Country Profile: Norway

Norway is a Scandinavian country located in Northern Europe, known for its stunning landscapes characterized by rugged mountains, deep fjords, and a long coastline along the North Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. With a population of approximately 5.5 million, it boasts a high standard of living and a robust economy driven primarily by natural resources, including significant oil and gas reserves. Governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, Norway places a strong emphasis on social welfare and equity, supported by its oil sovereign fund. The nation has a history of neutrality, joining NATO in 1949 and maintaining its independence through a series of historical transformations since the Viking Age.

Geography

Norway is situated in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden to the east and flanked by the North Sea and North Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country's total area is approximately 323,802 sq km, composed of both land and extensive water bodies, including fjords and islands. The terrain is largely mountainous with a temperate coastal climate, experiencing significant rainfall, especially on the western coast.

25,148 km: Length of Norway's coastline, including numerous fjords and islands.
2,469 m: Highest point, Galdhopiggen.
33.3%: Percentage of forested land (2023).
2,566 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.

People and Society

Norway has a population of about 5.5 million (2024 est.), with the majority residing in the southern part of the country. The population is predominantly ethnic Norwegian, with a growing diversity due to immigration. The country has high levels of urbanization, with around 84% of inhabitants living in urban areas.

81.5%: Percentage of the population identifying as ethnic Norwegian.
40.8 years: Median age of the population (2024 est.).
1.02 male(s)/female: Overall sex ratio (2024 est.).
82.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).

Economy

Norway's economy is characterized as high-income and non-EU, benefiting from its status as a leading exporter of oil, gas, and electricity, which supports its extensive welfare system. The country's GDP (PPP) was estimated at $507.68 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 2.1%.

4%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
$91,100: GDP per capita (2024 est.).
51.8%: Contribution of the service sector to GDP (2024 est.).
37%: Contribution of industry to GDP (2024 est.).

Government

Norway operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the King as the head of state and a Prime Minister leading the government. The Parliament, known as Stortinget, consists of 169 members elected for four-year terms. Norway values democratic principles, with universal suffrage at age 18.

King HARALD V: Head of state since 1991.
Prime Minister: Jonas Gahr STORE since 2021.
12 counties: Administrative divisions of Norway (2024).
40.2%: Percentage of women in Parliament.

Military and Security

The Norwegian Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supported by approximately 27,000 active military personnel and a Home Guard of around 40,000. Norway has committed to enhancing its military capabilities, increasing expenditures to 3.4% of GDP by 2025.

3.4%: Projected military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2025.
19-35 years: Age range for compulsory military service.
Around 100: Number of troops deployed in Lithuania as part of NATO operations.
1985: Year Norway allowed women to serve in all combat arms branches.

Energy

Norway excels in clean energy production, primarily through hydropower, which constitutes 89.1% of its electricity generation capacity. The country also has substantial oil and natural gas resources, contributing significantly to its economy.

100%: Electrification rate of the total population (2022).
2.02 million bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 est.).
121.637 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023 est.).
30.978 billion kWh: Electricity exports (2023 est.).

Environment

Norway faces environmental challenges such as water pollution and acid rain, which impact its forests and aquatic ecosystems. The country is active in international environmental agreements and strives for sustainable practices in its use of natural resources.

35.3%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
38.535 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
2.7%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023 est.).
393 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.).

Transportation

Norway has a well-developed transportation infrastructure with 146 airports and an extensive railway system. The country also operates a merchant marine fleet with 1,720 vessels, enhancing its connectivity and trade capabilities.

3,848 km: Total railway network, with 2,482 km electrified.
141 ports: Total number of ports (2024).
113 heliports: Number of operational heliports (2025).

Communications

Norway has a highly modern communications network, with nearly 100% internet penetration and a dominance of mobile cellular subscriptions. The country has transitioned to digital broadcasting, being the first to fully phase out FM radio.

99%: Internet usage rate among the population (2023 est.).
6.09 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
2.49 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).
145,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,509,733	2024 estimate
Area	323,802 sq km	Total area
GDP	$507.68 billion	PPP for 2024
Energy consumption per capita	206.961 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth rate	10.4 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Unemployment	4%	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	82.9 years	2024 estimate
Military expenditure	3.4% of GDP	Projected for 2025
Urban population	84%	Total population
CO2 emissions	38.535 million metric tonnes	2023 estimate