Norway is a Scandinavian country in northern Europe, occupying the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula and sharing borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia. It is renowned for its dramatic fjords, the Northern Lights, and its rich Viking heritage. Norway consistently ranks among the world's highest in quality of life and is a major producer of oil and natural gas.
- Capital
- Oslo
- Continent
- Europe
- Region
- Northern Europe
- Area
- 323,802 km²
- Coordinates
- 62° N, 10° E
Country facts
- Norway's coastline is deeply indented with fjords, which were carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age.
- The country has been home to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony since 1901, awarded annually in Oslo.
- Old Norse, spoken by the Vikings, is the ancestor of all modern Scandinavian languages.
- Norway is one of the world's leading exporters of salmon, thanks to its extensive aquaculture industry.
- The national symbol of Norway is the lion, which appears on its coat of arms holding an axe.
Capital facts
- Oslo was founded around 1000 CE and served as the capital of Norway since the medieval period.
- The Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo contains over 200 sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland and is one of the city's most visited attractions.
- Oslo is home to the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle built in the late 13th century to defend the city.
- The city sits at the head of the Oslofjord, giving it a scenic waterfront setting.
- Oslo's Fram Museum houses the polar ship Fram, which sailed further north and south than any other wooden vessel in history.