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Norway
Fact
Sheet :
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Area : 324,220
sq km
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Population : 4,627,926 (July 2007 est.)
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Capital : Oslo
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Language :
Norwegian (official)
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Currency : Norwegian
krone (NOK)
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Government type : constitutional
monarchy
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Elements of History :
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 was to last for 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. Norway remained neutral in World War
I and proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War
II. Nevertheless, it was not able to avoid a five-year occupation
by Nazi Germany (1940-1945). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned
and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas
in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic
fortunes. The current focus is on containing spending on the
extensive welfare system and planning for the time when petroleum
reserves are depleted. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994,
Norway rejected joining the EU.
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Climate :
temperate
along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior
with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round
on west coast
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