Norway: State and Political Structure. Full description of Norway Norway is a kingdom

Kingdom of Norway

Kingdom Norway occupies the western and northern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Spitsbergen archipelago in the Arctic Ocean and the island of Jan Mayen in the North Atlantic Ocean. Norway is washed by the North and Norwegian Seas. In the northeast it borders with Finland and Russia, in the east - with Sweden.

The name of the country comes from the Old Norse Norreweg - “northern road”.

Capital

Square

Population

4503 thousand people

Administrative division

Norway is divided into 18 counties (counties), which are governed by governors. Traditional division: Northern Norway, including three historical and geographical regions (Nordland, Troms, Finmark), and Southern Norway, uniting four regions: Trennelag, Vestland (West), Östland (East) and Sørland (South).

Form of government

A constitutional monarchy.

Head of State

Supreme legislative body

The Storting (parliament), consisting of 2 chambers: the Lagting and the Odelsting, elected for a term of 4 years.

Supreme executive body

State Council.

Big cities

Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Narvik.

Official language

Norwegian.

Religion

87.8% are Lutherans.

Ethnic composition

95% Norwegians.

Currency

Norwegian krone = 100 øre.

Climate

In coastal areas, due to the influence of the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Current, a temperate maritime climate (on far north- subarctic). In inland areas, especially in mountainous areas, the climate is continental - hotter in summer and colder in winter. In the northern part of the country, beyond the Arctic Circle, at the height of summer there is a polar day, and in winter the polar night reigns. The temperature in January ranges from + 2°C in the southwest to - 12°C in the north, in July - from + 15°C to + 6°C, respectively, although sometimes the air warms up to + 25°C even in the north. Precipitation ranges from 300 mm per year in the east of the country to 3000 mm on the western slopes of the mountains.

Flora

Forests occupy more than a quarter of the country's territory: mainly taiga and mountain. These are coniferous species (spruce, pine). Birch grows above 1100 m in the south and below 300 m in the north. In the far south there are forests of broad-leaved species (beech, oak). In the north and the tops of the mountains, tundra and forest-tundra predominate.

Fauna

The following representatives of the animal world are found in the forests of Norway: lynx, red deer, marten, weasel, badger, beaver, ermine, squirrel. The tundra is home to white and blue foxes, lemmings (Norwegian mice), and reindeer. The hare and fox are found everywhere in large commercial quantities, while the wolf and bear are practically exterminated. Norway has a large number of birds: wood grouse, black grouse, gulls, eiders, wild ducks, geese. Huge bird colonies nest on the coastal cliffs. In sea waters there is a large amount of fish, of which traditionally commercial ones: herring, cod, mackerel. Rivers and lakes are inhabited by trout, salmon, and salmon.

Rivers and lakes

The largest river in Norway is Glomma, 12 km from the mouth of which there is a 22 m high waterfall. There are more than 200 lakes, which occupy about 4.5% of the country's territory.

Attractions

Wooden churches in Urnes and Hedal (wooden architecture is generally characteristic of Norway), the cathedral in Trondheim, the cathedral in Stavanger, the “royal hall” in Bergen, the Atrehus fortress, the Royal Palace and the Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo, Viking ships (one of they are 1100 years old), the world's oldest ski jump with a Ski Museum.

Useful information for tourists

Nightclubs, discos and other entertainment venues have a clear gradation regarding the age of visitors, the range of alcoholic drinks offered and opening hours. Therefore, a passport may be required to enter many of them/Admission to most museums is free.
Smoking is prohibited in all types public transport and on board aircraft, as well as in most public buildings, offices, etc. In hotels, bars and restaurants, smoking is prohibited in all common areas, and a third of the tables are mandatory for non-smokers. Hotels also follow the same policy - up to 50% of hotel rooms are non-smoking only, and this should be taken into account when choosing a hotel. Cigarettes are sold only to persons over 18 years of age.
All parking in Norway is paid. You cannot park outside the parking lots - only cars of residents living in the surrounding houses can be parked there.

The Kingdom of Norway is a country in Northern Europe, the hallmark of which is nature with its narrow sea bays and rocky shores, mountains and forests. In addition, Norway is the country with the most high level human development.

History and origins of Norway

The ancestors of the Norwegians are considered to be nomadic Finnish tribes who came to the territory of modern Norway about 10 thousand years ago. But only at the beginning of the 9th century AD. The Viking Harald Fairhair was able to unite the tribes into one state and from then on the Viking Age began.

The Vikings sailed to other countries, some to trade, others to plunder and conquer. But already at the beginning of the 15th century, their power weakened and Norway entered into an alliance with Denmark and Sweden, in which it is towed by Sweden. It was not until 1905 that Norway broke the union and became an independent state. The name of the country is explained quite simply. In Old Norse "Norðrvegr" means "way to the north".

Geographical location

The Kingdom of Norway is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula and stretches along its western coast. The area of ​​the state is 385,186 km², including the islands in its territorial waters. Norway borders Sweden, Finland in the east and Russia in the southeast. The coast of Norway is washed by the waters of the Norwegian and Berents seas.

The largest cities are Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen. But the most beautiful, as determined by the Norwegians themselves, is considered to be Ålesund. The fact is that about 100 years ago there was a large-scale fire here, after which architects from all over the country came here and rebuilt the city almost anew. Here you can walk for hours, just looking at the unusual houses with towers and spiers, bas-reliefs, flowers on the facades. In addition, the city has quite a few attractions, for example, the observation deck on Mount Aksla or the History Museum.

Climate

The climate differs in different parts of Norway. Under the influence of the North Atlantic Current, a temperate maritime climate prevails in the west of the country. In winter, the air temperature does not drop below -3°C, and in summer it fluctuates between +16°C and +18°C. In the central regions of the country, the climate is temperate continental with air temperatures in winter up to -20°C, and in summer no higher than +17°C. Northern Norway has a subarctic climate. In winter, the air temperature can drop below - 22°C, in summer it can range from +6°C to +15°C.

The best time to travel to Norway of course depends on the purpose. But regardless of it, the most favorable time of the year is considered to be summer, when all types of recreation are available here.

Population

90% of the population are Norwegians and indigenous people. Officially, the Sami people, who have lived in the country the longest, are recognized as the indigenous population of Norway. They lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle, hunting and fishing. The remaining 10% includes representatives from Poland, Sweden, Germany and Denmark, as well as people from Iraq.

Norwegians are very reserved, kind and hospitable. Culture and education come first for Norwegians, and Norway is also the first country in the world to introduce compulsory primary education. By the way, Norway spends many times more money on education than on defense.

State and political structure of the country

Norway's form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The main law is the Constitution, adopted back in 1814, including additions and amendments. Legislature in the country it is represented by a unicameral parliament, and the executive is represented by the Government. The head of Norway and the executive branch is the king. In 1991, Harald V was elected King of Norway.

Currency

The national currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone. It consists of 100 ore. There are coins in denominations of 10 and 50 ore, as well as 1, 5, 10 and 20 crowns, and banknotes in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 crowns.

There is a limit on the export of national currency from the country - 5 thousand crowns.

Traditions and religion

The state religion of the kingdom is Lutheranism and almost 90% of the population belongs to the state Church of the country. The remaining 10% includes adherents of Catholicism and Islam, as well as people who do not identify themselves with any religion.

We can talk about the culture of Norway for a long time. It was here that Edvard Munch, the artist of the famous painting “The Scream,” lived and worked. Norway gave the world three Nobel laureates in literature, and it is also the birthplace of such a musical movement as black metal.

Despite their restraint and even some severity, Norwegians love holidays. The main holiday here is Independence Day, during which street celebrations and theatrical processions are held, parades are held and competitions are organized. Christmas, Easter, Trinity, Labor Day, and the Summer Solstice are also celebrated here.

National cuisine of Norway

An integral component of Norwegian cuisine, of course, is fish and seafood. Specialty Norwegian fish dishes are:

• “lutefisk” - smoked boiled cod with potatoes, pea puree and goat cheese;
• “fiskeboller” - fish balls with sauce;
• "rakfisk" - fermented trout.

Norwegians also love meat. In the forests of the country, various game is caught, which is baked and served with sauces made from berries, in particular juniper. A traditional Christmas dish is “ribbe” - fried pork belly. Also in Norwegian restaurants you can find many dishes made from whale meat.

Krumkake, a wafer cookie, can be considered a signature Norwegian dessert. The dough for it is kneaded from flour, butter, eggs, sugar and cream, and baked in a shaped frying pan. After this, they are rolled into a cone and filled with various fillings, such as whipped cream.

Tourists of different social status and marital status are welcomed all year round.

Country information

The state of Norway is a constitutional monarchy and is officially called the Kingdom of Norway. The form of government is unitary.

Norway has its own flag, anthem and coat of arms. The flag is a red rectangle with a blue Scandinavian cross edged in white.

The country's coat of arms looks like a red shield with a crowned lion depicted on it. The animal stands on its hind legs, and in its front legs it holds an ax - silver, but with a gold handle. The shield itself is crowned with a royal crown.

The capital of Norway is, and the seat of government is also located here. The name of the country is translated from Old Norse as “the way to the north.”

The currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone. The Kingdom of Norway is part of the Schengen area and the Scandinavian Passport Union, which greatly facilitates the movement and temporary residence of citizens of the states Northern Europe.

The total area of ​​Norway is 385,186 square meters. km. Territorially, the state of Norway is divided into 5 large regions (Northern, Western, Southern, Central and Eastern Norway), and administratively into 19 counties (provinces).

Geography of Norway

On the world map you will find Norway in the northwestern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. This is a long strip of land, heavily indented by rocky fjords. Geographically, Jan Mayen and Bear are in the waters of the Arctic Ocean, the Spitsbergen archipelago (Svalbard) and many small coastal islands.

Also the territory of the state of Norway is Bouvet Island, located in the southern part of the Atlantic. The kingdom claims part of Antarctica: the uninhabited island of Peter I and most of the coastline, called Queen Maud Land.

Norway shares its eastern and southeastern border with Finland and Russia. From the south, Norway is washed by the waters of the North Sea, in the northeast by the Barents Sea, and in the northwest by the Norwegian Sea. Norway has the largest reserves of natural gas and oil, as well as rich deposits of titanium ores. The country has the largest fishing and merchant fleet in Europe. But agriculture is practically absent. IN last years Tourism is actively developing in Norway.

The natural landscape of the Kingdom is very diverse. Norway has mountains and valleys, and forests, covering more than a third of the entire territory. The natural beauty of Norway, especially the fjords, will give you wonderful photos and long lasting memories.

Weather in Norway

Norway has a mild climate because the country's coastline is washed by the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream. It is this that ensures average summer temperatures at +8...+15°С. Winter indicators, as a rule, do not fall below -15°С. The subarctic climate, within which the thermometer drops to -25°C in winter, covers only the very north of the country, lying beyond the Arctic Circle.

Population of Norway

The population in Norway has currently exceeded 5 million people. The state religion in Norway is Lutheranism.

It is difficult to say what language is spoken in Norway, since the official language - Norwegian - exists in two versions: Bokmål and Nynorsk. In some areas of Northern Norway, in addition to Norwegian, the Sami language has also been given official status.

But experienced tourists should not have a language barrier: most Norwegians are fluent English language and even Danish.

What to see in Norway?

Separately, it is worth noting the variety of amusement parks and trips for families with children. Attractions, family parks and sports grounds, as well as - all this is designed for the youngest tourists.

Extreme seekers are offered:

• diving into the ocean;
• rafting on the mountain rivers of Norway;
• rock climbing on glaciers;
• photo hunt for polar bears within the Arctic Circle;
• musk ox safari in .

Hotels and restaurants in Norway

There are plenty of accommodation options in the Kingdom of Norway: from five-star to budget pensions. It is worth noting that the level of service in any establishment is at its best - this is the service culture in Norway. But prices for daily accommodation do not exceed the average European level. And this despite the fact that the Kingdom of Norway is a very rich state.

During the season of festivals and winter competitions, there are practically no free places left anywhere. Therefore, when going on vacation, book rooms in advance. It is worth noting unusual options accommodation: all 50 lighthouses in Norway have been converted into mini-hotels. Particularly popular among tourists are the Grand Hotel, Anker Hotel, Comfort Hotel Holberg 3*, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel and budget accommodation at Hostelling International Norway.

They also apply to her. Delicious dishes You can try it from fresh fish and seafood, goat and cow milk, meat, potatoes and grains in any establishment in the country. Many options for snacks, soft drinks and baked goods are prepared traditionally according to old recipes.

In most establishments in the state of Norway, on the menu you will find meat soups with an abundance of greens, whale meat, potato bread, scallops stewed in milk, and a culinary abundance of buns with fruit. In addition to the traditional tea menu and wine list, pay attention to national apple compotes, herbal infusions and aquavit (moonshine made from potatoes with spices in oak barrels, 18+). Experienced travelers note such establishments as Maaemo (two Michelin stars), Gamle Raadhus, Frognerseteren Mansion and Cornelius.

The most popular city for is Oslo. The largest shopping center in the country is Oslo-City near the new railway station. The main street of the capital, Karl Johans Gate, and the Aker Brygge embankment are home to hundreds of shops and shops.

The most popular purchases among tourists are natural products made from wool and animal skins, and knives decorated with rune patterns. Travelers are also happy to buy clothes with ethnic embroideries and designs, wooden spoons, national alcoholic drinks, dried olein and handicraft products.

The classic opening hours for most shops and shopping centers in Norway are: opening at 9:00-10:00 and closing at 17:00. Small craft shops and workshops are open until 21:00-22:00, and the 7-eleven supermarket chain is open around the clock every day of the year.

It is worth remembering that throughout the country, more than 2,500 company stores already offer partial VAT refund options. Keep your purchase packaging and receipt until you cross the border. According to Norwegian laws, this issue is dealt with by the customs service.

Net railways in Norway it consists of several branches. According to 2005 estimates, the total length of the railway track was 4087 km. These are main routes connecting Oslo with major cities of the country and with Sweden.

Net highways has a total length of about 100 thousand km, of which 74% is paved. About a third of all directions are roads of national importance. According to statistics, every second resident of the country has his own means of transportation. Traveling by car in Norway is very comfortable.

53, all of which operate regular domestic flights. Of these, 8 airports have international status. The most popular airports in Norway are (Oslo), () and Flesland (Bergen).

Water transport in Norway consists of river trams and ferries, as well as small private vessels. The latter, in most cases, is the only option to get to the territory of coastal islands or to an area with a winding coast.

IN major cities and small settlements have well-established urban transport.

Visa information

Since the Kingdom is part of the Schengen zone, for Russians and citizens former USSR needed. To obtain it, you must contact the Norwegian Consulate: Moscow, Povarskaya Street, Building 7. Working telephone number of the visa department: +7 499 951 1050.

Calls are accepted only from 9:00 to 10:00. Visa applications are accepted on weekdays except Thursdays from 10:00 to 12:00. Visa processing time is about 2-3 weeks.

Norway has very strict laws regarding environmental protection: you should not throw garbage on the ground, smoke in public places or cause any harm to nature. Despite the fact that Norwegians are usually polite and calm, such violations threaten you with severe punishment, including being placed on the persona non grata list.

How to get to Norway?

The simplest and most convenient option is to fly from Moscow and St. Petersburg to the international airport in the Norwegian capital Oslo. When flying from Murmansk or Arkhangelsk, you arrive at Tromso airport. All European airlines fly to Oslo from capital airports and major cities. You can get to Norway by ferry from Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Scotland, Iceland, and even from St. Petersburg. You can also get to Oslo from Europe by rail.

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 regions; 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 the 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 is carried out with the creation of a reclamation system and the application 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 terrain and harsh climate, vegetable world countries 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

Norway's main economic sectors are the 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. Enterprises chemical industry 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 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 alcohol in public places is prohibited. The Norwegians themselves are hospitable...

Norway, where the warlike Vikings lived, adopted Christianity in 994. In 1397, Norway became part of the tribute for more than 4 centuries.

Since 1905, Norway has been an independent state. During World War II, Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany, although it had previously declared neutrality.

In 1949 Norway joined NATO. In referendums in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.

Geography of Norway

Location:

Northern Europe, bordered by the North Sea and the Arctic Ocean, west of Sweden

Geographical coordinates:

Total area: 323,802 sq. km

4,660,539 (July 2009 estimate)

10.99 births/1,000 (2009 estimate)

From the total population: 79.95 years

Country's place in the world: 23
men: 77.29 years
women: 82.74 years (2009 est.)

Type of government:

a constitutional monarchy

Capital: Oslo

Administrative districts:

Norway is divided into 19 counties (counties), which are combined into 5 main regions (which are not administrative units):

Nord Norge (Northern Norway):
county Nordland - center: Bodø;
Troms county - center: Tromsø;
county Finnmark - center: Vadsø;
Trøndelag (Central Norway):
county Nord-Trøndelag - center: Steinkjer;
county Sør-Trøndelag - center: Trondheim;
Vestland (Western Norway):
county Møre og Romsdal - center: Molde;
county of Sogn og Fjordane - center: Hermansverk (Leikanger);
county Hordaland - center: Bergen;
Rogaland county - center: Stavanger;
Östland (Eastern Norway):
county of Oslo - center: Oslo;
Akershus county - center: Oslo;
county Östfold - center: Moss;
county Buskerud - center: Drammen;
county Vestfold - center: Tønsberg;
county Telemark - center: Skien;
county Hedmark - center: Hamar;
county Oppland - center: Lillehammer;
Sørland (Southern Norway):
county Aust-Agder - center: Arendal;
West-Agder county - center: Kristiansand.

Each county is divided into several communes. The total number of communes in Norway is 430.

Dependent Areas:

Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

Independence:

National holiday:

Constitution:

Executive branch:

head of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Crown Prince Heir Lineal HEAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20 July 1973)
head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17 October 2005)
cabinet: the council of state appointed by the monarch with the approval of parliament

Legislature:

modified unicameral parliament (169 seats; deputies elected by popular vote by proportional representation, for four-year terms)
elections: last held on September 14, 2009 (next in September 2013)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the monarch)

Economy of Norway

Economics - a quick overview:

The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of prosperity, exemplary of a successful model of free markets and government intervention.
Key areas state control- oil sector.
The country is secured natural resources— oil, hydroelectric power, fish, forests, and minerals — and is highly dependent on the oil sector, which accounts for almost half of exports and more than 30% of government revenue.
Norway is the world's third largest gas exporter; its position as an oil exporter has declined to seventh place as oil production levels fall.
Norway is not a member of the EU.