Country Profile: Norway

Norway, located in Northern Europe, boasts a rugged landscape characterized by fjords and mountains, with a population of approximately 5.5 million people. This high-income nation has a mixed economy heavily reliant on natural resources, particularly oil and gas, which have significantly bolstered its economic prosperity since their discovery in the late 1960s. Norway is structured as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, led by a king and an elected parliament, ensuring democratic governance. The country has opted not to join the EU, maintaining its independence while also being a key player in European energy security.

Geography

Norway is situated in Northern Europe, bordered by the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean to the west of Sweden. The country stretches over an area of 323,802 square kilometers, encompassing a coastline that extends 25,148 kilometers, noted for its deep fjords and numerous islands. The terrain is predominantly characterized by rugged mountains and high plateaus, with a climate that varies from temperate along the coast to colder inland regions.

2,566 km: Total land boundaries with Finland, Sweden, and Russia.
25,148 km: Length of Norway's coastline, including fjords and islands.
19,520 km²: Area covered by water.
33.5%: Forested area as of 2022.

People and Society

Norway has a population of about 5.5 million, with most residents living in the southern regions along the coast. The country is predominantly ethnic Norwegian, with a small percentage of immigrant communities. The official languages are Bokmål and Nynorsk Norwegian, with several Sami dialects recognized in certain municipalities. Norway enjoys a high standard of living and emphasizes a comprehensive social welfare system.

84%: Urban population as of 2023.
40.8 years: Median age of the population in 2024.
1.02: Sex ratio of males to females in total population (2024 est.).
82.9 years: Life expectancy at birth for the total population (2024).
4.98: Number of physicians per 1,000 population (2023).

Economy

Norway functions as a high-income, non-EU economy with a strong emphasis on trade, particularly in energy resources like oil and gas. The economy is bolstered by its oil sovereign fund, which supports an extensive welfare system. The country has low unemployment rates, and recent economic growth has been driven by robust industry and service sectors.

$507.68 billion: Real GDP in purchasing power parity for 2024.
4%: Unemployment rate projected for 2024.
51.8%: Contribution of the service sector to GDP in 2024.
2.1%: Real GDP growth rate estimated for 2024.

Government

Norway is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy consisting of a king and a unicameral parliament known as the Storting. The country’s governance structure allows for universal suffrage and the active participation of various political parties. Notably, Norway has a well-established legal framework that promotes democracy and civil rights.

12: Number of counties in Norway as of 2024.
169: Total seats in the Storting, with elections held every four years.
King Harald V: Current monarch since January 1991.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store: Head of government since October 2021.

Military and Security

The Norwegian Armed Forces comprise the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Home Guard, with ongoing commitments to NATO and other international missions. Norway enforces compulsory military service for both men and women, emphasizing a comprehensive defense strategy that adapts to modern security challenges.

2.2%: Projected military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for 2024.
27,000: Estimated active personnel in the armed forces as of 2024.
19-35 years: Age range for compulsory military service.
100: Number of deployed personnel primarily in support of NATO operations.

Energy

Norway is recognized for its role as a leader in energy production, especially in hydroelectric power, which constitutes the majority of its electricity generation. The country is also a significant exporter of oil and natural gas, making it crucial to European energy security.

100%: Electrification rate for the total population (2022).
89.1%: Share of hydroelectricity in total installed electricity capacity (2023).
2.02 million bbl/day: Total petroleum production estimated for 2023.

Environment

Norway faces environmental challenges, including water pollution and air quality issues. The country is committed to various international environmental agreements, aiming to improve sustainability and protect its natural resources.

33.5%: Percentage of forest cover as of 2022.
2.187 million tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually as of 2015.

Transportation

Norway possesses a well-developed transportation network, including railways, airports, and an extensive merchant marine fleet, facilitating both domestic and international travel.

146: Total number of airports in Norway (2025).
3,848 km: Length of railways, with 2,482 km electrified.

Communications

Norway boasts a high connectivity rate, with widespread access to the internet and modern telecommunication services. The country has made advancements, including the transition to digital broadcasting.

99%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023).
6.09 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,509,733	2024 estimate
Area	323,802 sq km	Total area
GDP	$507.68 billion	2024 estimate in purchasing power parity
Energy Consumption per Capita	206.961 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	10.4 births/1,000 people	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy at Birth	82.9 years	2024 estimate
Urban Population	84% of total population	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	2.2% of GDP	2024 estimate
Electric Power Access	100%	2022 estimate