of the union. The concept of creating a Norwegian university and national bank gradually became a symbol of the growth of national consciousness. The national identity movement gained momentum during the Napoleonic Wars of 1807-1814. Denmark and Norway were allies of France, and the subsequent blockade isolated Norway both from Denmark and from the foreign market. The work of the merchant fleet and the export of timber were suspended, and famine was raging in the country. Since it was no longer possible to govern Norway from Copenhagen, a government commission consisting of senior officials was appointed to govern the country. King Frederick VI agreed to the demand for a national university, which was eventually founded in 1811.
Among other European powers, Sweden took part in the defeat of Napoleon, having recently lost Finland. The annexation of Norway could serve not only moral compensation, but also a guarantee of the security of western borders. In this endeavor, Sweden was supported by its allies in the anti-Napoleonic coalition. On January 14, 1814, the Kiel Agreement was signed, according to which Denmark transferred Norway to Swedish rule. However, the Norwegians themselves had a different opinion. After the break of the union with Denmark, a national-patriotic movement arose in the country, led by the former Viceroy of Norway, Danish Prince Christian Frederik. Despite pressure from the victorious countries, a congress began in Eidsvoll on April 10, at which Christian Frederick called for the fight for Norwegian independence. On April 16, a constitutional monarchy was proclaimed in Norway, and Christian Frederick became king. On May 17 of the same year, the Constitution was approved. Since then this day has been public holiday Norway. Meanwhile, Sweden continued to demand that the Allies intervene in the Norwegian problem. Finally, in the summer, Charles XIII’s patience ran out, and on July 29 he began active fighting. Norway was not ready for war. As a result of a short two-week campaign, a truce was signed in Moss on August 14, 1814, Christian Frederick renounced the throne and left the country, and on November 4, the Storting unanimously chose Charles of Sweden as king of Norway under the name Charles II.
In the years following 1814, the newly organized state constantly struggled for existence. Norway was hit by the worst economic depression it had ever experienced. The common market with Denmark collapsed and the British market was closed to Norwegian timber. Mines and sawmills lost foreign customers. Many wealthy middle-class people in southeastern Norway went broke. The crisis was severe and long-lasting.
Since 1830, Norway began a period of economic recovery, which contributed to the need for freer trade and customs regulations. Trade rights were expanded and customs duties were established in favor of free trade. On the other hand, Norway also began to become involved in pan-European processes. In 1854, the first railway was laid between Oslo and Eidsvoll, telegraph lines were extended, and new management methods were introduced in agriculture. In the 1840s, with the establishment of the first textile factories and engineering workshops, the foundations for modern Norwegian industry were laid. In the period from 1850 to 1880 The Norwegian merchant fleet increased significantly. Economic development was accompanied by increased class conflict, and calls for democratic reform grew ever louder. Resentment towards the Swedish monarchy soon became evident, in no small part due to the fact that foreign policy was carried out entirely from Stockholm. Back in 1827, the Storting accepted an appeal to the King that the Norwegian Prime Minister be allowed to take part in diplomatic affairs. Other proposals, such as a special Norwegian trade flag, were made with the aim of providing Norway with equal rights in the present union. However, the real struggle against the Swedish monarchy began only with the introduction of parliamentarism - a constitutional principle in which the government had to receive the support of the national assembly in order to remain in power. In 1884, the liberals, who constituted a majority in the Storting, forced the resignation of the conservative prime minister Selmer. This was the first victory of parliamentarism. By the end of the 19th century, the Norwegians began to demand that the Swedish government grant them independence in matters of foreign policy and the organization of their own consulates. In the end, the consular issue was the cause of the main conflict between the two countries. On March 11, 1905, the government of Prime Minister Michelsen was formed with the aim of pursuing the consular issue as a unilateral Norwegian action. On June 7, the government transferred its powers to the Storting. The latter, however, asked the government to carry out its duties on a provisional basis, in accordance with the Constitution and current legislation, "with such modifications as are necessary due to the fact that the King ceased his powers as King of Norway, thereby ending the union between Norway and Sweden under one monarch." The Swedes demanded negotiations on the terms of dissolution of the union, as well as a plebiscite that would find out whether the entire nation really agreed to this step. The plebiscite took place in August 1905. A total of 368,392 Norwegians voted for the abolition of the union, and only 184 voted against it. Further negotiations with Sweden were held in Karlstad in August and September. They successfully ended with the signing of an agreement on the peaceful dissolution of the union. Norway became a fully sovereign state.
The next referendum showed that the majority of Norwegians are in favor of maintaining the monarchy. On November 18, 1905, the Storting elected the Danish Prince Charles as King of Norway. He took the name Haakon VII and took an oath to uphold the Norwegian Constitution before the Storting. During World War I, Norway remained a neutral country, but the Norwegian merchant fleet suffered heavy losses as a result of submarine warfare and sea mines. About 2,000 sailors died. However, the war brought significant financial gains, which allowed the Norwegians to buy out major foreign-owned companies. 1920, according to the peace treaty, Norway acquired sovereignty over Spitsbergen. Following the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s, Norway experienced an economic recovery. In World War II, Norway also planned to remain neutral. However, on April 9, 1940, Germany invaded the country. King Haakon VII and the government fled to the north of Norway and then went to Great Britain. In occupied Norway, civil resistance grew every year. A secret front was created, which posed a great threat to the Germans. On May 8, 1945, Norwegian troops of the Resistance Movement began to retake positions from the Germans. Gradually they linked up with the Allied forces and Norwegian units from Great Britain and Sweden. The transition from occupation to Allied control was smooth. The underground government returned from Britain, and on June 7, King Haakon arrived in the port of Oslo aboard a British warship.
After the war, decisive measures were taken to restore the Norwegian economy. The country took part in cooperation under the Marshall Plan, receiving 2.5 thousand Norwegian kroner from 1948 to 1951. as part of the assistance program. After an unsuccessful attempt to create the Scandinavian Defense Alliance in 1949, Norway joined NATO. The post-war years were marked by steady progress in the Norwegian economy. In the 1960s, Norway entered the oil age. Exploration wells in the North Sea revealed rich oil reserves and gave rise to large-scale oil and gas production. Later, deposits were also discovered in the Norwegian and Barents Seas. The main production is now taking place in the Norwegian Sea, on the shelf of central Norway. In order to distribute the growing national income, active social politics. This led to universal equalization of income regardless of location, gender, age or profession and helped create a financially and socially cohesive society.
Kings of Norway and Sweden
Folkungs:
- Magnus VII 1319-1343
- Haakon VI 1343-1364
Kings of Norway
- Haakon VI 1364-1380
Kings of Denmark, Norway and Sweden (from 1397 - Kalmar Union)
- Olaf IV 1380-1387
- Dynasty of Sven Estridsson
- Margaret I 1387-1389
- Eirik III of Pomerania 1389-1442
- Christopher of Bavaria 1442-1448
- interregnum 1448-1449
Kings of Norway and Sweden
- Charles I 1449-1450
Kings of Denmark, Norway and Sweden
- Oldenburgs:
- Christian I 1450-1481
- Hans 1481-1513
- Christian II 1513-1521
Kings of Denmark and Norway (from 1536 - union)
- Christian II 1521-1523
- Frederick I 1523-1533
- Christian III 1534-1559
- Frederic II 1559-1588
- Christian IV 1588-1648
- Frederick III 1648-1670
- Christian V 1670-1699
- Frederick IV 1699-1730
- Christian VI 1730-1746
- Frederick V 1746-1766
- Christian VII 1766-1808
- Frederick VI 1808-1814
Bernadottes:
- Charles III Johan 1818-1844
- Oscar I 1844-1859
- Charles IV 1859-1872
- Oscar II 1872-1905
Kings of Norway
- Glucksburgs:
Details about the country, climate, transport, currency, holidays, etc.
Norway is an ancient, harsh Scandinavian state. Norway is a country replete with mountainous landscapes, glaciers and deep fjords. That is why Norway is often called the “kingdom of the fjords”. Norway is also called the “land of the midnight sun”, since a third of its territory is located above the Arctic Circle, and the sun does not set there all summer. In winter, on the contrary, it is night almost around the clock. The very name of the country, translated from Old Norse, means “way to the north.” Norway received this name due to its location along an important trade route.
The territory of Norway lies on the western coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In terms of its territory (about 385 sq. km.), Norway cannot be called a large country. However, among the Scandinavian countries it takes an honorable second place, second only to Sweden. Norway borders Finland, Sweden and Russia. Interesting fact: The length of the coastline is 2650 km, but if you take into account all the fjords and the huge number of islets, the length of the coastline will be 25,148 km. On three sides, Norway is surrounded by water. In the west, it is washed by the Norwegian Sea. In the southwest of the country in the North. In the northeast, Norway is washed by the Barents Sea.
Story
It is reliably known that the ancestors of modern Norwegians came to these lands from the south, pushing aside the local Finnish tribes. Soon after the resettlement, the Norwegian people split into several groups, initially failing to form a cohesive state.
Due to climatic and geographical features, namely, low soil fertility, the culture of the Norwegians followed a harsh military path. This was reflected in the raids on neighboring peoples by the famous Norwegian Vikings. The leaders of the Viking squads were kings, rulers of individual districts, who carried out predatory campaigns against other districts and annexed them to their possessions. But the Vikings were not only robbers. They were famous throughout the world as unsurpassed navigators, traders and discoverers. It was the Norwegian Vikings who settled Greenland, Iceland and founded the Duchy of Normandy in France. And the Norwegian Life Ericsson was the first European to set foot on the shores of America.
In the 10th century, King Harald Fairhair captured most of the territories of Norway and declared himself the first king. At the same time, the active spread of Christianity began in the kingdom.
In the 14th century, Norway entered into a union with the stronger Sweden. At the same time, two thirds of the population of Norway died during the spread of the plague. And in 1397 she concluded a new, Kalmar Union, which survived until the 19th century. The weakened state lost some of its lands. However, the patriotic sense of freedom never failed the Norwegians.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Norway finds itself drawn into the Anglo-Danish War. After which a devastating famine begins in the country. All this has overflowed the patience of the Norwegians. And on May 17, 1814, Norway draws up its own constitution. This day in Norway is still considered national independence day.
During the First World War, Norway maintained its status of neutrality. And during World War II, its territory was occupied by German troops. In 1949, Norway joins NATO. And starting in 1969, when large oil deposits were discovered in Norway, the country began a rapid economic recovery.
State structure
Today, the form of government of the Kingdom of Norway is a democratic constitutional monarchy. The monarchy of Norway is hereditary. Officially, the king is present at all political events and ceremonies. And also, the king is the connecting link of the country’s political system.
The official language of the kingdom is Norwegian, which, however, is divided into two varieties: bookish (derived from Danish-Norwegian) and new Norwegian (created in the 19th century by Osen). A program is currently underway to merge these two languages into one.
The monetary unit of Norway is the Norwegian krone. The krona exchange rate varies depending on world oil prices. To exchange the money you have for local currency, it is best to use the services of local banks or exchange offices.
Norway is dominated by the Lutheran Evangelical Church, which has the status of the official state religion. By law, the king is obliged to profess the state religion. The Church of Norway takes an active part in the social and political life of the kingdom. Despite absolute freedom of religion and tolerance of other religions, 86% of the country's population is Lutheran.
Climate and tourism
Many people think that Norway's northern location greatly influences its climate. Which means it's terribly cold there. But that's not true. The climate in the kingdom is moderately cool in winter. In January, the average temperature hovers around 0 degrees Celsius. In summer the climate is mild and not stuffy. The average temperature in July is 15 - 17 degrees Celsius. Therefore, summer is the most popular time to visit Norway. The average annual precipitation in the kingdom varies from 250 to 3330 mm. Such favorable climate explained by the action of the warm Gulf Stream current.
Customs and visa regime
In order to enter Norway, you will have to obtain a visa. To do this, contact the Norwegian Embassy, whose offices are located in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Murmansk. Since Norway, like other Scandinavian countries, has signed the Schengen Agreement, it will have a corresponding type of visa. How does a Schengen visa differ from a traditional one? Yes, because it allows you to freely cross the borders of countries that have entered into the Schengen Agreement. One caveat: you need to get such a visa at the embassy of the country through which you are going to enter abroad.
To obtain a visa to Norway, you must provide the following documents to the country's embassy: personal and foreign passports (the latter must be valid for at least three months); two photos; extract from the place of work; a certificate from the bank confirming the availability of an account with the required amount of funds; a certificate of your place of residence in Norway (if you were officially invited - the address of this inviting person, if not - a hotel reservation) and medical insurance (you must check with our managers about the set of documents).
When crossing the state border, you must remember that customs duties are paid for some types of things. At the checkpoint to Norway, you will see two corridors, “red” and “green”. If your luggage contains items for which you need to pay duty, then you are in the “red” corridor. If not, go green. If you are unsure whether your items require duty payment, check with a customs officer. Otherwise, your mistake will be regarded as an attempt to evade paying the duty.
The duty is not imposed on personal items with a value not exceeding CZK 6,000. Medicines, if you have provided a certificate for them from your attending physician. And also, a limited amount of tobacco products and alcohol. It is strictly prohibited to import drugs, weapons, explosives, products weighing more than 10 kg, rare and endangered animals into the country without special permission. And also, when importing funds into the kingdom in excess of 25,000 Norwegian kroner, the amount is declared.
What's the best way to get there?
The fastest, but by no means the cheapest way to get to Norway is by plane. You can get there from Russia by direct flight or with a transfer, departing from one of the airports in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Murmansk or Arkhangelsk. You can also reach Norway by plane through other European countries. You can also get to Norway from some European countries by crossing the water by ferry. Ferry passenger transport links Norway with Denmark, Germany, the UK and Iceland. Or by railway from other Scandinavian countries. The most popular and, moreover, the only direct way to get from Russia to Norway is through highways. The route starts in Murmansk, passes through Kirkenes, and ends in Oslo.
Attractions
The most important attraction of Norway is its nature. This country is simply crammed with picturesque corners. Just look at the fjords surrounding Norway. Sung in the Scandinavian sagas, they are a kind of business card countries. The fjords are especially beautiful, framed by seething ribbons of waterfalls, with fishing villages located above them. The most popular fjords in Norway are Yairangerfjord, Sognefjord, Glomfjord and many others. The best way to enjoy the beauty of the fjords is during sea cruises.
Another constant part of Norway's flavor is the mountains. They are not particularly high, but they are covered with pine and spruce forests, clean, deep lakes and mountain river valleys. The Norwegians themselves love their mountains very much, and for most of them they have a lot of legends and traditions prepared. If you believe these legends, there is simply no mountain in Norway that was not once a troll petrified in the sun. And one of the most famous attractions in the country is even called the “Troll Staircase”.
The Vøringsfossen waterfall is rightfully considered the most visited natural attraction in Norway. Part of the Björeya River, this 182 meter high waterfall has a height difference of 145 meters. You can enjoy the splendor of this natural phenomenon by walking the famous tourist route Hardanger.
Nothing captures the beauty and ruggedness of the Norwegian wilderness quite like the National Parks. Norway's national parks are one large reserve for rare and endangered species of animals. They are also a favorite active holiday destination for tourists coming to Norway. Most of the country's National Parks have developed routes through which tourists can see the pristine beauty of Scandinavian nature and meet rare animals, predators, birds and reindeer.
Norway is a country that is somewhat magical. AND the best for that The proof is the northern lights. You can see it during the polar night. The most likely months when you can see this miracle of nature are October, February, March. The Northern Lights can be seen in many parts of Norway, but the most likely place is the North Cape.
For extreme tourists, Norway has its own entertainment. For example, they can climb one of the many glaciers in Norway. It is clear that this is associated with a certain degree of risk, since glaciers are in constant movement. The movement of glaciers has been going on for several thousand years, and it is this movement that is the reason for the constantly changing landscape of Norway. And, precisely, the famous fjords of Norway owe their origin to them. Continuously changing and moving, Norwegian glaciers constantly change their size and color.
It is clear that going to conquer the Norwegian glaciers alone, without a professional guide, is simply madness! One careless step, and you will disappear forever in a crevice invisible to the eye... Moreover, the breaking off of large blocks of ice and avalanches do not stop throughout the life of the glacier. And if this type of vacation is for you, then we recommend that you visit the Austfonna glacier - the largest glacier in Europe.
Another beautiful and at the same time terrifying phenomenon of Norwegian nature is the Maelstrom whirlpool. Formed by rising tidal waters, the whirlpool has terrified fishermen and sailors in Scandinavia since ancient times. And there was something to be afraid of! It is not for nothing that even modern ships are not recommended to sail in these waters during high tide. Even standing on the safe shore of Före Island, the whirlpool makes an eerie impression, emitting a low and loud roar. In addition, this Bay area is subject to frequent storms. And then the roar of the whirlpool becomes truly deafening.
