Norway. Features of the geographical location and natural and climatic conditions of Norway The position of Norway relative to the conventional lines on the map

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The Kingdom of Norway is located in the northeastern part of Europe. Part of its territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Part of the country is washed by the waters of the North, Barents and Norwegian seas.

Administratively, Norway consists of 19 provinces and three independent territories.

Largest cities: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger.

The capital of Norway is the city of Oslo.

Borders and area

By land, Norway borders Russia, Sweden and Finland.

The country covers an area of 386,000 square kilometers.

Norway map

Timezone

Population

4,902,000 people.

Language

Official language– Norwegian.

Religion

About 90% of the Norwegian population are evangelical Lutherans.

Finance

Official currency unit– Norwegian krone.

Medical care and insurance

Before visiting the country, be sure to purchase international medical insurance. Otherwise, you will feel the cost of it all.
communication with Norwegian doctors.

Mains voltage

220-230 Volt. Frequency 50 Hz.

International dialing code

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Federal Agency for Education

State educational institution higher professional education

"Tula State University"

Department of Tourism and Hospitality Industry

CONTROLO-COURSEJOB

by discipline "Socio-economic geography"

on the topic of: « NORWAY»

Student of Kuznetsova group N.Yu.

Tula, 2009

Introduction
1. Geographical location of Norway

1.1 Geographical characteristics Norway
1.2 Climate of Norway
1.3 Norway's water resources
1.4 Flora and fauna of Norway
1.5 Natural resources and minerals of Norway
1.6 Nature conservation in Norway

2. Population of Norway

2.1 Ethnic composition
2.2 Religious composition of the population
2.3 Population structure in Norway
2.4 Demographic situation in Norway
2.5 Standard of living in Norway

3. State structure
4. Foreign and domestic policy of Norway
5. Administrative and territorial division of Norway
6. Economy of Norway

6.1 General information
6.2 Oil and gas industry in Norway
6.3 Norwegian energy industry
6.4 Other industries in Norway
6.5 Norwegian agriculture
6.6 Transport system Norway
6.7 Tourism industry in the Norwegian economy
6.8 Norway's external economy

Conclusion
Bibliography

Introduction

Norway- one of the largest countries in Europe, located in Northern Europe, in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula and on a large number of adjacent small islands. The name of the country comes from the Old Norse “Norrvegr” - “way to the north”.

The official name is the Kingdom of Norway.

The capital is Oslo.

The official language is Norwegian.

The form of government is a constitutional monarchy.

Population - 4.68 million people.

The national currency is Norwegian krone.

Internet domain of the country - .no

The telephone code is +47.

This paper will conduct a study of Norway from the point of view of socio-economic geography and give its socio-economic characteristics.

1. Geographical location of Norway

Norway is located between 59°57"N latitude and 10°43"E longitude (Figure 1.1). Norway's time zone is +1 GMT. Time in Norway is 2 hours behind Moscow.

1.1 Geographical characteristics of Norway

The country's territory stretches in the form of a narrow strip along the northwestern coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula from southwest to northeast. The greatest width of the country is 430 km, the smallest (in the Narvik region) is about 7 km. The length of the country from north to south is 1700 km.

From the east and southeast, Norway borders Sweden (over 1,630 km), Finland (760 km) and Russia (196 km). From the northwest it is washed by the Norwegian Sea, from the northeast by the Barents Sea, and in the south Norway is washed by the Skagerrak Strait. The warm sea current, the Gulf Stream, runs along the entire coast.

Near the coast of Norway there are a large number of large islands (Lofoten, Vesterålen, Senja, Magere, Sere), numerous small islands and skerries - St. 150 thousand. Some of them are located at a great distance from the Scandinavian Peninsula:

The Svalbard archipelago (Svalbard and nearby islands) in the eastern part of the Norwegian Sea;

Jan Mayen between the Greenland and Norwegian seas;

Bouvet Island off the coast of Antarctica;

Norway also claims territories covered by the 1961 Atlantic Convention:

Peter I Island off the coast of Antarctica;

Queen Maud Land in Antarctica.

Rice. 1.1 Map of Norway

The territory of Norway is about 386,960 km², it extends beyond the Arctic Circle to the northernmost point of Europe - the North Cape (1/3 of the territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle). 62.1% of the area is covered by mountains and plateaus, 4.8% by rivers and lakes, 1.4% by eternal snow and glaciers. 21.3% of the territory is covered with forests. The length of the outer coast is 2650 km. The coasts of Norway are deeply indented by narrow sea bays which are called fjords. They form natural harbors, protected from the stormy sea by chains of islets. Taking into account the fjords, bays and islands, the length of the coastline is almost 56 thousand km. . norway resource gas extraction politics

Norway is a mountainous country (Fig. 1.2). Almost its entire territory is occupied by the Scandinavian mountains, strongly dissected by fjords and cut by deep valleys. Of the total area occupied by the country, 39,000 square meters. km lie above 1000 m above sea level, 91,000 sq. km - at an altitude of 500 to 1000 m. The average height above the sea surface of the entire space of Norway reaches about 490 m. Therefore, the amount of land cultivable or generally suitable for agriculture represents a very small part of the entire space: only 2400 sq. km is occupied by arable land. 235000 sq. km are occupied by uninhabited mountains, swamps, etc., and 7000 sq. km - glaciers (glaciers).

In the southern and northern parts of the country there are high plateaus (fjelds), and there are many islands off the coast. The highest and most extensive plateaus are located in the southern part of the country. In some places they are crowned with ridges and sharp peaks - nunataks. The most powerful and highest fields are Jutunheimen, Juste-dalsbrs, Telemark. It is here, on the Jotunheimen massif, that highest peak Scandinavian Highlands - Galhepiggen (2470 m).

The western steep slopes of the mountains drop either directly into the sea, or to a narrow coastal lowland - the Stranflat. This lowland emerged from sea level in the post-glacial era, when the continental platform, freed from the glacier, rose again. The width of the country flat is from 5 to 60 km. This is not an absolute plain, there are also hills here, but they do not exceed 40 m above sea level. seas. Most of the coastal population lives on Stranflat and many of the country's cities are located.

The steep western slopes of the Scandinavian mountains are replete with fjords, which were formed along tectonic fault lines. Fjords look like huge corridors with smooth, clear waters. The fjords of Gestland go deep into the land and are the most branched. The longest of them are Sognefjord (204 km) and Hardangerfjord (179 km).

There are more than 150 thousand islands along the coast of the country. They are located both separately and in entire archipelagos. The largest archipelago is Lofoten and its northern part - Nesterolen. Their close formation protects the stranflat strip from the destructive waves of the ocean. Between the islands and the coast the sea is always calm.

Rapid rivers - the largest among them, Glomma - form waterfalls in places. The slopes of the mountains are covered with taiga forests, which are replaced closer to the peaks by birch woodlands, meadows, and then mountain tundra. In the northern part of the peninsula there is forest-tundra. In total, forests occupy about 1/3 of the state's territory. Mountains covered by vast glaciers with total area almost 3000 sq. km. In addition, on about. Svalbard glaciers occupy 36.6 thousand square meters. km.

Rice. 1.2 View of Norway from satellite (GoogleEarth Program)

1. 2 Climate of Norway

Norway's climate differs from that of other Scandinavian countries. The high mountain range dividing the Norwegian mainland protects a large area of the eastern part of the country from precipitation, providing this territory with a continental climate, in the Far North - subarctic. Thanks to the warm North Atlantic Gulf Stream, the climate of coastal areas is much milder than in northern latitudes (the average January temperature in the north is -2-4°C, in the south +2°C). For the same reason, the coast almost always remains ice-free.

The influence of warm air masses coming from the sea explains a surprising phenomenon: winter temperatures in Norway decrease faster from west to east than from south to north, as happens in other places in the northern hemisphere. Summer on the coast is rainy, windy and cool (the average July temperature in the north of the coast is +10°C, and in the south +15°C) with frequent rain and strong winds.

In the mountainous regions of Norway the climate is much harsher. average temperature In January there is from - 10 to - 12 °, and in July from 6 to 10 °. Winter is harshest in the interior of northern Norway, where January temperatures can drop to -40°. In the highlands of Norway, where the climate is most severe, the fjelds are covered with huge caps of glaciers. The largest of them not only in Norway, but throughout Foreign Europe is Jostedalsbre, whose area reaches 487 square meters. km. The total number of all cover glaciers and firn fields in Norway is 2081. Their total area is 2770 square meters. km, which is 1% of the territory of all Norway. It is the largest glacial area in mainland Northern Europe.

Norway is called the land of the Midnight Sun because the polar day, the period when the sun does not set below the horizon, lasts from May to July in the northern regions. In the middle of winter, polar night reigns almost continuously there, and even in the south, daylight lasts only a few hours. However, despite the northern location of the country, a wide variety of fruit crops ripen in its numerous gardens, and grains are also grown here (mainly oats and barley).

In the most important agricultural areas of the country, annual rainfall ranges from 500 to 1000 mm, most of which occurs in July and August. In the inland regions of the country there are about 100 rainy days, and in the coastal regions their number reaches 150 - 200 days. Compared to the eastern parts of Norway, where annual precipitation levels are less than 300 mm, the coastal areas and western slopes of the Scandinavian Mountains receive significantly more rainfall. On the west coast, in the strip from Stavanger to Ålesun, 3000 mm falls, and south of Cape Stad precipitation reaches its maximum - 5000 mm per year.

The strength and direction of wind in Norway varies greatly as a result of rapidly moving atmospheric fronts, and therefore the winds in the coastal and mountainous regions of the country are quite strong.

1.3 Norway's water resources

There are a lot of rivers in the country, they are all high-water, but short. The rivers that flow from the steep western slopes of the Scandinavian mountains are especially short and stormy. They feed on meltwater from snow, mountain glaciers and rainwater. These rivers never freeze. They are of great energy importance to the Norwegian economy.

In the east of the country, the rivers are longer - up to 200-300 km, their beds are very young, not developed, so there are many rapids and waterfalls. These rivers are frozen for a long time - in the southern regions up to 4 months, and in the north - up to 6. They are fed by rain and melted snow waters. In summer there is flooding due to the melting of snow in the mountains.

The largest river in Norway is Glomma, which is 611 km long. It originates from Lake Eurosunden in the southeastern part of the Scandinavian Mountains, near the border with Sweden, and flows into the Oslofjord. Glomma with its tributaries has a drainage basin that occupies about a third of the country's area. A 22 m high waterfall falls on Glomma 12 km from the mouth. Therefore, despite the existence of a bypass canal, there is no navigation upstream. Glomma is used for timber rafting.

In central and northern Norway, the most significant rivers are Tana (360 km) and Alta (200 km), originating on the Manselkä hills. The rivers of this part of the country are used not only as sources of hydropower, but also for timber rafting.

Due to the abundance of rapids and waterfalls, Norway's rivers are navigable only in their lower reaches, but serve as rich sources of energy. In terms of hydro resources, Norway is the richest country in all of Western Europe. The largest waterfalls are in Vestland, of which the largest is Vetti, falling from a height of 275 m into the Sognefjord, and the most beautiful is the Seven Sisters, falling in seven narrow streams along a stepped cliff into the Geirangerfjord.

River flow is often naturally regulated by lakes. There are 200 thousand lakes in Norway, and they occupy 4.7% of the country's area. True, there are few large ones among them. The largest - Mjøsa has an area of only 369 square meters. km. Most of Norway's lakes were formed in tectonic basins processed by glaciers. They often have an elongated shape, corresponding to the direction of tectonic cracks and glacier movement. In the southern part of the country, many lakes were formed as a result of river damming by glacial deposits or in depressions between moraine hills.

1.4 Flora and fauna of Norway

Fertile soils cover only 4% of the entire territory of Norway and are concentrated mainly in the vicinity of Oslo and Trondheim. Since most of the country is covered by mountains, plateaus and glaciers, opportunities for plant growth and development are limited. There are five geobotanical regions in Norway : treeless coastal with meadows and shrubs, to the east of it there are deciduous forests, further inland and to the north there are coniferous forests, above and even further to the north there is a belt of dwarf birches, willows and perennial grasses; finally, at the highest altitudes there is a belt of grasses, mosses and lichens.

The vegetation cover of Norway is dominated by mountain coniferous forests, which in the far north are replaced by moss-shrub tundra. Forests occupy 23% of Norway's territory, the main forest-forming species being spruce, pine and birch. In the far south, small tracts of beech and oak forests occur on brown soils. Coniferous forests are one of Norway's most important natural resources and provide a variety of export products. On the slopes of the Scandinavian mountains, coniferous forests rise up to 1100 m in the south and up to 300 m in the north. Above stretches a narrow strip of birch forest. On the western slopes and in the coastal strip, where there are strong winds and excessive moisture, conditions for forest growth are not favorable; Small shrubs predominate there, alternating with mountain meadows. Only on the mountain slopes in the upper fjords, where there are no winds and less humidity, do spruce, pine and birch forests grow. The tops of the fields are covered with mountain tundra - thickets of grassy willow, dwarf birch and juniper, heather, bearberry, and lingonberry. Along the river valleys, low-trunked birch forests rise onto the fjelds. Under the mountain coniferous forests of Norway, humus-poor mountain podzolic soils are developed, and thin tundra soils are developed under the tundra vegetation. Soils suitable for agriculture are found mainly in the southeast of the country, on the Eren Peninsula and in places along the western coast.

Among the animals of Norway, forest and tundra species predominate. Reindeer, lemmings, arctic foxes and eiders are commonly found in the Arctic region. In the forests to the very south of the country there are ermine, hare, elk, fox, squirrel and - in small numbers - wolf and brown bear. In the forests you can find elk, red deer, badger, marten, weasel, beaver, lynx, ermine, and squirrel. In the tundra, the mammals found are reindeer, blue and white arctic foxes, hare, fox, and lemmings, called Norwegian mice in Norway, are also common. Hare and fox live everywhere, both of which are of commercial importance. Previously, wolves and bears lived in forests and tundra, but now they are almost completely exterminated.

Norway is exceptionally rich in birds, many of which are of commercial importance. In the forests this is the black grouse and wood grouse, in the tundra it is the arctic partridge. On the coast of the sea and fjords, rivers and lakes there are gulls, eiders, guillemots, wild ducks, wild geese, etc. Especially many birds nest on cliffs that fall to the sea, forming bird colonies.

The seas washing the coast of Norway are rich in fish, especially on the vast sandbanks near the Lofoten Islands. Warm waters rich in plant plankton, brought by the North Atlantic Current, mix here with the oxygen-saturated cold waters of the Arctic Ocean, which creates extremely favorable conditions off the coast of Norway for the reproduction of zooplankton - the main food of fry. It is plankton that attracts people here. different time year schools of cod, herring, mackerel.

The rivers and lakes of Norway are no less rich in fish. Valuable species are found there - salmon, trout, salmon, and their fishing constitutes a special item in tourism income, especially from foreign tourists. However, in recent decades, inland fisheries resources have been declining.

1.5 Natural resources and minerals of Norway

The subsoil of Norway, its island possessions and the adjacent seabed are quite rich in various minerals. Although it was previously believed that Norway is poor in mineral fuel resources. Indeed, only small reserves of coal were known in the Spitsbergen archipelago. However, the discovery of oil and gas fields on the continental shelf in the North and Norwegian Seas in the 1970s revolutionized the assessment of the country's fuel and energy potential. Reliable oil reserves in Norway amount to more than 800 million tons, natural gas - 1210 billion cubic meters.

Among metal ore minerals, Norway has significant reserves of pyrites (sulfur pyrites), which in some places contain copper, ilmenite (titanium ore), molybdenum, nickel and magnetite ores. Uranium deposits have been discovered in southern Norway. Copper pyrite deposits, located mainly in the central part of the country (Suditjelma, Løkken, Røros), are of great importance for the country's economy. The copper-nickel deposits of sulfate ores are located in the south, in the Ringerike region. Ilmenite ores rich in titanium dioxide are found in large quantities in the north of Norway and in the extreme southwest, near the city of Egersund, where the deposit itself is called Titania. It is the largest in Foreign Europe, and thanks to it, Norway is considered one of the most important suppliers of titanium in the world.

Iron ores are mainly mined for magnetite ores. Iron ores contain little phosphorus, which increases their quality, but they are all low in iron and undergo beneficiation. The largest deposits of magnetite ores are concentrated in the north of Norway - in the Servanger and Rana mines. However, the ores here also contain little iron. Deposits of ores richer in iron are found in the upper reaches of the Tronnheimsfjord. Norway has very large reserves of building stone (granite, slate, marble).

1.6 Nature conservation in Norway

Nature conservation in Norway is one of the priority areas of activity of legislative and government structures. The Law on Nature Protection was adopted back in 1910 and is now in force with amendments in 1951 and 1954. It is controlled by the Nature Conservation Council under the Ministry of Labor and Public Works and the Department of State Forests. The scientific public organization Norwegian Union for Nature Conservation provides them with great assistance.

Protected areas and objects - three national parks with a total area of about 168 thousand hectares and more than 30 nature reserves (50 thousand hectares) - are located in the forest and tundra zone of the country.

The largest and youngest national park is Børgefjell; it was founded in 1963 and covers an area of 100 thousand hectares. Børgefjell is located in Northern Norway at altitudes of 450-1,700 m above sea level. Birch and spruce forests, willow trees, and tundra species are protected here, and flora and fauna are also studied. Observations are being made of wolverine, arctic fox, and numerous birds - tundra partridge, white-fronted goose, long-tailed duck, short-tailed skua, etc.

In Norway, fish resources have been declining in recent decades. This is due to the “acidification” of lake and river waters from the acidic sulfur rain that falls in Norway. Additions of sulfur to the air of Scandinavia are caused by gaseous emissions from industrial enterprises in Great Britain and Germany. At the same time, Norway's forests are also suffering from air pollution.

If we consider the energy aspect, in Norway, as in most other industrialized countries, the dominant gas emissions into the atmosphere are carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), accounting for 74% of total emissions. About 23% of total Norwegian emissions into the atmosphere come from the oil and gas industry.

At the same time, Norway strives to follow the letter of the Kyoto Protocol, which limits the use of both oil and natural gas for electricity production and heating - due to emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The Norwegian government bases its environmental policy regarding industrial activities both on direct policy regulation of the volume of environmentally harmful emissions, and on economic measures to influence industry, such as taxes, and, above all, carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

2. Population of Norway

The population of Norway is about 4,500,000 people (as of June 2001).

2.1 Ethnic composition

Norwegians make up about 97% of the population. National minorities are the Sami (about 30 thousand people), Kvens (Norwegian Finns), Danes and Swedes. The Norwegian language belongs to the Germanic group of the Indo-European family of languages. There are still two of its literary forms - riksmål (or bokmål) and lannsmål (or nynorsk). 90% of all printed materials are published in Bokmål and taught in more than 80% of schools.

Norwegians live in forested and arable valleys and coastal areas. The traditional occupations of Norwegians are agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, and currently they work in a wide variety of industries.

In the mountainous parts of northern and partly central Norway, the Sami live in the forest-tundra and tundra. These people have preserved their national identity - their language and culture. The Sami language belongs to the Finno-Ugric group of the Uralic family of languages. Nowadays the Sami are aware of the danger of losing national traditions, and the Norwegian authorities abandoned their previous policy of “Norwegianization” of this people. The traditional activities of the Sami are reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting. However, in modern Norway, only 6% of the Sami are engaged in reindeer husbandry. The rest of them go to work in mines, logging, and become farmers. They also make handicraft souvenirs. Increasingly, the Sami are settling in towns and cities. Only in the summer do reindeer herders lead a nomadic lifestyle and then live in frame tents or in cats.

National minorities include the Danes (about 15 thousand) and Swedes (about 8 thousand), who are related to the Norwegians in language. The Danes live in cities, not forming compact communities, and the Swedes live mainly in villages bordering Sweden. Of the newcomers and naturalized foreign-language minorities, the earliest are the Kvens, or Norwegian Finns (20 thousand). Currently, they live in fishing villages and small towns in northern Norway - around Varangerfjord, Porsangerfjord, Altafjord, and also in Troms county. Their occupations are fishing and working in the local, especially construction, industry.

Many foreigners permanently residing in Norwegian cities (more than 50 thousand) have retained their national citizenship. These are emigrants from economically highly developed and developing countries who came to Norway after the war in search of work. Emigrants from England (8 thousand), Iceland (1 thousand) and the USA (11 thousand) are predominantly highly qualified specialists. They communicate with Norwegians in English or have mastered the Norwegian language, rarely maintain compatriot contacts in Norway, and therefore do not constitute compact national minorities.

The situation is different with emigrants from developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, mostly low-skilled workers. Emigrants from these countries have retained their language and religion, which contributes to the unification of each ethnic minority into a separate community. Even with a non-compact settlement, they maintain family and other compatriot ties within each ethnic group.

Almost a third of Norway's population works in industry. The share of people employed in transport, especially in the navy, is relatively large. Norwegians are considered the most seaworthy nation in the world. Employment in the service sector is growing every year, where almost half of the economically active population works. Recently, women are increasingly involved in social production. But at the same time they earn 20 percent less than men.

2.2 Religious composition of the population

The state religion of Norway is Evangelical Lutheranism. By law, the King of Norway and at least half of the ministers must profess Lutheranism. As of 2006, according to official statistics, 3,871,006 people or 82.7% of the population belong to the state Church of Norway. However, only about 2% of the population regularly attends church. Another 8.6% of the population as of 2007 belong to other faiths and teachings. Among them, the most numerous are adherents of Islam (1.69% of the population), the Roman Catholic Church (1.1%) and Pentecostalism (0.86%).

2.3 Population structure in Norway

Norway is one of the sparsely populated countries in Europe (13.83 people per 1 sq. km). Its most populated southeastern part is Estland, where half the population lives. Its density reaches 50 people per 1 square. km. The plateaus of the southern part are almost deserted. The northern part is extremely sparsely populated (only 10% of the population). The average population density there is less than one person per 1 square. km. The population is concentrated in coastal cities and towns. In the summer, the Sami roam the mountains with herds of reindeer. Between the southern and northern parts of Norway there is a low area around the Tronnheimsfjord, where the average density reaches 4-5 people per 1 sq. km. The distribution of the population throughout Norway is shown in Fig. 2.1.

More than 50% of the population lives in cities. Large cities: Oslo, Bergen (230 thousand people), Trondheim (150 thousand), Stavanger (120 thousand), Narvik (80 thousand), Kristiansand (72 thousand), Fredrikstad (70 thousand), Dram -men (55 thousand), Tromso (60 thousand). Norway is characterized by small towns. There are 532 urban settlements, and only 32 of them have more than 10 thousand inhabitants. Most Norwegian cities are located on the sea coast. Only a few small towns are found in the Estland valleys. The rural population lives either on farms or in small fishing villages. Rural residents often combine work on their plots with fishing or with work at enterprises in a nearby city.

Rice. 2.1 Population density throughout Norway

2.4 Demographic situation in Norway

Age structure Norway's population as of 2005 is presented in Table 1.

Table1 Age structure of the population of Norway

The population is growing by an average of 0.7% per year (as of 2005), mainly due to natural increase. The birth rate is 12.79 people per thousand. Mortality rate is 9.89/1000 people. Infant mortality is low - 3.98 people per 1000 births (2005). Life expectancy for men is 75.73 years, for women - 81.77 years. Each woman has an average of 1.81 children.

2.5 Standard of living in Norway

Norway is one of the countries with the highest standard of living: in terms of GDP per capita (in 2004 - 42 thousand dollars) it is among the top five leading countries in the world. Since 2000, Norway has held 1st place in the world in the so-called Human Development Index developed by the UN.

All Norwegian citizens are members of public insurance and pension funds, which cover the provision of medical care, receiving old-age and disability pensions, as well as other types of assistance. Much attention is paid to improving the living conditions of families with children. In addition to child insurance, there is a comprehensive and flexible maternity leave policy.

Norway has traditionally been characterized by property being evenly distributed among its population and has remained a relatively homogeneous society for many years. Thus, the ratio between the highest and minimum levels of wages is 2:1 (the highest paid category of workers is oil workers - on average 310 thousand crowns per year, the lowest earnings - on average 160 thousand crowns per year - among service sector workers ). On average, Norwegian workers and employees earn about 215 thousand kroner per year.

3. Government structure

The official name is the Kingdom of Norway (Kongeriket Norge). Norway is a unitary state based on the principles of a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. The country has a constitution of 1814 with a number of later amendments and additions.

The king is the head of state and executive power, and formally has great powers. The King of Norway has been Harald V since 1991. The King has executive power, which he exercises through a government headed by the Prime Minister. All ministers headed by the king constitute the Council of State. The Constitution calls the person of the King “sacred and revered”; he is not liable for his actions. During breaks between sessions, the King can independently adopt regulations that have the force of law on issues of industry, trade, and law enforcement.

The king is vested with certain powers in relation to parliament: he opens parliamentary sessions, delivering a speech from the throne at the first meeting, and has the right to convene emergency sessions. On the advice of the government, the King appoints and dismisses senior officials, and he has the right to pardon. He solves problems foreign policy: concludes and terminates treaties with foreign states, receives diplomatic representatives, has the right to start a war to defend the country and make peace. The king is the supreme commander of the land and sea forces.

The highest legislative body of the country is the bicameral parliament - the Storting. The Storting is elected every four years by universal democratic secret ballot using a proportional electoral system. The head of the Storting is the prime minister, who becomes the leader of the party that wins the parliamentary elections. Since 2005, Jens Stoltenberg has held the post of Prime Minister. Parliament was previously divided into two chambers - upper and lower, Lagting and Odelsting, but in practice this division became a mere formality and was abolished on February 20, 2007.

Executive power belongs to the king, who appoints the government (Council of State) headed by the prime minister. The government consists of the Prime Minister (usually the leader of the parliamentary majority party) and at least 7 ministers, who are appointed and dismissed by the king. The government's powers are very broad. The vast majority of issues are concentrated in the hands of this body government controlled. The government also has some legislative powers: it prepares most bills. The government carries out its functions through departments headed by ministers. The list of departments is not established by law, but there are relatively few of them (10-20). The government is responsible to parliament.

In Fig. the national flag of Norway is shown. The current form of the state flag was legislated in 1927. The red, white and blue colors on the flag symbolize democracy; the Scandinavian cross on the flag is traditional for the flags of the countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula (Denmark, Sweden, Finland).

Rice. 3.1 National flag of Norway

The coat of arms of Norway (Fig.) is one of the oldest in Europe.

Rice. 3.2 National emblem Norway

The capital of Norway is Oslo, the largest cities are Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.

The official language is Norwegian, the national currency is Norwegian krone.

4. Foreign and domestic policy of Norway

Norway's foreign policy has a pronounced social orientation. From the late 1880s to the early 1900s. the country began to create, and after the Second World War, a social security system was significantly expanded: payment of old-age and disability pensions, benefits to the unemployed, as well as widows and orphans. These activities are paid for from insurance premiums of employees and entrepreneurs, as well as from funds of local governments and central authorities.

The implementation of the principles of democracy is ensured, in addition, by the activities of a wide range of different organizations that unite their members according to their interests. In Norway, a practice has developed whereby all interested organizations are given the opportunity to speak out on a particular issue when major decisions are being prepared by the authorities.

In addition, Norway has a variety of elected trustees and authorized organizations to which citizens can file complaints if they are unable to resolve an issue with government or other authorities. This, in particular, concerns the commissioners for ensuring the civil rights of the population, for protecting the interests of consumers, and for issues of compliance with the principles of equality. There is also an institution of commissioners for children's issues, whose responsibilities include ensuring the interests of children.

When it comes to foreign policy, Norwegians have a strong sense of national identity. On the question of Norway's accession to the European Union (EU), two referendums were held in 1972 and in 1994, which showed that the majority of the population was against joining the EU.

Norway has been a member of NATO since 1949, although Norway's military commitment to NATO has been reduced in recent years.

Norway is one of the founding countries of the UN. The Norwegian Trygve Lie was elected its first general secretary. Oslo views the UN as the main body for maintaining international law and order and the international security system.

Norway plays a key role in matters of international humanitarian cooperation. As a proportion of its GNP, Norway gives more to charitable donations than any other country in the world. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually in Norway.

5. Administrative and territorial division of Norway

In Norway, there are two systems of territorial division of the country: official administrative and traditional, which is used primarily in ethnographic literature. Administratively, the country is divided into 18 counties (Fig.), governed by governors. The word “fylke” in its primary understanding meant “tribe, people”, and later it began to mean the concept of “region, province”. The county is divided into five main unofficial large regions:

Nur-Norge(Northern Norway):

county Nordland -- administrative center: Bodo;

Troms county -- administrative center: Tromsø;

Finnmark county -- administrative center: Vadso;

Trendelag(Central Norway):

county Nord-Trøndelag - administrative center: Steinkjer;

County of Sør-Trøndelag -- administrative center: Trondheim;

Westland(Western Norway):

Mere o Romsdal county -- administrative center: Molde;

county of Sogn og Fjordane -- administrative center: Leikanger;

county Hordaland -- administrative center: Bergen;

county of Rogaland -- administrative center: Stavanger;

Estland(Eastern Norway):

Oslo county -- administrative center: Oslo;

Akershus county -- administrative center: Oslo;

county Östfold -- administrative center: Moss;

Buskerud county -- administrative center: Drammen;

Vestfold county -- administrative center: Tønsberg;

County Telemark -- administrative center: Skien;

county Hedmark -- administrative center: Hamar;

county Oplann -- administrative center: Lillehammer;

WITHerlann(Southern Norway):

county of Aust-Agder -- administrative center: Arendal;

West-Agder County - administrative center: Kristiansand.

Each county is in turn divided into several communes. The total number of municipalities in Norway is 432.

Rice. 5.1 Administrative divisions of Norway

Traditionally, the country is also divided into two large parts - North and South. The first includes the territory north of 65° N. sh., including three historical and geographical regions coinciding with the borders of three counties: Nordland, Troms and Finimark; to the second - lands south of 65° N. sh., covering four historical and geographical regions, each of which includes several counties: Trennelag, Vestland (West), Östland (East) and Särland (South).

Other territories of Norway are not included in the county and are not divided into communes. The Spitsbergen (Svalbard) archipelago with its administrative center in Longyearbyen, as well as the island of Jan Mayen, are the possessions of Norway; Jan Mayen is governed by the Nordland administration. Bouvet Island is a dependent territory of Norway. Peter I Island and Queen Maud Land in Antarctica, which Norway has territorial claims to, are also among its dependent territories.

6. Economy of Norway

6.1 General information

As of 2008, Norway's GDP was 2,272 billion kroner, and per capita - $72,305.6 (2nd place in the world). The country is a leader in the quality of life of the population and all social parameters; it is the third exporter in the world in terms of energy resources. Its supplies play an important role in the supply of oil and gas (over 12%) Western Europe. Norway is one of the world leaders in terms of taxation - on average more than 45%. The inflation rate was 2.5% in 2004; the unemployment rate is about 5% of the working population.

Table 2 Main economic indicators

Norway is a developed industrial-agrarian country. As national statistics show, the country's economy is divided into two parts: continental and shelf.

Continental economy-- represented by traditional industries: electrometallurgical, electrochemical, mining, pulp and paper, mechanical engineering and other manufacturing sectors. The hallmark of the Norwegian industry is the production of offshore drilling platforms and related equipment, production lines for fish processing.

Offshore economy occupies a dominant position, it is represented by the oil and gas industries (Fig.), on which the country's well-being largely depends. The most significant gas fields are Sleipner, Ekofisk and Troll. The largest oil fields are Statfjord, Gylfaks, Oseberg, Ekofisk. Since the mid-1990s, Norway has become the world's second largest oil exporter, after Saudi Arabia. Oil and gas trade generates about half of exports and 1/10 of government revenues.

Norway's oil and gas industry is strictly controlled by the state. Back in 1963, the Norwegian Parliament passed a law according to which “the right to natural underwater resources belongs to the state.” This established state sovereignty over all natural resources that could be found on the country's continental shelf. The basis of the country's oil and gas complex is the Statoil company, 100% of whose shares belong to the state. The deficit-free state budget of Norway today is achieved thanks to significant revenues from the oil and gas complex through taxes and the sale of oil and gas owned by the state, which allows the country not only to speed up various social programs or create new industries, but also to carry out active foreign investments.

Examples include large-scale investments in health care, road construction, increased spending on education, and economic assistance programs to provide small regions of the northern and central parts of the country with services comparable in volume and quality to those received by residents of more densely populated regions. Subsidies are directed to the agricultural sector, forestry and fishing industries, which also benefit from low interest rates when securing loans from the state bank. Loans and direct investments are also directed towards modernizing the technological base of industry and creating “technologies of the future”, such as telecommunications and satellite communications.

In the late 90s of the 20th century, when world oil prices rose sharply, the Norwegian government, in order not to increase inflation in the country, organized a special Oil Fund, into which oil revenues are transferred. Since 2006, this fund has been called the Government Pension Fund “Global”. As of 2007, the volume of the fund was about 300 billion dollars, which in terms of each resident of Norway was about 63,000 dollars. Today, its task is to provide decent pensions to future generations.

6.2 Oil and gas industry in Norway

The oil and gas industry is the basis of Norway's entire modern economy. Reliable oil reserves in Norway amount to more than 800 million tons, natural gas - 1210 billion cubic meters.

Norwegian oil reserves are the largest in Western Europe. All of Norway's oil resources are concentrated on the Norwegian continental shelf, which is divided into two parts: the North Sea and the Barents Sea. The bulk of Norwegian oil production occurs in the North Sea, and only a small part in the Norwegian Sea. Currently, there is practically no production in the Barents Sea due to high costs and environmental problems. However, it is believed that the Barents Sea may contain large oil reserves, and Norwegian authorities have begun issuing development licenses.

While oil production has recently been trending downward, gas production in Norway is on an upward trend. Norway is successfully developing into an important gas producing country. Its share in the Western European gas market is approaching 15%. Gas production is expected to reach 70 billion cubic meters, and gas sales contracts have already exceeded the total volume of 50 billion cubic meters per year. More than half of all discovered gas fields in Western Europe are located on the Norwegian continental shelf.

More than a quarter of all Norwegian investment is in the construction of drilling platforms in the North Sea, west of Bergen, where one of the largest natural gas fields is located. The Norwegians have built the world's largest drilling platform, with a displacement of 1 million tons and a height of 465 m. The value of the remaining hydrocarbon resources on the Norwegian continental shelf is estimated in the state budget at 4210 billion kroner (as of 2006).

Currently, less than a third of Norway's proven hydrocarbon reserves have been produced. At the same time, Norway is a world leader in the field of technologies that ensure safety in oil and gas production. The country's main achievement is the adoption of measures to create a system to prevent carbon dioxide emissions.

Rice. 6.1 Oil and gas fields in Norway

6.3 Norwegian energy industry

Norway ranks first in the world in terms of electricity production per capita. Highly developed energy was the basis for the entire industrial development of Norway. It covers most of the energy needs, which allows the bulk of the oil and gas produced to be exported. A third of the electricity produced is consumed by industry within the country.

Almost all the electricity generated in the country comes from hydroelectric power plants. Thanks to the numerous natural reservoir lakes on high plateaus, waterfalls and steep rivers, there is no need to build expensive dams, which greatly reduces the cost of electricity. In Norway, water resources are distributed relatively evenly throughout the country, which makes it possible to build powerful energy complexes in the Östland valleys, on the Telemark plateau, in the Vestland fjords and on the rapids rivers of Northern Norway. Almost all large power plants are connected by power transmission lines into a single energy system, which in turn is connected to electrometallurgical and electrochemical enterprises in all cities.

About 2/5 of the generated electricity is consumed by industry, including 1/3 by metallurgy. The surplus electricity is transferred to Denmark and Sweden.

6.4 Other industries in Norway

In the sectoral structure of the Norwegian economy, the so-called export industries, most of whose products are exported, stand out sharply for their large scale and high technical level. These are, on the one hand, fish processing and pulp and paper enterprises operating mainly on local raw materials, and on the other, electrometallurgy and electrochemistry enterprises operating on cheap electricity. Export industries should also include the mining industry - mines, the products of which are exported in the form of concentrates, and, of course, the oil and gas fields of the North Sea.

Norway is a leader in the production of ferroalloys and is Europe's largest producer of aluminum and magnesium. Europe's largest titanium ore deposit is located in southwestern Norway.

Mechanical engineering in Norway specializes in the production of equipment for the oil and gas production and oil refining industries. Platforms are also supplied to other countries. Another important branch of mechanical engineering is shipbuilding.

Norway is also a source of vinyl chloride monomer and polyvinyl chloride, which are used as raw materials for the production of synthetic paints. Norway also produces other technical goods. Paints, adhesives, detergents and fine chemicals form another sector of the Norwegian chemical industry.

Rich forest resources and the availability of affordable electricity have given Norway a leading role in the global pulp and paper market. About 90% of the pulp and paper produced in the country is exported. Norwegian mills produce a variety of pulps, including short-fiber and long-fiber kraft pulp, which is an important component of newsprint and magazine paper.

The bulk of Norway's industrial potential is concentrated in the south of the country (4/5 of industrial output); about 9/10 of the country's industrial enterprises are concentrated in port cities.

6.5 Norwegian agriculture

In Norway, no more than 3% of all land is cultivated, and a total of 6% of the population is employed in agriculture. The number of farms reaches 200,000, and most of them are small in size: about half of all farms have plots of no more than 10 hectares and only 1% of farmers own more than 50 hectares of land. The leading industry is intensive livestock farming for meat and dairy production, as well as the plant growing that serves it (forage grasses). Sheep and pig breeding are developed. Cereals are cultivated (mainly barley and oats). Norway is self-sufficient in 40% of its own agricultural products. Norway is forced to import grain crops.

Forests cover 27% of the country's area, and forestry is a small but important industry for local farmers.

An important place in the economy is occupied by fishing, which is a branch of international specialization in Norway (it is the second largest exporter of fish products in the world).

The fishing industry is almost as important for Norway as oil and gas production. It ranks second among the export sectors of the national economy. Norway ranks 10th in the world in terms of fish catch volumes. The main centers for fish processing are Stavanger, Bergen, Ålesund, Trondheim. A significant part of Russian fishermen send their catch for processing to Norway. Russia is also one of the largest consumers of finished fish products.

6.6 Norway's transport system

Shipping plays a leading role in both internal and external transport links. This is explained by the specific geolocation of Norway, the highly rugged coastline combined with mountainous terrain and the historical seafaring skills of the Norwegians. 9/10 of foreign trade and more than 1/2 of domestic cargo turnover is carried by sea. Norway is one of the world's leading shipping nations. In terms of merchant fleet tonnage, it ranks 5th.

The Norwegian fleet is distinguished by its large share of tankers, which make up more than half of the total tonnage. It is an important source of foreign exchange to cover the usually deficit trade balance. More than 80% of the Norwegian fleet is engaged in transporting goods between foreign ports, which brings the country several billion kroner in foreign currency per year. Every year through sea ports More than 50 million tons of various cargoes pass through Norway. About half of this is iron ore in transit from Sweden, which is exported through the port of Narvik. Other major ports are Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger.

The length and transport role of railways and roads is quite limited. The total length of railways is 4.24 thousand km, of which slightly more than half is electrified. The most important railway junction, the capital of Norway, Oslo, is connected by lines with Stockholm, Gothenburg (Sweden) and the main cities of the country - Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger.

The length of roads is 79.8 thousand km. There are 1.3 million cars in the country, of which 1.1 million are passenger cars.

Norway's main air gate is Forneby Airport, near Oslo. Norway is one of the first places in the world in terms of passenger transportation by aircraft per capita.

6.7 Tourism industry in the Norwegian economy

Norway's tourism industry is extremely well developed, which is explained, firstly, by the high level of development of the country as a whole, secondly, by its rich traditions, and, finally, by the special attention that the government pays to this area of the economy. In terms of priority, tourism ranks fourth after oil production, fishing and woodworking. Service sector and international tourism provide 6.7% of Norway's GDP. This industry employs about 7.1% of the working population.

...

Geographical location of Norway.
Climate and nature of Norway.

NORWAY, Kingdom of Norway (Kongeriket Norge), a state in Northern Europe, in Scandinavia. Norway belongs to the arch.

Spitsbergen (including Bear Island) in the Arctic Ocean and. Jan Mayen in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as about. Bouvet off the coast of Antarctica. Area 387 thousand km2 (including islands). The population is about 4.55 million people (2003).

More than 1/3 of Norway's territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Most of the surface is occupied by the Scandinavian mountains (up to 2469 m high, Gallepiggen). Their steep western and northwestern slopes are dissected by the fjords of the North and Norwegian Seas (Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, Tronheimsfjord, etc.), the gentler eastern slopes are cut through by deep valleys (Österdal, etc.). In the south there are high plateaus (fjelds) of Jutunheimen, Telemark, etc., in the north there is the Finnmarken plateau. There are many islands off the coast (Lofoten, Vesterålen, etc.). The climate of Norway is temperate oceanic, in the far north it is subarctic. On the fields there are glaciers (area about 3 thousand km2), significant glaciation on the Spitsbergen islands. Mountain rivers with rapids and waterfalls are rich in hydropower resources. The largest is r. Glomma. There are many lakes (occupying about 4% of Norway's territory).: Bergefjell, South Spitsbergen, North-West Spitsbergen, North-East Svalbard. The subpolar fauna is preserved: the arctic fox, the Norwegian lemming, polar birds (including the Norwegian eider), and the Norwegian forest cat in the forests. The seas surrounding Norway are rich in fish (cod, mackerel, herring).

State structure of Norway.

Norway has a constitutional monarchy, the constitution of 1814 is in force. The king is the head of state and executive. He appoints the government (Council of State) and the prime minister.

The leader of the party that wins the parliamentary elections is appointed prime minister. The legislative branch is the Storting, which consists of two chambers, the Lagting and the Odelsting. Deputies are elected by universal suffrage.

Administrative and governmental structure of Norway.

19 fylkes (provinces).

Population of Norway.

Norway is a mono-ethnic country: Norwegians make up 98%. National minorities - Sami (about 20 thousand people), Kvens (Norwegian Finns), Swedes.
The official language is Norwegian. The classic literary Norwegian language - Riksmål - developed on the basis of the Danish language.

At the end of the 19th century. in contrast to Riksmål, a new literary language was created on the basis of rural Norwegian dialects - Lannsmål or Nynorsk (“New Norwegian”). Both Riksmål and Lannsmål are considered equal literary languages, but the former is much more widespread. The dominant religion is Evangelical Lutheranism (87.8% of believers).

Norway has great hydropower potential (the country ranks first in the world in terms of electricity production per capita), forests, deposits of iron, copper, zinc, lead, nickel, titanium, molybdenum, silver, marble, and granite.

A third of the electricity produced in Norway is consumed by the metallurgical industry. Norway is Europe's largest producer of aluminum and magnesium. Europe's largest titanium ore deposit is located in southwestern Norway.
Mechanical engineering specializes in the production of equipment for the oil and gas production and oil refining industries.

Platforms are also supplied to other countries. Another important branch of mechanical engineering is shipbuilding. Basic part of the industrial.

Norway's potential is concentrated in the south of the country (4/5 of industrial output); OK. 9/10 prom. The country's enterprises are concentrated in port cities.

In Norway, no more than 3% of all land is cultivated, and a total of 6% of the population is employed in agriculture. The number of farms reaches 200,000, and most of them are small in size: about half of all farms have plots of no more than 10 hectares and only 1% of farmers own more than 50 hectares of land. The leading industry is intensive livestock farming for meat and dairy production. Sheep breeding is developed. Norway is self-sufficient in 40% of its own agricultural products.

Norway is forced to import grain crops.

Forests cover 27% of the country's area. And forestry is a small but very important industry for local farmers.

The history of Norway in the Early Middle Ages is closely connected with the general history of the Vikings. At the turn of the 9th-10th centuries. The political unification of the country began under the rule of King Harald I Horfager (completed in the 13th century). In 995, King Olaf I Trygvason began the Christianization of the country, completed by Olaf II the Saint in the beginning. 11th century In the second half of the 12th century. Due to turmoil in the ruling dynasty, the arbitrariness of the higher clergy and large landowners, civil wars began. The Birkebeiners (i.e., “Lapotniks”, common people) were led by Sverrir, the illegitimate son of the king. He won and established a strong one-man rule in Norway, based on broad layers of small and medium-sized landowners (bonds).

Sverrir placed royal power above the church. The peasants in Norway remained personally free. In 1262-1264. Iceland became a Norwegian possession.

In 1397, through the Union of Kalmar, Norway was united by Denmark and Sweden, effectively falling under Danish rule. From 1537 this was consolidated by the transformation of the country into a province of Denmark. According to one of the Kiel Peace Treaties of 1814, Norway was transferred to Sweden. The Norwegians refused to accept such a treaty and proclaimed the Eidsvoll Constitution. But Sweden forcibly imposed a union that existed until 1905. In 1905, Norway dissolved the union and, based on the results of a referendum, declared itself a constitutional monarchy. Charles of Denmark from the Glucksburg dynasty was elected king (he took the name Haakon VII). Since 1935, the Norwegian Workers' Party (social democratic) has been in power almost all the time. In 1940 the country was occupied by German troops, the government and the king emigrated to London. Norway is liberated by the Allied forces and the USSR. Since 1949 Norway has been a member of NATO. Despite its northern location, Norway is characterized by favorable climate with cool summers and relatively mild winters - the result of the Gulf Stream. Average annual precipitation varies from 3330 mm in the West, where moisture-carrying winds primarily arrive, to 250 mm in some isolated river valleys in the east countries. Average January temperature 0°C typical for the southern and western coasts, while in the interior regions it drops to -4° C and less. Average temperatures in July on the coast approx. 14° C, and in inland areas - approx.

16° C , but there are also higher ones.

Visas, entry rules, customs regulations.

Norway is included in the countries Schengen Agreement When applying for a visa for tourist trip, handling

Two copies of the completed application form. The form must be completed in English or Norwegian.
- Two color photographs pasted onto visa forms (light background, size 3x4 cm)
- A foreign passport valid for at least three months from the date of return.
- Reservation of a hotel, camping, etc.
- Ticket reservation (round trip).
- Medical insurance, as well as car insurance "green card" and a copy of the driver's license if the tourist visa applicant plans to travel by private car.
- Confirmation that the visa applicant has funds to cover travel-related expenses (bank statement).
- Certificate from the employer.
- Description of the route with daily indication of overnight stays.
- When applying for a visa for children (under 18 years of age), the package of documents is the same as for an adult.

Consular fee for processing a visa application is 1250 Russian rubles for citizens of Russia and Ukraine.

Children under 17 years old are released from paying the consular fee

In addition to general documents necessary present:

For children accompanied by one of the parents - a notarized permission to travel abroad from the other parent. For children traveling unaccompanied by their parents - a notarized permission to travel abroad from both parents.

Document submission deadline- no less than 10 working days before the start of the trip.

Import and export of foreign currency is not limited. Import of national currency limited in the amount of 25 thousand crowns. Import of larger amounts necessary accompanied by filling out a special customs declaration. Regarding traveler's checks no restrictions.

Duty free up to 2 liters of beer, up to 1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks (up to 60%), up to 1 liter of wine (up to 22%) or up to 2 liters of wine if strong alcoholic drinks are not imported, as well as up to 200 pieces of cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco (provided that the importing person reaches the age of 18), household items and items - within the limits of personal needs, food - up to 10 kg, motor gasoline - no more than 200 liters (including no more than 10 liters in a canister). Total cost of imported items and products should not exceed 5 thousand crowns. Import of strong alcoholic beverages allowed only to persons over 20 years of age, beer and wine - over 18 years of age. Import of medicines for personal use is only possible with written permission(prescription) from a doctor.

Prohibited transit of weapons, drugs, some medicines without the appropriate permits from customs authorities and prescription support, as well as the import of raw meat, fresh vegetables and dairy products. Prohibited export of protected species of animals and birds, objects of artistic, cultural and historical value. Violation of customs rules leads to visa cancellation and ban on entry into the country for a sufficiently long period of time.

Population, political status

Apart from Iceland, Norway - least populated country in Europe. In addition, the distribution of the population is extremely unevenly. In the capital of the countryOslo lives 495 thousand people, A in the Oslofjord area concentrated approximately a third of the country's population. Other major cities - Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Boerum, Kristiansand, Fredrikstad, Tromso And Drammen.

Capital city located at the top of the Oslofjord, where ocean-going ships dock close to the town hall. Bergen also enjoys an advantageous position at the top of the fjord. Almost all large cities are located either on the shores of the sea or fjord, or close to them.

The strip, confined to the winding coastline, has always been attractive for settlements due to its access to the sea and moderate climatic conditions. Except for large valleys in the east and some areas in the west central highlands, all internal highlands are sparsely populated. However certain areas are visited in certain seasonshunters, Sami nomads with herds of reindeer or Norwegian farmers grazing cattle there. After the construction of new and reconstruction of old roads, as well as with the opening of air traffic, some mountainous areas became accessible for permanent residence.

Norse- extremely homogeneous people of Germanic origin. A special ethnic group consists Sami, of which there are approx. 20 thousand. They live in the far north at least 2 thousand years old, and some of them still lead a nomadic lifestyle.

Despite the ethnic homogeneity of Norway, there are clear differences two forms of Norwegian. Bokmål, or book language, which is used by most Norwegians, derived from Danish-Norwegian language, common among educated people at a time when Norway was under Danish rule. Nynoshk, or New Norwegian language, received formal recognition in the 19th century. He was created by linguist I. Osen based on rural, predominantly Western, dialects with an admixture of elements of the medieval Old Norse language.

Form of government - a constitutional monarchy. Head of State - King. Supreme legislative body Storting (parliament), consisting of 2 chambers: lagtinga And Odelsting elected for a term of 4 years. Supreme executive body - State Council.

What to see

The first place in Norway in terms of the number of visitors is Museum of Norwegian Glory, which was discovered on the peninsula Byugdai. They are carefully stored in its various pavilions. ships of the great Norwegian navigators; viking ships with a sharp and curved nose proudly raised upward. Black oak shines like coal. The prow of one ship ends in a thin curl, the other is crowned with the head of a dragon with an open mouth. Another museum - " Fram». Its main exhibit- eponymous egg-bottomed keelboat, which was built to withstand the ice compression of the Arctic. In general, there are many museums in Oslo. In the city center, next to the old university buildings, rises Historical Museum.

Beautiful city Alta. Here, in 1991 open Rock Art Museum. Rock art, shown here under open air, UNESCO decision classified as world cultural heritage sites. These are the most widespread cave paintings in Northern Europe, made 2500-6000 years ago, that is, dating back to the end of the Neolithic (Stone Age).

Along approximately 5 km of well-maintained trails with wooden footbridges, you can explore more 3000 drawings with scenes of hunting deer, elk and bears. Documentation is provided as well as guided tours.

Fjords- the main attraction of the country. The entire coastline of the country is indented by these narrow and deep bays, sung even in the ancient Scandinavian sagas. Most Popular among tourists Yairangerfjord, Lysefjord, Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, Stavangerfjord, Shkjoldenf-ord, Glomfjord, Geirangerfjord and others, many of which are framed by waterfalls cascading from cliffs and small colorful fishing villages. Boat excursions along the fjords - the most exciting trip in Norway.

The western part of Europe's largest Scandinavian Peninsula occupy harsh and rocky Scandinavian mountains, stretching almost 1700 km from Skagerrak Strait to the northernmost tip of this part of the world - North Cape. Their steepness and inaccessibility is evidenced by the fact that on a 200-kilometer section of the Oslo-Bergen railway there are 178 tunnels. This is what the mountains of Scandinavia are like! Rising above the waters of the Norwegian Sea on 1500-2400 m, they consist of many plateaus and ridges, separated by narrow, deep and winding bays - fjords.

Royal Palace built in 1825-1848, it serves primarily as a reception venue and the king's official office. This long yellow building, not too grand, looks good at the end of the main avenue. Unfortunately, it is closed to the public, but you can attend changing of the guard of the Royal Guard V 13.30 . Left, on 7 June Square, rises statue of the first king Haakon, sculptured Nils Aas.

Very beautiful royal residence, literally drowning in greenery. Up close Queen's garden there are ponds where swans swim. In the same garden there is a bronze figure of one of the rulers of a bygone era. In general, the park contains about 150 works by the sculptor Vigeland(1869-1943).

In the city center of Tensberg is located and Westfall-Vilkesmuseum, with his exhibitions on archeology, traditional fisheries And whaling. Located here open-air museum(13 buildings). In the gallery Haugar-Westfall-Kunstmuseum Interesting paintings and handicrafts are on display North of Tønsberg(5 km) is the famous royal mound, during the excavations of which in 1904. was discovered among other treasures drakkar, which served as a tomb for two queens ( 830g.)

Behind the Town Hall, on Karl-Johansgate street, And behind the port concentrated business part of the city. Western part of Oslo abounds in numerous parks, including the famous Frogner Park with a giant sculptural ensemble of G. Vigeland. The history of Frogner Park is also interesting. First of all, the entrance to it is unusual - gate with quadrangular lanterns And grille with a thin through pattern, as in stained glass. Such lanterns and gratings with figures of men and women also border areas with steps leading to the central hill of the park.

IN 1914 In 2008, a large exhibition was held at this place, and a fountain was ordered for the sculptor G. Vigellan. The master suggested decorating the park with a grandiose sculptural composition instead of a fountain. The Oslo city government supported this idea, and the sculptor devoted his entire life to its implementation.

In Troms you can visit theaterHolo-galand, Arctic Cathedral made of glass and metal, museum « Polaria», lift to Mount Fløya. Thousands of tourists visit monument, marking the line in the center of the Arctic Circle on Saltfjell. Also interesting Tromso Military Museum to Barda, unique rock paintings 2500-4500 years old in Blasfjord, chalk caves in Rana, waterfalls in the Reissdalen area, Cathedralin the capital Nordland - Will, majestic fjords, stalactite cave with underground waterfall Grönli Grotto, church And " Meridian stone» in Hammerfest. Numerous beautiful islands and almost untouched areas, home to a variety of polar flora and fauna.

Like many medieval cities in Europe, Oslo has Town Hall- a huge building, lined with red brick, very interesting and original in its architecture. The two wide towers of the Town Hall are visible from all parts of the city. Together with the semicircular square and the street opposite its main entrance, the Town Hall creates a single ensemble. Above the main entrance of the Town Hall, as a symbol of equal rights for women, there is a figure of a Norwegian girl.

Central Hall of the Town Hall simply huge (its height 21 meters), it is very a lot of wall paintings, the combination of plots of which is very different: episodes from the history of the labor movement and nearby image of a prosperous trading house;Gestapo raid on the apartment of a working-class family And paintings from the life of St. Hallward. On the embankment side in front of the Town Hall there are six bronze figures, personifying the professions of the workers who built this building.

Preikestolen Rock located opposite Stavanger, on the other side of the fjord. You need to spend a whole day on a round trip excursion. Gigantic 600 meter cliff eroded, hangs dizzyingly over the green waters Lysefjord(Lysefjord). Very beautiful in itself, Lysefjord is mentioned by Victor Hugo in " Toilers of the sea". There are two options to admire this miracle. If above, then you need to use by ferry from the embankment of Fis-kepiren. If you want to admire the rock from below then go on the boat from Stavanger to Lysefjord.

Trondheim famous Cathedrals of St. Clement And Nidaros (XII century) With tomb of St. Olaf, Archbishop's Palace(XII century.) And Ringve Music Museum, and on the territory of the southern outskirts of the city numerous Viking Age sites (VIII-XI centuries.).

The surrounding area is interesting Mountain Botanical Garden « Köngsvöld» to Oppdal og Orkdalen, Rhine Abbeyto Rissa, many prehistoric monuments ( burial mounds, menhirs And stone circles in Eggekfammen and Thingfall), Helge farm in Byafossen, ruins of the fortressin Steinviksholm (1525 g.), cave drawings And burial mounds in Skögne, Heile, Lirvalle And Le-kaoya, Grossomoen national parks And Børgefjell, and best salmon river in the country - Namsen.

City Bergen The number of attractions far exceeds the capital. The famous Hanseatic waterfront Bryggen(included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List),Bergenhus Fortress (1261), Rosencrania Tower (1546 g.), old Fish market on Torget(work with XIII century.), Aquarium- one of the best in Europe, Maria-kirken(Church of St. Virgin Mary,XII century), Bergen Art Museum with a beautiful collection of paintings by Munch, Miro and Picasso,Edvard Grieg's estate - Trollhaugen (« Troll Hill") on the picturesque shore of the lake, funicular« Floibanen" and hundreds " gingerbread houses» under tiled roofs.

Most sightseeing trips start from Bergen By " Trollland", to the longest and deepest fjord in Norway - Sognefjord, to the most beautiful Hardangerfjord, on the ice massif Jostedalsbreen, to the lake Dyupswati, to the waterfalls in the area Geirangerfjord And Trollweggen, to a unique railway Flåm - Voss (20 tunnels for 46 km), as well as to the picturesque rocky peaks near Odda, Svel-gena And Andalsnes.

There is evidence that primitive hunters lived in some areas on the northern and northwestern coast of Norway shortly after the edge of the ice sheet retreated. However, naturalistic paintings on cave walls along the West Coast were created much later. Agriculture spread slowly in Norway after 3000 BC. During the Roman Empire the inhabitants of Norway had contact with the Gauls, a runic letter appeared and the process of settling the territory of Norway was carried out at a rapid pace. WITH 400 ADthe population was replenished by migrants from the south, who laid " way north" At that time, in order to organize local self-defense, there were the first tiny kingdoms were created.

The sparsely inhabited islands of Scotland were probably mastered by immigrants from Norway long before the first documented Viking campaign in England in 793 AD. Over the next two centuries, Norwegian Vikings were actively engaged in plundering foreign lands.

IN 1170 was created by decree of the pope Archbishopric of Trondheim with five suffragan bishoprics in Norway and six in the western islands, Iceland and Greenland. Norway became the spiritual center of a vast territory in the North Atlantic.

13th century was the last period of independence and greatness in early Norwegian history. During this century they were collected Norse sagas, telling about the country's past.

Down to the middle 17th century in Norway there were no outstanding politicians or artists and up to 1643 few books were published.

After the establishment of absolutism V 1661 Denmark and Norway began to be considered " twin kingdoms"; thus, their equality was formally recognized. In the code of laws of Christian IV, which had a great influence on Danish law, the serfdom that existed in Denmark did not extend to Norway, where the number of free landowners was rapidly growing. IN 18th centurythey sold the timber mainly to the UK and were often transported on Norwegian ships. From Bergen and other ports exported fish. Norwegian trade flourished especially during wars between the great powers. IN 1807 The British subjected Copenhagen to brutal shelling And the Danish-Norwegian fleet was taken to England so that Napoleon does not get it. Blockade of Norway by English military vessels caused great damage, and the Danish king was forced to establish a temporary administration - Government Commission. After Napoleon's defeat, Denmark was forced to cede Norway to the Swedish king.

Refusing to submit, the Norwegians took advantage of the situation and convened State Assembly of Representatives nominated mainly from the wealthy classes. It accepted liberal constitution and elected the Danish heir to the throne, the governor of Norway, Christian Frederick, as king. However failed to defend independence because of the position of the great powers, which guaranteed Sweden the accession of Norway to it. The Swedes sent troops against Norway, and The Norwegians were forced to agree to a union with Sweden, while maintaining the constitution and independence in internal affairs.

In the middle of the 19th century. has begun rise of the national economy. IN 1849 Norway provided most of the UK's freight traffic. The free trade trends that prevailed in Great Britain, in turn, favored the expansion of Norwegian exports and opened the way to import of British cars, as well as to creation of textile and other small enterprises in Norway. IN 1860s were created stationary primary schools, replacing mobile ones when one rural teacher moved from one settlement to another. At the same time it began organization of secondary public schools.

First political parties began to function in Storting V 1870-1880s. After the introduction of universal conscription V 1897 Conservatives found it difficult to ignore calls for Norway's independence.

IN 1905 the union with Sweden was broken under a coalition government led by the leader of the Liberal Party, a shipowner Christian Mikkelsen.

During the First World War Norway maintained neutrality, although Norwegian sailors sailed on Allied ships breaking the blockade organized by German submarines. As a sign of Norway's gratitude for supporting the Entente country in 1920 provided her sovereignty over the Svalbard archipelago.

April 9, 1940 Germany unexpectedly attacked Norway. The country was taken by surprise. Only in the Oslofjord area were the Norwegians able to offer stubborn resistance to the enemy thanks to reliable defensive fortifications. For three weeks, German troops dispersed throughout the interior of the country, preventing individual units of the Norwegian army from uniting. Seaport Narvik in the far north was recaptured from the Germans a few days later, but Allied support was insufficient, and when Germany launched offensive operations in Western Europe, Allied forces had to be evacuated. The king and government fled to Great Britain, where he continued to lead the merchant fleet, small infantry units, naval and air force. The Storting gave the king and government the authority to govern the country from abroad.

It was created in Norway puppet government headed by Vidkun Quisling. In addition to acts of sabotage and active underground propaganda Resistance leaders secretly established military training and transported many young people to Sweden, where permission to study was obtained " police forces" The king and government returned to the country June 7, 1945. About 90 thousand cases were brought to court on charges of treason and other offenses. Quisling, along with 24 traitors, was shot, 20 thousand people were sentenced to prison. Was introduced state control for prices of goods and services.

Financial and credit policy government helped maintain fairly high growth rates of economic indicators even during the global recession 1970s.

IN 1980s have acquired an important role ecological problems . In particular, the forests of Norway have been severely damaged by acid rain caused by the release of pollutants into the atmosphere by UK industries. As a result of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986 significant damage was caused to the Norwegian reindeer herding.

After the elections 1985 negotiations between the socialists and their opponents reached a dead end. Falling oil prices created inflation and problems arose with financing social security programs. Willock resigned and returned to power Bruntland. Election results 1989 made it difficult to form a coalition government. Conservative non-socialist minority government led by Yana Syuse resorted to unpopular measures, which stimulated an increase in unemployment. A year later, it resigned due to disagreements over the creation of the European Economic Area. Workers' Party led by Brutland again formed a minority government, which in 1992 resumed negotiations on Norway's accession to the EU.

IN 1990s Norway has come under increasing international criticism over its refusal to stop commercial whale slaughter. IN 1996 International Fisheries Commission confirms ban on export of whaling products from Norway.

In May 1996 flared up the largest labor conflict in shipbuilding and metallurgy in recent times. After an industry-wide strike, trade unions managed to achieve a reduction in the retirement age from 64 to 62 years.

In October 1996 Prime Minister Brundtland resigns in the hope of giving his party the best chance in the upcoming parliamentary elections. IN 1998 the king and queen were criticized for excessive expenditure of public funds on the arrangement of their apartments.

Norway actively participates in international cooperation, in particular in resolving the situation in the Middle East. IN 1998 Bruntland was appointed Director General of the World Health Organization. Jens Stoltenberg carried out duties of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Norway continues to be criticized environmentalists behind ignoring agreements limiting fishing for marine mammals- whales and seals.

After the elections 2001 returned to power Bondevik, which formed coalition government with the participation of conservatives and liberals. Government parties had only 62 seats out of 165 in parliament. Representatives " Progress parties"were not included in the cabinet, but supported it in the Storting. However, this union was not stable. In November 2004 The Progress Party refused to support the cabinet, accusing it of insufficient funding for hospitals and clinics. The crisis was averted as a result of intensive negotiations.

In the beginning. 2000s Norway was worried economic growth associated with the oil boom. Throughout the period, there was steady economic growth, driven by oil revenues. a reserve fund has been accumulated volume of $181.5 billion, the funds of which were placed abroad.

The left's arguments were supported by the Norwegians. In the parliamentary elections in September 2005 the opposition left coalition, consisting of NRP, « Socialist Left Party" And " Center parties" Leader of the CHP Stoltenberg in October 2005 took over as prime minister. Disagreements remain between the winning parties on issues of accession to the EU, NATO membership, increasing oil production and building a gas power plant.

International trade

Leading trading partners Norway, both in terms of exports and imports, are Germany, Sweden And Great Britain, they are followed Denmark, Netherlands And USA. Predominant export items by cost - oil And gas, finished goods. Products are exportedoil refining And petrochemical,forestry, electrochemical And electrometallurgical industry, food.Main import items -finished goods, foodstuffs And agricultural raw materials.The country imports some types mineral fuel, bauxite,iron, manganese And chrome ore, cars.

In recent years export volume estimated around $110 billion, import volume- near 60 billion. Leading export partners:Great Britain, Germany, Netherlands, France, USA And Sweden, on import- Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Great Britain, China, USA And Netherlands.

The shops

Shops are open Monday through Friday With 9 before 17 , A on the weekend With 9 before 15 . In some cities in Norway trading ends on Thursdays V 19 hours.

Supermarkets closes a little later: during weekdays V 20-21 , on the weekend V 18 hours. The most famous store is considered to be a multi-storey building located in the capital of Norway Oslo city where you can buy anything you want.

Demography

Population of Norway small and is growing at a slow pace.

The country is home to about 4600 thousand people. Per 1 thousand people birth rate is11,89 ,mortality 9,51 , A population growth - 0,41% . This figure is higher than natural population growth due to immigration, which in the 1990s reached 8-10 thousand people per year.

Improved health care and rising living standards have ensured continued, albeit slow, population growth over the past two generations. Norway, along with Sweden, is characterized record low infant mortality rates - 3,73 per 1000 newborns versus 7.5 in the USA. Expected life expectancymen amounts to 76,64 years and women82,01 years. Although Norway had a lower divorce rate than some of the neighboring countries Northern Europe, after 1945 this figure increased, and in the mid-1990s approximately half of all marriages ended in divorce (as in the USA and Sweden). 48% of children born in Norway in 1996 were out of wedlock. After restrictions introduced in 1973, immigration to Norway was directed mainly from Scandinavian countries for some time, but after 1978 a significant layer has appeared people of Asian origin(approx. 50 thousand people). In the 1980s and 1990s, Norway accepted refugees from Pakistan, African countries and the republics of the former Yugoslavia.

Industry

In the Norwegian sector of the North Sea large reserves are concentratedoil And natural gas. In this district commercial oil reserves are valued at 1.5 billion tons, A gas- V 765 billion cubic meters m. 3/4 of the total oil reserves and fields in Western Europe are concentrated here. By oil reserves Norway reached 11th place in the world. The Norwegian sector of the North Sea contains half of all gas reserves in Western Europe, and Norway holds the leading position in this regard 10th place in the world. Prospective oil reserves reach 16.8 billion tons, A gas - 47.7 trillion. cube m. More than 17 thousand Norwegians are engaged in oil production. The presence of large oil reserves has been established in Norwegian waters north of the Arctic Circle.

With the exception of fuel resources, Norway has few mineral reserves. Main metal resource- iron ore. Another large mine in the Rana region supplies the nearby large steel mill in the city of Mu.

Copper mined mainly in the far north. In the north there are also pyrite deposits, used to extract sulfur compounds for the chemical industry. Development of deposits is also underway building stone, including granite And marble.

Norway's manufacturing industry is developing at a slow pace due to a shortage of coal, a narrow domestic market and limited capital inflows. The manufacturing industry, construction and energy account for 26% gross output and 17% everyone employed. In recent years, they have developed energy-intensive industries. Major industries in Norway- electrometallurgical, electrochemical, pulp and paper, radio-electronic, shipbuilding. The Oslofjord region has the highest level of industrialization, where approximately half of the country's industrial enterprises are concentrated.

Leading industry - electrometallurgy, relying on the widespread use of cheap hydropower. Main product, aluminum, is made from imported aluminum oxide.

One of the main products of the electrochemical industry are nitrogen fertilizers. The nitrogen required for this is extracted from the air using large amounts of electricity. A significant part of nitrogen fertilizers is exported.

Pulp and paper industry is an important industrial sector in Norway. The production of various machines and transport equipment employs approx. 25% industrial workers in Norway. The most important areas of activity- shipbuilding And ship repair, production of equipment for production And electricity transmission. The textile, clothing and food industries produce few products for export. They satisfy most of Norway's own needs for food and clothing. These industries employ about 20% industrial workers of the country.

Flora and fauna

Since most of the country is covered by mountains, plateaus and glaciers, opportunities for plant growth and development are limited. Highlight five geobotanical regions: treeless coastal with meadows and shrubs, east of itdeciduous forests, further inland and north - coniferous forests, higher and even further northbelt of dwarf birches,ive And perennial herbs; finally, at the highest altitudes - belt of herbs, mosses And lichens. Coniferous forests - one of the most important natural resources Norway, they provide a variety of export products. In the Arctic region usually found reindeer, lemming,arctic fox And eider. In the forests to the very south of the country found ermine, hare, elk, fox, squirrel and - in small quantities - wolf And Brown bear. Noble deer common along the south coast.

Banks and money

Norwegian banknotes / Currency converter

Banks usually open on weekdays With 9 before 15 hours, and on Saturday- With 9 before 12:30 .

To Oslo bank at the train stationin summer And in September works in Weekdays With 8 before 19:30 , A on Saturday With 10 before 17 . Bank in an Aeroport open even on Sunday With 7 before 20 hours.

Unit of currency-Norwegian krone.

The main sources of income in the budget There is social security contributions, income taxes And on property, excise taxes And value added tax. The main expenditures were directed towards social security and housing construction, servicing external debt, public education and healthcare.

Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, having state status, is under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, Science and Religion and includes 11 dioceses. By law, the king and at least half of all ministers must confess Lutheranism, although changing this provision is being discussed. Church councils play a very active role in the life of parishes, especially in the west and south of the country. The Norwegian Church supported many public activities and equipped important missions to Africa and India. internal message . State ownedrailways length about 4 thousand km, of which over half are electrified. However, most of the population prefers to drive cars. Total length highways exceeds 90.3 thousand km, but only 74% some of them have a hard coating. In addition to railways and roads, there are ferry service And coastal shipping. In 1946, Norway, Sweden and Denmark founded the airline " Scandinavian Airlines Systems" Norway has developed local flights: it ranks among the first in the world in terms of domestic passenger transportation. Length of railways - 4077 km, of them 2518 kmelectrified.

You can take car rental. For this will be needed driver's license, identification document and credit card proving solvency. Also charged a number of duties.

Minerals

A country has large deposits various ore, non-ferrous metals, granite, feldspar and so on.

Norway - global manufacturerferromanganese, copper,zinc, titanium, molybdenum, tin, aluminum, magnesium, vanadium, cobalt, mica, ilmenite. As for mineral fuels, previously only small reserves of hard coal were known in the Spitsbergen archipelago.

However, the discovery of oil and gas fields on the continental shelf in the North and Norwegian Seas in the 1970s revolutionized the assessment of the country's fuel and energy potential. Oil reserves in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea were estimated in 1976 at 2.5 billion tons, A natural gas- V 708 billion cubic meters m. Reserves pyrites (sulfur pyrite), which in some places contain copper, and ilmenite (titanium ore), nickel, molybdenum And magnetite ores make up the metal ore minerals of Norway. Open in southern Norwayuranium deposits. Copper pyrite deposits are mainly in the central part of the country. Copper-nickel deposits sulphate ores are located on South, in the Ringerike area. Ilmenite ores, rich in titanium dioxide, found in large quantities in northern Norway And in the extreme southwest, in the area of the city of Egersund, where the deposit itself is called - Titania. It is the largest in Foreign Europe, and thanks to it Norway is considered one of the most important suppliers of ilmenite in the world.

Norway's iron ores contain little phosphorus, and this increases their quality, but at the same time they are all low in iron, which means they are subject to enrichment. The largest deposits of magnetite ores concentrated in the north of Norway - in the mines Servanger And Wound. However, the ores here also contain little iron. Deposits of richer iron ores available in the upper reaches Tronnheimsfjord. Norway has very large reserves building stone.

Agriculture

As in other Scandinavian countries, in Norway the share of agriculture in the economy has declined due to the development of the manufacturing industry. IN rural And forestry busy 5,2% working-age population of the country, and these industries provided only 2,2% general products. Natural conditions of Norway - high latitude position And short growing season, marginal soils, abundance of precipitation And cool summer- very complicate the development of agriculture. As a result, they are mainly grown feed crops and is of great importance dairy products. Every fourth Norwegian family cultivates its own plot.

Agriculture in Norway - low-profit industry, which is in an extremely difficult situation, despite subsidies provided to support peasant farms in remote areas and expand the country's food supply from internal resources. Country have to import most of the food they consume. Many farmers produce agricultural products in quantities only sufficient to meet family needs. Additional income gives work in fish or forestfarm.

Seasonal transhumance, in particular sheep, to mountain pastures ceased after World War II. Mountain pastures and temporary settlements, used only for a few weeks in the summer, are now no longer needed, as the collection of fodder crops in the fields around permanent settlements has increased.

Norwegian for a very long time" is looking closely"to the interlocutor, holds back his emotions and never does not evaluate events "at first sight". At the same time, with a sense of humor and quick reaction, contrary to established opinion, the local residents are doing well. Respect for elders a universally emphasized polite, respectful address to the elderly can be seen even among “informal” youth.

Traditions are very important in Norwegian society. The Royal Family is highly respected, so ironic remarks about the monarch not accepted in any form. Norse don't hug when meeting, but just shake hands, and often only indicate a handshake with the fingertips. Parting, they affectionately patting each other on the back.

Electricity

Norway is a country with a curious structure, the presence of which indicates an appropriate level of civility in health care. We are talking about health inspection Norway, which is a national government agency, which is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Human Services. This supervision is carried out over all services prescribed by law, regardless of whether they are represented by state medical institutions, municipal institutions, private companies or medical professionals who have their own medical practices. Supervisory authorities do not depend on the political situation, and have a significant degree of freedom, and their main method of action is industry monitoring. They are also involved in considering any shortcomings, non-compliance with established criteria, and complaints from individuals.

Work plan

1. General information about the country

2. Geographical location of Norway

3. Historical background

4. General overview of the economy

5. Population

6. Largest cities in Norway

7. Interesting and entertaining facts

Bibliography

1. General information about the country

Norway (Kingdom of Norway) is a state in Northern Europe, occupying the western and northern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Territory - 323895 sq. km.; together with the Spitsbergen archipelago, Jan Mayen Island, etc. - 387 thousand square meters. km. Population - about 4.3 million, Norwegians (98%), Sami, Kvens, Finns, Swedes, etc. Capital - Oslo. The official language is Norwegian. Religion - Lutheranism.

The monetary unit is Norwegian krone.

Norway gained state independence in 1905

Norway is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. Administrative - territorial division (18 county). The highest legislative body is the Storting (unicameral parliament). Executive power is exercised by the government appointed by the king.

2. Geographical location of Norway

Norway is located in a maritime temperate climate with cool summers (+6 - +15 degrees Celsius) and fairly warm winters (+2 - -12 degrees Celsius). Precipitation on the plain is 500-600 mm, on the windward side of the mountains the amount increases to 2000-2500 mm. The seas don't freeze.

Most of Norway's territory is occupied by the Scandinavian Mountains. The highest mountain peak in Northern Europe, Mount Gallhepiggen, is located here. The coastline of Norway is indented by long, deep bays called fjords. During the last ice age, a thick sheet of ice formed over Scandinavia. The ice, spreading to the sides, cut deep narrow valleys with steep banks. About 11,000 years ago, the ice sheet melted, ocean levels rose, and seawater flooded many of these valleys, creating Norway's spectacular fjords (see cover photo).

Norway has large reserves of hydropower, forests (productive forest occupies 23.3% of the territory), deposits of iron, copper, zinc, lead, nickel, titanium, molybdenum, silver, granite, marble, etc. Reliable oil reserves amount to more than 800 million tons ., natural gas - 1210 billion cubic meters. Total capital investment in the offshore oil sector reached a record NOK 60 billion, or 7.5% of GDP, and contributed significantly to the growth of other oil production equipment and related infrastructure industries. The purpose of this huge investment is to increase the profitability of the oil industry and improve the country's macroeconomics. Investments are mainly focused on the giant Stotford field, discovered 20 years ago at the dawn of Norway's oil era.

While oil production tends to decline, gas production in Norway is on the rise. Norway is successfully developing into an important gas producing country. Its share in the Western European gas market is approaching 15%. Gas production is expected to reach 70 billion cubic meters by the end of the century, and gas sales contracts have already exceeded the total volume of 50 billion cubic meters per year.

More than half of all discovered gas fields in Western Europe are located on the Norwegian continental shelf. According to representatives of the Norwegian state company Statoil, unlike the 20th century, which was the century of oil, the 21st century will apparently become the century of gas, especially due to the fact that concern for a clean environment is becoming the driving force behind the growth of its consumption.

Spitsbergen is an archipelago beyond the Arctic Circle. Territory - 62 thousand square meters. km. There are over 1 thousand islands in the archipelago. There is no indigenous population.

Spitsbergen, together with the Bear Island located to the south, form the administrative district of Norway, Svalbard, which is governed by a governor appointed by the King of Norway.

60% of the archipelago's territory is covered with ice. Of the minerals, only coal is of industrial importance. The waters of the archipelago are inhabited by cod, halibut, haddock, harp seal, seal, and beluga whale; on islands - polar bear, arctic fox, deer. However, fishing and hunting are carried out in limited quantities.

3. Historical background

Norway as a single state was formed at the end of the 9th century AD. At an early stage, contacts were established with the Russian principalities. The sons of Norwegian kings grew up at the princely courts in Russia, Russian princesses became queens of Norway. Norwegians traveled around Russia, served as guards for Russian princes (they were called Varangians), and there was an active exchange of goods. Subsequently, as a result of the devastating Black Death (plague) around 1350, Norway's economic situation worsened and the country fell under the rule of the Danish crown. In 1814, at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the victorious Allies forced Denmark to cede Norway to Sweden as compensation for its loss of Finland in 1809. Norway took this opportunity to declare independence and adopted the most democratic Constitution in Europe at that time, which is still in force today, although with significant amendments.

However, under the pressure of Sweden's military superiority and international isolation, Norway was forced to accept the inevitable. The Norwegian leadership voluntarily accepted the worthy offer of the Swedish crown to conclude a personal union with Sweden. Norway remained a separate state and retained its new Constitution. However, both kingdoms received one head of state and had to pursue a common foreign policy.

Over the next century there was a continuous growth of Norwegian national consciousness. Along with progress in industry, trade and shipping, there was a cultural revival. In politics, radical and democratic sentiments led to the emergence of opposition to the King of Sweden. Growing national consciousness emphasized the differences in living standards and lifestyles, as well as in political views, between Norway and Sweden. Influenced by diverging economic and foreign policy interests, the Norwegian parliament (Storting) voted in 1905 to break the union with Sweden. The ensuing referendum overwhelmingly supported the decision, and the two kingdoms separated peacefully. The first power to recognize Norway's new and completely independent status was the Russian Empire.

In the post-war period, Norway's political course was mainly determined by its participation in NATO (since 1949) and was aimed at close political and military-economic cooperation with the leading powers of this bloc (USA, UK, Germany). Norway's relations with the EEC are regulated by a free trade agreement (1973).

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