About our Norway news
Latest news on Norway, providing comprehensive coverage of politics, economy, culture, weather, crime, and developments in this Scandinavian nation.
Norway is a prosperous Nordic country with a population of approximately 5.7 million, situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula between the North Atlantic and the Arctic. The capital Oslo is home to over 1.1 million people, while other major cities include Bergen and Trondheim, each steeped in centuries of history. The nation's parliamentary democracy operates through the Storting, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre leading a Labour minority government following parliamentary elections in September 2025.
The Norwegian economy is underpinned by its massive oil and gas industry, with state revenues from petroleum activities funding the world's largest sovereign wealth fund. The Government Pension Fund Global holds assets exceeding $1.9 trillion, equivalent to over $340,000 per Norwegian citizen. Political debate centres on how much to spend from the fund versus saving for future generations, energy policy, and maintaining Norway's role as a stable energy supplier to Europe while pursuing climate commitments.
Norway's dramatic landscape of fjords, mountains, and coastal waters has shaped both its history and contemporary identity. The UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord represent some of the world's most spectacular natural formations, carved by ancient glaciers. Cities like Bergen preserve medieval architecture including the iconic Bryggen wharf, while Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral stands as the nation's spiritual heart. The Viking heritage remains central to Norwegian culture, with numerous museums, historical sites, and recreated settlements offering insights into this formative period.
Contemporary Norwegian society balances progressive social policies with traditional values, maintaining high standards of living through comprehensive welfare systems. The nation faces ongoing debates about immigration, taxation including the historic wealth tax, and economic diversification beyond petroleum dependence. Questions persist about productivity levels and whether the sovereign fund's wealth has created complacency, even as it provides extraordinary fiscal resilience.
Norway's history stretches from Viking Age kingdoms through centuries of union with Denmark and Sweden before gaining full independence in 1905. The discovery of North Sea oil and gas reserves transformed the economy from the 1970s onwards, enabling the creation of institutions like the sovereign fund while maintaining democratic traditions. This historical journey from seafaring heritage to modern prosperity continues to inform national identity and policy choices.
Staying informed about Norway requires following developments across multiple spheres, from Storting decisions and government policy to cultural events and environmental initiatives. The NewsNow feed on Norway aggregates comprehensive, up-to-date coverage from reliable sources, ensuring you remain informed about political shifts, economic trends, cultural happenings, and the broader issues shaping this influential Scandinavian nation.