Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994; conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, Norway abandoned neutrality and became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway’s economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of ethnic minorities, maintaining the country’s extensive social safety net with an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness.
🇳🇴 Norway Tourism Information…
Agder
Aust-Agder
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Vest-Agder
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
East Norway
Akershus
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Buskerud
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Hedmark
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Oppland
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Oslo
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Oslo – For more detailed information go to our Oslo web page.
Telemark
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Vestfold
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Østfold
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Northern Norway
Finnmark
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Jan Mayen
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Nordland
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Slavbard
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Troms
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Trøndelag
Nord-Trøndelag
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Sør-trøndelag
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Western Norway
Hordaland
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Møre og Romsdal
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Rogaland
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
Sogn og Fjordane
- Cities:
- Others Sights & Attractions:
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Here is a list of some of the most interesting and visited places. Cities or areas listed will always have more than just one thing see and do. With the popular cities or areas we list some of the best known, which should go on everyone’s, must see list when they visit. |
Atlantic Ocean Road Bergen The Hanseatic Wharf Hardanger Fjord Mount Ulriken Flåm Geiranger Fjord Lillehammer Lofoten Islands Lysefjord – Stavanger Oslo Norwegian Museum of Cultural History Norwegian Opera House Vigeland Museum Vigelandsparken Viking Ship Museum Pulpit Rock-Forsand Sognefjord Svalbard Islands Trondheim TromsoTrolltunga – Odda |
🇳🇴 Norway Country Information…
Capital:
Oslo
Largest City:
Oslo
Government:
Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Currency:
Kroner (NOK)
Area:
total: 323,802 km2 water: 19,520 km2 land: 304,282 km2ranked
Climate:
Temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year- round on west coast
Population:
5,265,158 (July 2016 est.) ranked 121st
Language:
Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities
note: Sami is an official language in nine municipalities
Ethnic Groups:
Norwegian 94.4% (includes Sami, about 60,000), other European 3.6%, other 2% (2007 est.)
Religion:
Church of Norway (Evangelical Lutheran – official) 82.1%, other Christian 3.9%, Muslim 2.3%, Roman Catholic 1.8%, other 2.4%, unspecified 7.5% (2011 est.)
Electricity:
230V, 50Hz (European plug C, F )
Telephone Code:
+47
Local Emergency Phone Number:
112, 110
Internet TLD:
.no
Time Zone:
CET (UTC+1) Summer CEST (UTC+2) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Road Driving Side:
Right
Anthem:
Ja, vi esker dette lander ” Yes We Love This Country “
Motto:
Alt for Norge “Everything for Norway”
Monarch:
Harald V
Prime Minister:
Erna Solberg
🇳🇴 Holidays and Observances in Norway in 2021
| Date | Name | Type | Flag Day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Friday | New Year’s Day | National holiday |  |
| Jan 21 | Thursday | Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s day | Flag day | |
| Feb 6 | Saturday | The Saami people’s day | Flag day | |
| Feb 14 | Sunday | Carnival | Observance | |
| Feb 14 | Sunday | Mother’s Day | Observance | |
| Feb 14 | Sunday | Valentine’s Day | Observance | |
| Feb 21 | Sunday | King Harald V’s day | Flag day | |
| Mar 20 | Saturday | March Equinox | Season | |
| Mar 28 | Sunday | Palm Sunday | Observance | |
| Mar 28 | Sunday | Daylight Saving Time starts | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time | |
| Apr 1 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday | National holiday | |
| Apr 2 | Friday | Good Friday | National holiday | |
| Apr 3 | Saturday | Holy Saturday | Observance | |
| Apr 4 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | National holiday | |
| Apr 5 | Monday | Easter Monday | National holiday | |
| May 1 | Saturday | Labor day | National holiday, Flag day | |
| May 8 | Saturday | Day of liberation | Observance, Flag day | |
| May 13 | Thursday | Ascension Day | National holiday | |
| May 17 | Monday | 17 May Constitution Day (1814) | National holiday, Flag day | |
| May 22 | Saturday | Whit Saturday | Observance | |
| May 23 | Sunday | Whit Sunday | National holiday | |
| May 24 | Monday | Whit Monday | National holiday | |
| Jun 7 | Monday | Dissolution of union with Sweden (1905) | Flag day | |
| Jun 21 | Monday | June Solstice | Season | |
| Jun 23 | Wednesday | Midsummer Eve | Observance | |
| Jun 24 | Thursday | St. John’s day | Observance | |
| Jul 4 | Sunday | Queen Sonja’s day | Flag day | |
| Jul 20 | Tuesday | Crown Prince Haakon’s day | Flag day | |
| Jul 29 | Thursday | St. Olaf’s day | Flag day | |
| Aug 19 | Thursday | Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s day | Flag day | |
| Sep 13 | Monday | Election day | Flag day | |
| Sep 22 | Wednesday | September Equinox | Season | |
| Oct 24 | Sunday | United Nations Day | Observance | |
| Oct 31 | Sunday | Halloween | Observance | |
| Oct 31 | Sunday | Repentance Day | Observance | |
| Oct 31 | Sunday | Daylight Saving Time ends | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time | |
| Nov 7 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day | Observance | |
| Nov 14 | Sunday | Father’s Day | Observance | |
| Nov 28 | Sunday | First Advent Sunday | Observance | |
| Dec 5 | Sunday | Second Advent Sunday | Observance | |
| Dec 12 | Sunday | Third Advent Sunday | Observance | |
| Dec 19 | Sunday | Fourth Advent Sunday | Observance | |
| Dec 21 | Tuesday | December Solstice | Season | |
| Dec 24 | Friday | Christmas Eve | Bank Holiday / Observance | |
| Dec 25 | Saturday | Christmas Day | National holiday | |
| Dec 26 | Sunday | Boxing Day | National holiday | |
| Dec 31 | Friday | New Year’s Eve | Observance |
Travel Facts
US State Dept. Travel Advisory:
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.
Passport/Visa Requirements:
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 6 months.
US Embassy/ Consulate:
[44] 20 7499-9000; Embassy of the United States of America, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US (mailing postcode), SW8 5DB (driving/GPS postcode), United Kingdom; SCSLondon@state.gov; https://uk.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code:
44
Local Emergency Phone:
112, 999
Internet TLD:
.uk
Vaccinations:
See WHO recommendations at http://www.who.int
Climate
Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one half of the days are overcast
Currency (Code)
British pounds (GBP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s):
230 V / 50 Hz / plug type(s): G
Major Languages:
English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Irish, Cornish
Religions:
Christian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, none 25.7%
Time Zone
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October; note: applies to the United Kingdom proper, not to its crown dependencies or overseas territories
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
London (includes the Tower of London, British Museum, Parliament, Trafalgar Square); Windsor Castle; Stonehenge; Roman Baths & Georgian City of Bath; York Minster & historic Yorkshire; Chester Zoo; Cotswolds & Lake District; Hadrian’s Wall; Edinburgh; Cardiff
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, rugby, badminton, tennis, netball, field hockey
Cultural Practices
It is considered rude to wave one’s hand or to call when summoning a waiter at a restaurant.
Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to leave 10-15% of the total bill as a tip when eating out, although some restaurants add on a service charge instead. Tip bartenders 1 pound. It is polite to tip 10-15% of the taxi fare, or round up to the nearest pound as a convenience. Tip porters 2 pounds to bring luggage to your room.
Government
Chief of State:
Queen ELIZABETH II
Government:
Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Capital:
London
Largest City:
London
Legislature:
London
Judiciary:
London
Ambassador to US:
Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Michael Tatham
US Ambassador:
Ambassador Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson IV
Geography
Area:
Total: 243,61km world rank 80th, land: 241,930km, water: 1,680km
Natural Resources:
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica sand, slate, arable land
People & Society
Population:
64,430,428 (July 2016 est.) world rank 23rd England 84%, Scotland 8%, Wales 5%, Northern Ireland 3%
Population Growth:
0.51% (2018 est.)
Ethnic Groups:
White 87.2%, black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed 2%, other 3.7% (2011 est.)
Urbanization:
Urban population: 83.7% of total population (2019)
rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Economy
Economic Overview:
Leading trading power and financial center; third-largest economy in Europe after Germany and France; large coal, natural gas, and oil resources; banking, insurance, and business services, drive GDP growth
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)
$2.92 trillion (2017 est.)
GDP per capita
$44,300 (2017 est.)
Exports:
$441.2 billion (2017 est.)
partners: US 13.2%, Germany 10.5%, France 7.4%, Netherlands 6.2%, Ireland 5.6%, China 4.8%, Switzerland 4.5% (2017)
Travel Facts
US State Dept. Travel Advisory:
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.
Passport/Visa Requirements:
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 6 months.
US Embassy/ Consulate:
[44] 20 7499-9000; Embassy of the United States of America, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US (mailing postcode), SW8 5DB (driving/GPS postcode), United Kingdom; SCSLondon@state.gov; https://uk.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code:
44
Local Emergency Phone:
112, 999
Internet TLD:
.uk
Vaccinations:
See WHO recommendations at http://www.who.int
Climate
Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one half of the days are overcast
Currency (Code)
British pounds (GBP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s):
230 V / 50 Hz / plug type(s): G
Major Languages:
English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Irish, Cornish
Religions:
Christian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, none 25.7%
Time Zone
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October; note: applies to the United Kingdom proper, not to its crown dependencies or overseas territories
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
London (includes the Tower of London, British Museum, Parliament, Trafalgar Square); Windsor Castle; Stonehenge; Roman Baths & Georgian City of Bath; York Minster & historic Yorkshire; Chester Zoo; Cotswolds & Lake District; Hadrian’s Wall; Edinburgh; Cardiff
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, rugby, badminton, tennis, netball, field hockey
Cultural Practices
It is considered rude to wave one’s hand or to call when summoning a waiter at a restaurant.
Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to leave 10-15% of the total bill as a tip when eating out, although some restaurants add on a service charge instead. Tip bartenders 1 pound. It is polite to tip 10-15% of the taxi fare, or round up to the nearest pound as a convenience. Tip porters 2 pounds to bring luggage to your room.
Government
Chief of State:
Queen ELIZABETH II
Government:
Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Capital:
London
Largest City:
London
Legislature:
London
Judiciary:
London
Ambassador to US:
Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Michael Tatham
US Ambassador:
Ambassador Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson IV
Geography
Area:
Total: 243,61km world rank 80th, land: 241,930km, water: 1,680km
Natural Resources:
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica sand, slate, arable land
People & Society
Population:
64,430,428 (July 2016 est.) world rank 23rd England 84%, Scotland 8%, Wales 5%, Northern Ireland 3%
Population Growth:
0.51% (2018 est.)
Ethnic Groups:
White 87.2%, black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed 2%, other 3.7% (2011 est.)
Urbanization:
Urban population: 83.7% of total population (2019)
rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Economy
Economic Overview:
Leading trading power and financial center; third-largest economy in Europe after Germany and France; large coal, natural gas, and oil resources; banking, insurance, and business services, drive GDP growth
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)
$2.92 trillion (2017 est.)
GDP per capita
$44,300 (2017 est.)
Exports:
$441.2 billion (2017 est.)
partners: US 13.2%, Germany 10.5%, France 7.4%, Netherlands 6.2%, Ireland 5.6%, China 4.8%, Switzerland 4.5% (2017)
Imports:
$615.9 billion (2017 est.)
partners: Germany 13.7%, US 9.5%, China 9.3%, Netherlands 8%, France 5.4%, Belgium 5% (2017)