Norway. Economic and geographical position. Natural conditions and resources. Tourist resources of Norway. Population density and distribution

Kingdom of Norway, a state in Northern Europe, in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Territory area - 385.2 thousand square meters. km. It ranks second in size (after Sweden) among the Scandinavian countries. The length of the border with Russia is 196 km, with Finland - 727 km, with Sweden - 1619 km. The length of the coastline is 2650 km, and taking into account the fjords and small islands - 25 148 km.

Norway is called the land of the midnight sun because 1/3 of the country lies north of the Arctic Circle, where the sun barely sets below the horizon from May to July. In the middle of winter on far north the polar night lasts almost around the clock, and in the south the daylight hours last only a few hours.
Norway is a country of picturesque landscapes, with jagged mountain ranges, glacier-carved valleys, and narrow, steep-sided fjords. The beauty of this country inspired the composer Edvard Grieg, who tried to convey in his works the mood swings inspired by the alternation of light and dark seasons of the year.

Norway has long been a country of seafarers, and most of its population is concentrated on the coast. The Vikings, experienced sailors who created an extensive system of overseas trade, ventured across the Atlantic Ocean and reached the New World ca. 1000 AD AT modern era the role of the sea in the life of the country is evidenced by the huge merchant fleet, which in 1997 occupied the sixth place in the world in terms of total tonnage, as well as the developed fish processing industry.

Norway is a hereditary democratic constitutional monarchy. It received state independence only in 1905. Prior to that, it was ruled first by Denmark and then by Sweden. The union with Denmark existed from 1397 to 1814, when Norway passed to Sweden.
The area of ​​the Norwegian mainland is 324 thousand square meters. km. The length of the country is 1770 km - from Cape Linnesnes in the south to the North Cape in the north, and its width ranges from 6 to 435 km. The shores of the country are washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Skagerrak in the south and the Arctic Ocean in the north. The total length of the coastline is 3,420 km, and including the fjords - 21,465 km. In the east, Norway borders on Russia (the length of the border is 196 km), Finland (720 km) and Sweden (1660 km).

Overseas possessions include the Spitsbergen archipelago, consisting of nine large islands (the largest of them is Western Spitsbergen) with a total area of ​​63 thousand square meters. km in the Arctic Ocean; o.Jan Mayen with an area of ​​380 sq. km in the North Atlantic Ocean between Norway and Greenland; small islands of Bouvet and Peter I in Antarctica. Norway claims Queen Maud Land in Antarctica.

NATURE

Terrain relief.

Norway occupies the western, mountainous part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. This is a large boulder, composed mainly of granites and gneisses and characterized by a rugged relief. The block is asymmetrically raised to the west, as a result, the eastern slopes (mainly in Sweden) are more gentle and long, and the western ones, facing the Atlantic Ocean, are very steep and short. In the south, within Norway, both slopes are present, and between them there is a vast upland.

To the north of the border between Norway and Finland, only a few peaks rise above 1200 m, but towards the south the heights of the mountains gradually increase, reaching maximum heights of 2469 m (Mount Gallhöppigen) and 2452 m (Mount Glittertinn) in the Jutunheimen massif. Other elevated areas of the highlands are only slightly inferior in height. These include Dovrefjell, Ronnane, Hardangervidda and Finnmarksvidda. Bare rocks are often exposed there, devoid of soil and vegetation cover. Outwardly, the surface of many highlands is more like gently undulating plateaus, and such areas are called "vidda".

During the great ice age, glaciation developed in the mountains of Norway, but modern glaciers are small. The largest of them are Jostedalsbre (the largest glacier in Europe) in the Jotunheimen mountains, Svartisen in northern central Norway and Folgefonni in the Hardangervidda region. The small Engabre glacier, located at 70° N, approaches the shore of the Kvenangenfjord, where small icebergs calve at the end of the glacier. However, usually the snow line in Norway is located at altitudes of 900-1500 m. Many features of the country's topography were formed during the Ice Age. Probably, there were several continental glaciations then, and each of them contributed to the development of glacial erosion, deepening and straightening of the ancient river valleys and their transformation into picturesque U-shaped steep troughs, deeply cutting through the surface of the uplands.

After the melting of the continental glaciation, the lower reaches of the ancient valleys were flooded, where fjords formed. The fjord shores amaze with their extraordinary picturesqueness and are of great economic importance. Many fjords are very deep. For example, Sognefjord, located 72 km north of Bergen, reaches a depth of 1308 m in the lower part. A chain of coastal islands - the so-called. skergor (in Russian literature, the Swedish term shkhergord is more often used) protects the fjords from strong westerly winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean. Some islands are exposed rocks washed by the surf, others reach considerable sizes.

Most Norwegians live on the banks of the fjords. The most significant are Oslo Fjord, Hardanger Fjord, Sognefjord, Nord Fjord, Stor Fjord and Tronnheims Fjord. The main occupations of the population are fishing in the fjords, agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry in some places along the banks of the fjords and in the mountains. In the fjord areas, industry is poorly developed, except for individual manufacturing enterprises that use rich hydropower resources. In many parts of the country, bedrock comes to the surface.

Water resources.

In the east of Norway are the largest rivers, including the Glomma 591 km long. In the west of the country the rivers are short and fast. There are many picturesque lakes in southern Norway. Lake Mjosa, the largest in the country, with an area of ​​390 sq. km is located in the southeast. At the end of the 19th century Several small canals have been constructed connecting the lakes to seaports on the south coast, but these are now little used. The hydropower resources of the rivers and lakes of Norway make a significant contribution to its economic potential.

Climate.

Despite the northern position, Norway has a favorable climate with cool summers and relatively mild (for the corresponding latitudes) winters - the result of the Gulf Stream. The average annual precipitation varies from 3330 mm in the west, where moisture-carrying winds are the first to arrive, to 250 mm in some isolated river valleys in the east of the country. The average January temperature of 0°C is typical for the southern and western coasts, while in the interior it drops to -4°C or less. In July, average temperatures on the coast are approx. 14 ° C, and in the interior - approx. 16 ° C, but there are higher.

Soils, flora and fauna.

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, the opportunities for plant growth and development are limited. Five geobotanical regions are distinguished: a treeless coastal region with meadows and shrubs, deciduous forests to the east of it, coniferous forests further inland and to the north, a belt of dwarf birches, willows and perennial grasses higher and even further to the north; finally, at the highest altitudes - a belt of grasses, mosses and lichens. Coniferous forests are one of Norway's most important natural resources and provide a variety of export products. Reindeer, lemmings, arctic foxes and eiders are commonly found in the Arctic region. In the forests to the very south of the country, ermine, hare, elk, fox, squirrel and - in small numbers - wolf and Brown bear. The red deer is distributed along the southern coast.

POPULATION

Demography.

Norway's population is small and growing at a slow pace. In 2004, 4574 thousand people lived in the country. In 2004, per 1,000 people, the birth rate was 11.89, the death rate was 9.51, and the population growth was 0.41%. This figure is higher than natural population growth due to immigration, which in the 1990s reached 8-10 thousand people a year. Improvements in health and living standards have ensured a steady, albeit slow, increase in population over the last two generations. Norway, along with Sweden, is characterized by record low rates of infant mortality - 3.73 per 1000 newborns (2004) against 7.5 in the USA. In 2004 life expectancy for men was 76.64 years and for women 82.01 years. Although Norway's divorce rate was below some of its neighboring Nordic countries, after 1945 this figure increased, and in the mid-1990s, about half of all marriages ended in divorce (as in the US and Sweden). 48% of children born in Norway in 1996 are illegitimate. After the restrictions introduced in 1973, for some time immigration was sent to Norway mainly from the Scandinavian countries, but after 1978 a significant stratum of people of Asian origin appeared (about 50 thousand people). In the 1980s and 1990s, Norway accepted refugees from Pakistan, African countries and the republics of the former Yugoslavia.

In July 2005, 4.59 million people lived in the country. 19.5% of residents were under the age of 15, 65.7% were between the ages of 15 and 64, and 14.8% were 65 or older. The average age of a resident of Norway is 38.17 years. In 2005, per 1,000 people, the birth rate was 11.67, the death rate was 9.45, and the population growth was 0.4%. Immigration in 2005 - 1.73 per 1000 people. Infant mortality - 3.7 per 1000 newborns. The average life expectancy is 79.4 years.

Density and distribution of the population.

Apart from Iceland, Norway is the least populated country in Europe. In addition, the distribution of the population is extremely uneven. Oslo, the capital, is home to 495,000 people (1997), and about a third of the country's population is concentrated in the Oslofjord area. Other large cities - Bergen (224 thousand), Trondheim (145 thousand), Stavanger (106 thousand), Berum (98 thousand), Kristiansand (70 thousand), Fredrikstad (66 thousand), Tromsø (57 thousand .) and Drammen (53 thousand). The capital city is located at the top of the Oslofjord, where ocean-going ships dock close to the town hall. Bergen also occupies an advantageous position at the top of the fjord. The tomb of the kings of ancient Norway is located in Trondheim, founded in 997 AD, famous for its cathedral and Viking Age sites.

It is noteworthy that almost all major cities are located either on the coast of the sea or the fjord, or close to them. The strip, confined to a winding coastline, has always been attractive for settlements due to its access to the sea and temperate climatic conditions. With the exception of large valleys in the east and some areas in the west of the central highlands, all interior highlands are sparsely populated. However, certain areas are visited in certain seasons by hunters, nomadic Sami with herds of reindeer or Norwegian farmers who graze their livestock there. After the construction of new and reconstruction of old roads, as well as with the opening of air traffic, some mountainous areas became available for permanent residence. The main occupations of the inhabitants of such remote areas are mining, servicing hydroelectric power plants and tourists.

Farmers and fishermen live in small settlements scattered along the banks of the fjords or river valleys. Farming in the highlands is difficult, and many small, marginal farms have been abandoned there. Not counting Oslo and its environs, the population density ranges from 93 people per 1 sq. km in Vestfold, southwest of Oslo, up to 1.5 people per 1 sq. km. km in Finnmark in the far north of the country. Approximately every fourth inhabitant of Norway lives in a rural area.

Ethnography and language.

Norwegians are an extremely homogeneous people of Germanic origin. A special ethnic group is the Saami, who number approx. 20 thousand. They have lived in the far north for at least 2 thousand years, and some of them still lead a nomadic lifestyle.
Despite the ethnic homogeneity of Norway, two forms of the Norwegian language are clearly distinguished. Bokmål, or bookish language (or riksmol - the state language), which is used by most Norwegians, originated from the Danish-Norwegian language, common in the environment educated people at a time when Norway was under Danish rule (1397-1814). Nynoshk, or New Norwegian language (otherwise called Lansmol - rural language), received formal recognition in the 19th century. It was created by the linguist I. Osen on the basis of rural, mainly western, dialects with an admixture of elements of the medieval Old Norse language. Approximately one-fifth of all schoolchildren voluntarily choose to study as a nurse. This language is widely used in rural areas in the west of the country. At present, there is a tendency to merge both languages ​​into a single one - the so-called. Samnoshk.

Religion.

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, which has 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 be Lutheran, although there is discussion about changing this provision. 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 events and equipped important missions to Africa and India. In terms of the number of missionaries in relation to population, Norway probably ranks first in the world. Since 1938 women have been entitled to be priests. The first woman was appointed a priest in 1961. The vast majority of Norwegians (86%) belong to the state church. Church ceremonies such as the baptism of children, the confirmation of adolescents, and the funeral of the dead are widespread. A large audience is collected by daily radio programs on religious topics. However, only 2% of the population attend church regularly.

Despite the state status of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Norwegians enjoy complete freedom of religion. Under a law passed in 1969, the state also provides financial support to other officially registered churches and religious organizations. In 1996, the most numerous of them were Pentecostals (43.7 thousand), Lutheran Free Church (20.6 thousand), United Methodist Church (42.5 thousand), Baptists (10.8 thousand), denominations of Jehovah's Witnesses (15.1 thousand) and Seventh-day Adventists (6.3 thousand), the Missionary Union (8 thousand), as well as Muslims (46.5 thousand), Catholics (36.5 thousand) and Jews (1 thousand).

The religious composition of the population in 2004: parishioners of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church - 85.7%, Pentecostals - 1%, Catholics - 1%, other Christians - 2.4%, Muslims - 1.8%, others - 8.1%.

STATE AND POLITICAL ORGANIZATION

State device.

Norway is a constitutional monarchy. Norway has a constitution of 1814 with numerous subsequent amendments and additions. King of Norway (since January 17, 1991) - Harald V. The king communicates between the three branches of government. The monarchy is hereditary, and since 1990 the eldest son or daughter has passed the throne, although Princess Mertha Louise has made an exception to this rule. Officially, the King makes all political appointments, attends all ceremonies, and chairs (along with the Crown Prince) formal weekly meetings. State Council(government). Executive power is vested in the Prime Minister, who acts on behalf of the King. The Cabinet of Ministers consists of the Prime Minister and 16 ministers who head their respective departments. Since October 2005, the post of Prime Minister of Norway has been occupied by the leader of the Norwegian Workers' Party, Jens Stoltenberg. Legislative power belongs to the Storting (parliament), since 2005 it consists of 169 deputies (previously -165).

The government is collectively responsible for the policy, although each minister has the right to publicly express disagreement on a particular issue. Cabinet members are approved by the majority party or coalition in parliament - the Storting. They may participate in parliamentary debates but do not have the right to vote. The posts of civil servants are granted after passing competitive examinations.

Legislative power is vested in the Storting, which has 165 members elected for a four-year term by party lists in each of the 19 counties (counties). A deputy is elected for each member of the Storting. Thus, there is always a replacement for those who are absent and for members of the Storting who have joined the government. Voting rights in Norway are vested in all citizens who have reached the age of 18 and have lived in the country for at least five years. In order to be nominated to the Storting, citizens must have lived in Norway for at least 10 years and, by the time of the election, have had a place of residence in this constituency. After the elections, the Storting is divided into two chambers - the Lagting (41 deputies) and the Odelsting (124 deputies). Formal bills (as opposed to resolutions) must be discussed and voted on by both houses separately, but in case of disagreement, a 2/3 majority in a joint meeting of the houses must be met to pass the bill. However, most cases are decided at meetings of commissions, the composition of which is appointed depending on the representation of the parties. The Lagting also meets with the Supreme Court to discuss impeachment proceedings against any government official on the Odelsting. Minor complaints against the government are considered by a special commissioner of the Storting - the ombudsman. Amendments to the constitution require approval by a 2/3 majority at two consecutive meetings of the Storting.

Judiciary.
Supreme Court(Høyesterett) consists of five judges who hear civil and criminal appeals from the five regional courts of appeal (Lagmannsrett). The latter, consisting of three judges each, simultaneously serve as courts of first instance in more serious criminal cases. At a lower level, there is a city or county court headed by a professional judge, assisted by two lay assistants. Each city also has an arbitration board (forliksråd) consisting of three citizens elected by the local council to mediate local disputes.
Local government.
The territory of Norway is divided into 19 regions (fylke), the city of Oslo is equated to one of them. These areas are subdivided into urban and rural districts (communes). Each of them has a council whose members are elected for a term of four years. Above the county councils is the regional council, which is elected by direct vote. Local governments have large funds, having the right to self-taxation. These funds are directed to education, health and social welfare, as well as infrastructure development. However, the police are subordinate to the State Department of Justice, and some powers are concentrated at the regional level. In 1969, the Union of the Norwegian Sami was organized, and in 1989 the parliamentary assembly of this people (Sameting) was elected. The Svalbard archipelago is governed by a governor based there.

Political parties Norway has a multi-party system. In the elections held in September 2005, the center-left coalition, which included the Norwegian Workers' Party, the Socialist Left Party and the Center Party, won.

The Norwegian Workers' Party (NRP) is a social democratic, part of the Socialist International and proclaims the principles of democratic socialism. Founded in 1887, it claimed to be a radical alternative to the political establishment. In 1919 she joined the Communist International, but left it in 1923. In the elections of 1927 the ILP became the largest party and in 1928 for the first time formed a government that lasted only 2 weeks in power. In the beginning. In the 1930s, the party officially abandoned revolutionary rhetoric and proclaimed a reformist political course. In 1935 the CHP came back to power and retained it until 1965 (with the exception of the period of German occupation in 1940-1945 and one month in 1963). The cabinets were headed by ILP leaders J. Nygorsvoll (1935-1940), Einar Gerhardsen (1945-1951, 1955-1963 and 1963-1965) and Oskar Thorp (1951-1955). During this period, the party advocated the expansion of state regulation of the economy and the social sphere, the provision of full employment, the reduction of working hours, the reduction of taxes on people with low and medium incomes, and the development of industrial democracy. Having ceded power to a coalition of bourgeois parties in 1965, the CHP was again the ruling party in 1971-1972, 1973-1981, 1986-1989, 1990-1997 and 2000-2001 -1981, Gro Harlem Brundtland in 1981, 1986-1989 and 1990-1997), Thorbjørn Jagland in 1997 and Jens Stoltenberg in 2000-2001). In the 1980s and 1990s, CHP governments pursued austerity policies, privatized parts of the public and service sectors, and reduced tax progressivity. This was the reason for the defeat of the party in the 2001 elections. In 2005, by proposing a more active social policy in favor of people with low and middle incomes, the CHP collected 32.7% of the vote and received 61 seats in the Storting. Party leader - Jens Stoltenberg (Prime Minister).
The Socialist Left Party (SLP) was formed in 1975 on the basis of the merger of the Socialist People's Party (created by opponents of NATO and supporters of Norway's neutrality, who broke away from the CHP in 1961) and a number of other leftist parties that created the Socialist Electoral Union in 1973. The SLP advocated for a policy of peace and disarmament, for reducing economic inequality and reducing unemployment, limiting large private enterprise, developing and democratizing the public sector, active social policy and expanding the powers of local government. In recent decades, he has given priority to the problems of education, as well as the protection environment and calls itself a "left-green" party. Opposes Norway's membership in the European Union (EU), condemned the dispatch of Western troops to Afghanistan in 2001 and the US-led military intervention in Iraq in 2003. In the 2005 elections, the SLP garnered 8.8% of the vote and won 15 seats in the Storting. Leader - Kristin Halvorsen.

The Center Party (PC) was founded in 1920 as the political wing of the farmers' movement. Until 1959 it was called the "Peasant Party". Currently seeks to rely on all segments of the population. The LC advocates the decentralization of political and economic power and capital, the expansion of local government and the protection of the environment. In the 1930s, the extreme right sentiment was strong in the party, but subsequently its policy was distinguished by pragmatism. Participated in the bourgeois coalition governments in 1963, 1965-1971 (this cabinet was headed by the leader of the PC Per Borten), 1972-1973, 1983-1986, 1989-1990 and 1997-2000. Strongly opposed to Norway joining the EU. In the 2005 elections, she acted in a bloc with leftist parties, collected 6.5% of the vote and has 11 seats in parliament. Leader - Oslaug Haga.

Opposition parties:

"Party of Progress" - right nationalist party, was formed in 1973 by politician Anders Lange, who put forward the slogan of radical tax cuts. The party calls for cuts in government spending, incl. for social needs, to limit government bureaucracy, privatization and to reduce immigration to Norway. Other right-wing and centre-right parties avoid a formal coalition with the Progress Party, but sometimes enjoy the support of its MPs in parliament. In the 2005 elections, it became the second most powerful political party in the country, receiving 22% of the vote and 38 seats in the Storting. Leader - Carl Ivar Hagen.

The Høire (Right) Party is Norway's traditional conservative party. It exists since the 1860s, officially took shape in 1884. The party advocates the development of private property and private enterprise (the so-called "democracy of owners"), tax cuts, social spending, state regulation of the economy and accession to the EU. In the field of rights and freedoms, he occupies rather liberal positions (supports granting homosexuals the right to adopt children). The party has repeatedly headed the country's governments (Jon Leung in 1963, Kore Willok in 1981-1986, Jan Per Suce in 1989-1990), and also participated in coalition cabinets in 1965-1971, 1972-1973 and 2001-2005. In the 2005 elections, she won 14.1% of the vote and won 23 seats in the Storting. Leader - Erna Solberg.

The "Christian People's Party" (HNP) was formed in 1933 by former members of the country's liberal party. It is based on the traditional values ​​of the Lutheran Church, advocates for the protection of the family, against abortion and the expansion of gay rights, as well as against the development of biotechnology. In the socio-economic field, the HNP recognizes the need for state care for citizens, but calls for limiting the participation of the state in economic life. Its representatives led coalition governments in 1972-1973 (Lars Korvald), 1997-2000 and 2001-2005 (Kjell Magne Bondevik); The HNP also took part in the ruling coalitions in 1963, 1965-1971, 1983-1986 and 1989-1990. In the 2005 elections, the party won 6.5% of the vote and has 11 seats in the Storting. Leader - Dagfinn Heybroten.

The Venstre (Left) party is a traditional liberal party that took shape in 1884 and played a leading role in the struggle for Norway to gain independence from Sweden. The party advocates from the positions of social liberalism: it stands up for the development of private initiative, but recognizes the need for state regulation in the social sphere, in education, environmental protection, etc. In 1963, 1965-1971 and 1972-1973 the Liberals participated in coalition governments. However, an active campaign for Norway's accession to the European Economic Community in the beginning. The 1970s led to a sharp drop in the popularity of Venstre: its representation in parliament was reduced to 2 deputies in 1973, and in 1985 it did not achieve the election of any of its candidates at all. Returning to the Storting in 1993, the Liberals served in coalition governments in 1997-2000 and 2001-2005. In the 2005 elections, the party received 5.9% of the vote and has 10 seats in parliament. Leader - Lars Sponheim.

"Red Electoral Alliance" - formed in 1973 as an election front led by the Maoist "Workers' Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist)", in 1991 turned into a separate party advocating revolutionary Marxism. From the beginning In the 1990s, the alliance partly broke with Stalinism and Maoism. In 1993-1997 he was represented in the Storting. In the 2005 elections, he collected 1.2% of the vote; no deputies in parliament. Leader - Thorsten Dale.
"Coastal Party" - protects the interests of fishermen and whalers. In 1997, not yet a party, it acted as an electoral list and won 1st seat in parliament, in 1999 it took shape in a political party. In 2001, she also held 1 deputy in the Storting. In the 2005 elections, she collected only 0.8% of the vote and lost her parliamentary representation. Leader - Roy Waage.

The country also has an ecological party "The Greens", "Liberal People's Party", "Workers' Communist Party", "Norwegian Communist Party", "Democrats" Party, "Christian Unity Party", "Fatherland Party", "Sami People's Party", Trotskyist organizations (the Internationalist League, the International Socialists, the Internationale), the anarcho-syndicalist Norwegian Syndicalist Federation (founded in 1916), and others.

Military establishment.

The armed forces of Norway consist of the army (land forces), the royal navy (including coast rangers and coast guards), the royal air force and the home guard. Under the long-established universal conscription law, all males between the ages of 19 and 45 are required to serve 6 to 12 months in the army or 15 months in the navy or air force. The army, which has five regional divisions, in peacetime has approx. 14 thousand military personnel and is located mainly in the north of the country. Local defense forces (83 thousand people) are trained to perform special tasks in certain areas. The navy has 4 patrol ships, 12 submarines and 28 small coastal patrol vessels. In 1997, the contingent of military sailors totaled 4.4 thousand. In the same year, there were 3.7 thousand people in the air force personnel, 80 fighters, as well as transport aircraft, helicopters, communications and educational units. A system has been created in the Oslo region missile defense Nika. The Norwegian Armed Forces take part in UN peacekeeping missions. The number of soldiers and reserve officers is 230 thousand. In 2003, military spending amounted to 1.9% of GDP ..

Foreign policy.

Norway is a small country that, due to its geographical location and dependence on world trade, actively participates in international life. Norway is a member of the UN and its specialized organizations (Norwegian Trygve Lie was in 1946-1953 the first Secretary General of the UN). From 1949 the main political parties supported Norway's participation in NATO. Scandinavian cooperation was reinforced by participation in the Nordic Council (this organization stimulates the cultural community of the Scandinavian countries and ensures mutual respect for the rights of their citizens), as well as efforts to create a Scandinavian customs union. Norway assisted in the creation of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and has been a member since 1960, and is also a member of the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation. In 1962, the Norwegian government applied to join the European Common Market and in 1972 agreed to the conditions for admission to this organization. However, in a referendum held the same year, Norwegians voted against participation in the common market. In a referendum in 1994, the population did not agree with Norway's accession to the EU, while its neighbors and partners Finland and Sweden joined this union. In 2003, Norway sent troops to Iraq as part of the US-led coalition.

ECONOMY

In the 19th century most Norwegians were employed in agriculture, forestry and fishing. In the 20th century agriculture was replaced by new industries based on the use of cheap hydropower and raw materials coming from farms and forests, mined from the seas and mines. The merchant fleet played a decisive role in the growth of the country's welfare. Since the 1970s, offshore oil and gas production has grown rapidly North Sea, which made Norway the largest supplier of these products to the Western European market and second place in the world (after Saudi Arabia) in terms of supplies to the world market.

Gross domestic product.

In terms of per capita income, Norway is one of the richest countries in the world. In 2005, gross domestic product (GDP), i.e. the total value of market goods and services was estimated at $194.7 billion, or $42.4 thousand per capita. Real GDP growth - 3.8%. In 2005, agriculture and fisheries accounted for 2.2% of GDP, industry - 37.2%, services - 60.6%. Unemployment 4.2% (2005)
The share of extractive industry (due to oil production in the North Sea) and construction in 2003 was approx. 36.2% of GDP compared to 25% in Sweden. Approximately 25% of GDP was directed to government spending (26% in Sweden, 25% in Denmark). In Norway, an unusually high share of GDP (20.5%) was directed to capital investment (in Sweden 15%, in the USA 18%). As in other Scandinavian countries, a relatively small share of GDP (50%) goes to personal consumption (in Denmark - 54%, in the USA - 67%).

Economical geography.

There are five economic regions in Norway: East (the historical province of Estland), South (Sørland), Southwest (Vestland), Central (Trönnelag) and North (Nur-Norge).

The Eastern region (Estland) is characterized by long river valleys, falling to the south and converging to the Oslo Fjord, and inland areas occupied by forests and tundra. The latter occupies high plateaus between large valleys. About half of the country's forest resources are concentrated in this area. Almost half of the country's population lives in the valleys and on both banks of the Oslo Fjord. This is the most economically developed part of Norway. The city of Oslo has a wide range of industrial sectors, including metallurgy, engineering, flour milling, printing, and almost the entire textile industry. Oslo is the center of shipbuilding. The Oslo region accounts for approximately 1/5 of all those employed in the country's industry.

Southeast of Oslo, where the Glomma flows into the Skagerrak, lies the city of Sarpsborg, the second largest industrial center in the country. The Skagerrak is home to sawmilling and pulp and paper industries that use local raw materials. For this purpose, the forest resources of the Glomma river basin are used. On the western shore of the Oslo Fjord, southwest of Oslo, there are cities whose industries are related to the sea and seafood processing. This is the center of shipbuilding Tønsberg and the former base of the Norwegian whaling fleet Sandefjord. Noshk Hydru, the country's second largest industrial concern, produces nitrogen fertilizers and other chemical products at a huge plant in Herøya. Drammen, located on the banks of the western branch of the Oslofjord, is a processing center for wood coming from the forests of Hallingdal.

The southern region (Sørland), open to the Skagerrak, is the least developed economically. A third of the district is covered with forests and was once an important center for the timber trade. At the end of the 19th century there was a significant outflow of people from this area. Currently, the population is mostly concentrated in a chain of small coastal towns that are popular summer resorts. The main industrial enterprises are the metallurgical plants in Kristiansand, producing copper and nickel.

About a quarter of the country's population is concentrated in the Southwestern region (Westland). Between Stavanger and Kristiansund, 12 large fjords penetrate deep into the land and the heavily indented shores are framed by thousands of islands. The development of agriculture is limited due to the mountainous terrain of fjords and rocky islands fringed by steep high banks, where glaciers have torn away loose sediments in the past. Agriculture is confined to river valleys and terraced areas along the fjords. In these places, in a maritime climate, fat pastures are common, and in some coastal areas - orchards. In terms of the length of the growing season, Westland ranks first in the country. The ports of southwestern Norway, in particular Ålesund, serve as bases for the winter herring fishery. Throughout the region, often in secluded places on the banks of the fjords, metallurgical and chemical plants are dispersed, using rich hydropower resources and ports that do not freeze all year round. Bergen is the area's main manufacturing center. Machine-building, flour-grinding and textile enterprises are located in this city and neighboring villages. Since the 1970s, Stavanger, Sandnes and Sula have been the main hubs from which oil and gas production infrastructure is maintained offshore the North Sea and where oil refineries are located.

The fourth most important among the major economic regions of Norway is West-Central (Trönnelag), adjacent to the Tronnheims Fjord, with its center in Trondheim. The relatively flat surface and fertile soils on maritime clays favored the development of agriculture, which proved to be competitive with that of the Oslofjord area. A quarter of the territory is covered with forests. In the area under consideration, deposits of valuable minerals are being developed, especially copper ores and pyrites (Löcken - from 1665, Folldal, etc.).
The northern region (Nur-Norge) is located mostly to the north of the Arctic Circle. Although there are no large reserves of timber and hydropower, as in the north of Sweden and Finland, the shelf zone contains the richest fish resources in the Northern Hemisphere. The coastline is very long. Fishing, the oldest occupation in the north, is still widespread, but the mining industry is becoming increasingly important. In terms of the development of this industry, Northern Norway occupies a leading position in the country. Iron ore deposits are being developed, in particular in Kirkenes near the border with Russia. There are significant deposits of iron ore in the Rana near the Arctic Circle. The extraction of these ores and work at the metallurgical plant in Mo i Rana attracted immigrants from other parts of the country to this area, but the population of the entire Northern region does not exceed the population of Oslo.

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 1996, 5.2% of the working-age population of the country was employed in agriculture and forestry, and these industries provided only 2.2% of the total output. The natural conditions of Norway - high-latitude position and a short growing season, infertile soils, an abundance of precipitation and cool summers - greatly complicate the development of agriculture. As a result, mainly fodder crops are grown and dairy products are of great importance. In 1996, approx. 3% of the total area. 49% of agricultural land was used for hay and fodder crops, 38% for cereals or legumes and 11% for pastures. Barley, oats, potatoes and wheat are the main food crops. In addition, every fourth Norwegian family cultivates their personal plot.

Agriculture in Norway is an unprofitable branch of the economy, 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 domestic resources. The country has to import most of the food it consumes. Many farmers produce only enough agricultural products to meet family needs. Additional income comes from work in fisheries or forestry. Despite the objective difficulties in Norway, wheat production increased significantly, which in 1996 reached 645 thousand tons (in 1970 - only 12 thousand tons, and in 1987 - 249 thousand tons).

After 1950, many small farms were abandoned or taken over by large landowners. In the period 1949-1987, 56 thousand farms ceased to exist, and by 1995 another 15 thousand. However, despite the concentration and mechanization of agriculture, 82.6% of the peasant farms in Norway in 1995 had land plots of less than 20 hectares (the average plot was 10 .2 ha) and only 1.4% - over 50 ha.

The seasonal driving of livestock, in particular sheep, to mountain pastures ceased after the Second World War. Mountain pastures and temporary settlements (seters), which were used for only a few weeks in the summer, are no longer needed, as the collection of fodder crops in the fields around the permanent settlements has increased.

Fishing has long been a source of wealth for the country. In 1995, Norway ranked tenth in the world in fisheries development, while in 1975 it held fifth place. The total fish catch in 1995 was 2.81 million tons, or 15% of the total European catch. The export of fish for Norway is a source of foreign exchange earnings: in 1996, 2.5 million tons of fish, fishmeal and fish oil were exported for a total of 4.26 million dollars.

Coastal banks near Ålesund are the main herring fishing area. Due to overfishing, herring production decreased sharply from the late 1960s to 1979, but then began to grow again and in the late 1990s significantly exceeded the level of the 1960s. Herring is the main object of fishery. In 1996, 760.7 thousand tons of herring were harvested. In the 1970s, artificial breeding of salmon began, mainly off the southwestern coast of the country. In this new industry, Norway occupies a leading position in the world: in 1996, 330 thousand tons were mined - three times more than in the UK, which is Norway's competitor. Cod and shrimp are also valuable components of the catch.
Cod fishing areas are concentrated in the north, off the coast of Finnmark, as well as in the fjords of the Lofoten Islands. In February-March, cod come to spawn in these more sheltered waters. Most fishermen fish for cod using small family boats and farm the rest of the year on farms dotted along the coast of Norway. Fishing areas for cod in the Lofoten Islands are judged according to established tradition, depending on the size of the boats, the type of nets, the location and the duration of the fishery. Most of the fresh-frozen cod is sold to the Western European market. Dried and salted cod is sold mainly to West Africa, Latin America and the Mediterranean.

Norway was once the world's leading whaling power. In the 1930s, its whaling fleet in Antarctic waters supplied 2/3 of the world's production to the market. However, reckless capture soon led to a sharp decline in the number of large whales. In the 1960s whaling in Antarctica was discontinued. In the mid-1970s, there were no whaling ships left in the Norwegian fishing fleet. However, fishermen still kill small whales. The annual slaughter of some 250 whales caused serious international controversy in the late 1980s, but as a member of the International Whale Commission, Norway stubbornly rejected all attempts to ban whaling. She also ignored the 1992 International Convention on the Cessation of Whaling.

Mining industry.

The Norwegian sector of the North Sea contains large reserves of oil and natural gas. According to estimates in 1997, industrial oil reserves in this region were estimated at 1.5 billion tons, and gas - at 765 billion cubic meters. m. 3/4 of the total reserves and oil fields in Western Europe are concentrated here. In terms of oil reserves, Norway is ranked 11th in the world. Half of all gas reserves in Western Europe are concentrated in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, and Norway holds the 10th place in the world in this respect. Prospective oil reserves reach 16.8 billion tons, and gas - 47.7 trillion. cube m. More than 17 thousand Norwegians are engaged in oil production. The presence of large oil reserves in the waters of Norway north of the Arctic Circle has been established. Oil production in 1996 exceeded 175 million tons, and natural gas production in 1995 - 28 billion cubic meters. m. The main fields under development are Ekofisk, Sleipner and Thor-Valhall southwest of Stavanger and Troll, Oseberg, Gullfaks, Frigg, Statfjord and Murchison west of Bergen, as well as Dreugen and Haltenbakken further north. Oil production began at the Ekofisk field in 1971 and increased throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In the late 1990s, the rich new deposits of Heidrun near the Arctic Circle and Baller were discovered. In 1997, oil production in the North Sea was three times higher than 10 years ago, and its further growth was only held back by reduced demand in the world market. 90% of the produced oil is exported. Norway started gas production in 1978 at the Frigg field, half of which is in British territorial waters. Pipelines have been laid from Norwegian deposits to the UK and countries Western Europe. The fields are being developed by the state company Statoil together with foreign and private Norwegian oil firms.

Explored oil reserves for 2002 - 9.9 billion barrels, gas - 1.7 trillion cubic meters. m. Oil production in 2005 amounted to 3.22 million barrels per day, gas in 2001 - 54.6 billion cubic meters. m.

With the exception of fuel resources, Norway has few mineral resources. The main metal resource is iron ore. In 1995, Norway produced 1.3 million tons of iron ore concentrate, mainly from the Sør-Varangergra mines in Kirkenes near the Russian border. Another large mine in the Rana region supplies the nearby large steel plant in the city of Mu.

Copper is mined mainly in the far north. In 1995, 7.4 thousand tons of copper were mined. In the north there are also deposits of pyrites used to extract sulfur compounds for the chemical industry. Several hundred thousand tons of pyrites were mined annually, until this production was curtailed in the early 1990s. Europe's largest ilmenite deposit is located at Tellnes in Southern Norway. Ilmenite is a source of titanium oxide used in the manufacture of dyes and plastics. In 1996, 758.7 thousand tons of ilmenite were mined in Norway. Norway produces a significant amount of titanium (708 thousand tons), a metal whose importance is growing, zinc (41.4 thousand tons) and lead (7.2 thousand tons), as well as a small amount of gold and silver.
The most important non-metallic minerals are raw cement and limestone. In Norway in 1996, 1.6 million tons of cement raw materials were produced. Building stone deposits are also being developed, including granite and marble.

Forestry.

A quarter of the territory of Norway - 8.3 million hectares - is covered with forests. The densest forests are in the east, where logging is predominantly carried out. More than 9 million cubic meters are being procured. m of timber per year. Spruce and pine are of the greatest commercial importance. The logging season usually falls between November and April. In the 1950s and 1960s there was a rapid increase in mechanization, and in 1970 less than 1% of all employed in the country received income from forestry. 2/3 of the forests are privately owned, but all forested areas are under strict state supervision. As a result of unsystematic logging, the area of ​​overmature forests has increased. In 1960, an extensive reforestation program began to expand the area of ​​productive forests in the sparsely populated regions of the north and west as far as the Westland fjords.

Energy.

Energy consumption in Norway in 1994 amounted to 23.1 million tons in terms of coal, or 4580 kg per capita. Hydropower accounted for 43% of all energy production, oil also 43%, natural gas 7%, coal and wood 3%. Norway's full-flowing rivers and lakes have more hydropower than any other European country. Electricity, generated almost entirely by hydroelectric power, is the cheapest in the world, and its per capita production and consumption is the highest. In 1994, 25,712 kWh of electricity was produced per person. In general, more than 100 billion kWh of electricity is generated annually.

Electricity production in 2003 - 105.6 billion kilowatt-hours.

Manufacturing industry Norway developed at a slow pace due to a shortage of coal, a narrow domestic market, and limited capital inflows. The share of manufacturing, construction and energy in 1996 accounted for 26% of gross output and 17% of all employed. In recent years, energy-intensive industries have been developed. The main industries in Norway are electrometallurgical, electrochemical, pulp and paper, radio-electronic, shipbuilding. The Oslofjord region is characterized by the highest level of industrialization, where about half of the country's industrial enterprises are concentrated.

The leading branch of industry is electrometallurgy, which relies on the widespread use of cheap hydropower. The main product, aluminum, is made from imported aluminum oxide. In 1996, 863.3 thousand tons of aluminum were produced. Norway is the main supplier of this metal in Europe. Norway also produces zinc, nickel, copper and high-quality alloy steel. Zinc is produced at a plant in Eitrheim on the coast of the Hardangerfjord, nickel - in Kristiansand from ore brought from Canada. A large ferroalloy plant is located in Sandefjord, southwest of Oslo. Norway is Europe's largest supplier of ferroalloys. In 1996 metallurgical production was approx. 14% of the country's exports.

Nitrogen fertilizers are one of the main products of the electrochemical industry. The nitrogen necessary for this is extracted from the air using a large amount of electricity. A significant part of nitrogen fertilizers is exported.

The pulp and paper industry is an important industrial sector in Norway. In 1996, 4.4 million tons of paper and pulp were produced. Paper mills are located mainly in the vicinity of the vast forests of eastern Norway, for example, at the mouth of the Glomma River (the country's largest timber-floating artery) and in Drammen.

Approx. 25% of industrial workers in Norway. The most important areas of activity are shipbuilding and ship repair, production of equipment for the production and transmission of electricity.
The textile, clothing and food industries provide few products for export. They provide most of Norway's own needs for food and clothing. These industries employ approx. 20% of the country's industrial workers.

Transport and communication.

Despite the mountainous terrain, Norway has a well-developed internal communication. The state owns railways with a length of approx. 4 thousand km, of which more than half are electrified. However, most of the population prefers to travel by car. In 1995, the total length of highways exceeded 90.3 thousand km, but only 74% of them had a hard surface. In addition to railways and roads, there were ferries and coastal shipping. In 1946, Norway, Sweden and Denmark founded Scandinavian Airlines Systems (SAS). Norway has a developed local air service: in terms of domestic passenger traffic, it occupies one of the first places in the world. Length railways in 2004 - 4077 km, of which 2518 km are electrified. The total length of motor roads is 91.85 thousand km, of which 71.19 km are paved (2002). The merchant fleet in 2005 consisted of 740 ships with a displacement of St. 1 thousand tons each. There are 101 airports in the country (including 67 airstrips sedimentary belts have a hard surface) - 2005.

The means of communication, including telephone and telegraph, remain in the hands of the state, but the question of creating mixed enterprises with the participation of private capital is being considered. In 1996, there were 56 telephones per 1,000 people in Norway. The network of modern electronic means of communication is rapidly expanding. There is a significant private sector in broadcasting and television. Norwegian Public Broadcasting (NRK) remains the dominant system despite the widespread use of satellite and cable television. In 2002 there were 3.3 million subscribers of telephone lines, in 2003 there were 4.16 million mobile phones.

In 2002, there were 2.3 million Internet users.

International trade.

In 1997, Norway's leading trading partners in both exports and imports were the FRG, Sweden and the United Kingdom, followed by Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States. The predominant export items by value are oil and gas (55%) and finished goods (36%). Products of the oil refining and petrochemical, timber, electrochemical and electrometallurgical industries, foodstuffs are exported. The main import items are finished products (81.6%), food products and agricultural raw materials (9.1%). The country imports certain types of mineral fuels, bauxite, iron, manganese and chromium ore, and cars. With the growth of oil production and exports in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Norway had a very favorable foreign trade balance. Then world oil prices fell sharply, its exports declined, and for several years the trade balance of Norway was reduced to a deficit. However, by the mid-1990s, the balance turned positive again. In 1996, the value of Norwegian exports was $46 billion, while the value of imports was only $33 billion. The trade surplus is supplemented by large receipts from the Norwegian merchant fleet with a total displacement of 21 million gross register tons, which, according to the new International Register of Shipping, received substantial privileges allowing it to compete with other ships flying foreign flags.

In 2005, exports were estimated at $111.2 billion, imports at $58.12 billion. Leading export partners: UK (22%), Germany (13%), Netherlands (10%), France (10 %), USA (8%) and Sweden (7%), imports - Sweden (16%), Germany (14%), Denmark (7%), UK (7%), China (5%), USA ( 5%) and the Netherlands (4%).
Money circulation and state budget.
The unit of money circulation is the Norwegian krone. The exchange rate of the Norwegian krone in 2005 is 6.33 kroner per 1 US dollar.

In the budget, the main sources of income were social security contributions (19%), income and property taxes (33%), excise duties and value added tax (31%). The main expenditures were directed to social security and housing construction (39%), external debt service (12%), public education (13%) and health care (14%).

In 1997, government revenues amounted to 81.2 billion dollars, and expenditures - 71.8 billion dollars. In 2004, state budget revenues amounted to 134 billion dollars, expenditures - 117 billion.

The government set up a special oil fund in the 1990s, using windfall profits from the sale of oil, intended as a reserve for when the oil fields were depleted. It is estimated that by the year 2000 it will reach $100 billion, most of it is located abroad.

In 1994, Norway's external debt was $39 billion. In 2003, the country had no external debt. The size of the total public debt - 33.1% of GDP.

SOCIETY

Structure.

The most common agricultural cell is a small family farm. With the exception of a few forest holdings, there are no large land holdings in Norway. Seasonal fishing is also often family-based and on a small scale. Motorized fishing boats are mostly small wooden boats. In 1996, about 5% of industrial firms employed more than 100 workers, and even such large enterprises sought to establish informal relations between workers and management. In the early 1970s, reforms were introduced that gave workers the right to exercise greater control over production. At some large enterprises, working groups themselves began to monitor the course of individual production processes.

Norwegians have a strong sense of equality. This egalitarian approach is both a cause and a consequence of the use of the economic levers of state power to mitigate social conflicts. There is a scale of income taxes. In 1996, approximately 37% of budget expenditures were directed to direct financing of the social sphere.

Another alignment mechanism social differences- Strict state control over housing construction. Most of the loans are provided by the state housing bank, and the construction is carried out by companies with cooperative ownership. Due to the climate and topography, construction is expensive, however, the ratio between the number of residents and the number of rooms they occupy is considered to be quite high. In 1990, on average, there were 2.5 people per dwelling, consisting of four rooms with a total area of ​​103.5 square meters. m. Approximately 80.3% of the housing stock belongs to individuals living in it.

Social Security.

The National Insurance Scheme, a compulsory pension system covering all Norwegian citizens, was introduced in 1967. Health insurance and unemployment assistance were included in this system in 1971. All Norwegians, including housewives, receive a basic pension upon reaching the age of 65. Additional pension depends on income and length of service. The average pension roughly corresponds to 2/3 of earnings in the highest paid years. Pensions are paid from insurance funds (20%), employer contributions (60%) and the state budget (20%). Loss of income during illness is compensated by sickness benefits, and in case of prolonged illness - disability pensions. Medical care is paid, but all medical expenses exceeding $187 per year are paid from social insurance funds (doctors' services, stay and treatment in public hospitals, maternity hospitals and sanatoriums, purchase of medicines for certain chronic diseases, as well as full-time employment - a two-week annual allowance in case of temporary disability). Women receive free prenatal and postnatal care medical care and full-time working women are entitled to 42 weeks of paid maternity leave. The state guarantees all citizens, including housewives, the right to four weeks of paid leave. In addition, persons over 60 years of age have an additional week's leave. Families receive benefits of $1,620 per year for each child under age 17. Every 10 years, all workers are entitled to an annual leave with full pay for training to improve their skills.

Organizations.

Many Norwegians are involved in one or more voluntary organizations that cater to different interests and are most often associated with sports and culture. Of great importance is the Sports Association, which organizes and supervises hiking and skiing routes and supports other sports.

The economy is also dominated by associations. Chambers of Commerce control industry and business. The Central Organization of the Economy (Nøringslivets Hovedorganisasjon) represents 27 national trade associations. It was formed in 1989 by the merger of the Federation of Industry, the Federation of Artisans and the Association of Employers. The interests of shipping are expressed by the Association of Norwegian Shipowners and the Association of Scandinavian Shipowners, the latter is involved in the conclusion of collective agreements with seafarers' unions. Small business activities are controlled mainly by the Federation of Trade and Service Industries, which in 1990 had about 100 branches. Other organizations include the Norwegian Forest Society, which deals with forestry issues; the Federation of Agriculture, representing the interests of livestock, poultry and agricultural cooperatives, and the Norwegian Trade Council, which promotes the development of foreign trade and foreign markets.

Trade unions in Norway are very influential, they unite about 40% (1.4 million) of all employees. The Central Association of Trade Unions of Norway (COPN), founded in 1899, represents 28 unions with 818.2 thousand members (1997). Employers are organized in the Norwegian Confederation of Employers, founded in 1900. It represents their interests when concluding collective agreements at enterprises. Labor disputes often go to arbitration. In Norway for the period 1988-1996 there were an average of 12.5 strikes per year. They are less frequent than in many other industrialized countries. The largest number of union members is in management and manufacturing, although the highest membership rate is in the maritime industries. Many local trade unions are affiliated with local branches of the Norwegian Workers' Party. The regional trade union associations and the OCPN allocate funds for the party press and for the election campaigns of the Norwegian Workers' Party.

Local color.

Although the integration of Norwegian society has increased with the improvement of means of communication, local customs are still alive in the country. In addition to spreading the New Norwegian language (nynoshk), each district carefully preserves its own dialects, as well as national costumes intended for ritual performances, the study of local history is supported, and local newspapers are published. Bergen and Trondheim as former capitals have cultural traditions that differ from those adopted in Oslo. Northern Norway is also developing a distinctive local culture, mainly as a result of the remoteness of its tiny settlements from the rest of the country.

Family.

A close-knit family has been a specific feature of Norwegian society since Viking times. Most Norwegian surnames are of local origin, they are often associated with some natural features or with the economic development of the land, which took place in the time of the Vikings or even earlier. Ownership of an ancestral farm is protected by inheritance law (odelsrett), which gives the family the right to buy the farm even if it has been recently sold. In rural areas, the family remains the most important unit of society. Family members travel from far and wide to attend weddings, christenings, confirmations, and funerals. This commonality often does not disappear even in the conditions of city life. With the onset of summer, the favorite and most economical form of spending holidays and vacations with the whole family is living in a small country house (hytte) in the mountains or on the seashore.

Status of women in Norway is protected by the laws and customs of the country. In 1981, Prime Minister Bruntland brought an equal number of women and men into her cabinet, and all subsequent governments have been formed on the same principle. Women are well represented in the judiciary, education, health care and administration. In 1995, approximately 77% of women aged 15 to 64 worked outside the home. Thanks to the developed system of nurseries and kindergartens, mothers can work and run the household at the same time.

CULTURE

The roots of Norwegian culture go back to the traditions of the Vikings, the medieval "age of greatness" and the sagas. Although usually the Norwegian masters of culture were influenced by Western European art and assimilated many of its styles and subjects, nevertheless, the specifics of their native country were reflected in their work. Poverty, the struggle for independence, admiration for nature - all these motifs appear in Norwegian music, literature and painting (including decorative art). Nature still plays an important role in folk culture, as evidenced by the extraordinary fondness of Norwegians for sports and life in the bosom of nature. Mass media are of great educational value. For example, the periodical press devotes a lot of space to the events of cultural life. The abundance of bookstores, museums and theaters also serves as an indicator of the keen interest of the Norwegian people in their cultural traditions.

Education.

At all levels, education costs are covered by the state. The education reform launched in 1993 was supposed to improve the quality of education. The compulsory education program is divided into three levels: from preschool to grade 4, grades 5-7 and grades 8-10. Adolescents between the ages of 16 and 19 can receive a complete secondary education, which is necessary for admission to a trade school, high school (college) or university. Approx. 80 higher folk schools where general subjects are taught. Most of these schools receive funds from religious communities, individuals or local authorities.

Higher education institutions in Norway are represented by four universities (in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Tromsø), six specialized higher schools (colleges) and two state art schools, 26 state colleges in the county and additional education courses for adults. In the 1995/1996 academic year, 43.7 thousand students studied at the country's universities; in other higher educational institutions - another 54.8 thousand.

Tuition at universities is paid. Usually, loans are provided to students for education. Universities train civil servants, clergy and university professors. In addition, universities almost completely provide a cadre of doctors, dentists, engineers and scientists. Universities are also engaged in fundamental scientific research. The Oslo University Library is the largest national library.
Norway has numerous research institutes, laboratories and development offices. Among them stand out the Academy of Sciences in Oslo, the Christian Michelsen Institute in Bergen and the Scientific Society in Trondheim. There are large folk museums on the island of Bygdøy near Oslo and in Maihäugen near Lillehammer, in which one can trace the development of building art and various aspects of rural culture since ancient times. In a special museum on the island of Bygdøy, three Viking ships are exhibited, clearly illustrating the life of Scandinavian society in the 9th century. AD, as well as two ships of modern pioneers - Fridtjof Nansen's ship "Fram" and Thor Heyerdahl's raft "Kon-Tiki". On the active role of Norway in international relations testify to the Nobel Institute, the Institute for Comparative Cultural Studies, the Institute for Peace Research and the Society for International Law based in this country.

Literature and art.

The spread of Norwegian culture was hampered by the limited audience, which was especially true for writers who wrote in the little-known Norwegian language. Therefore, the government has long been allocating subsidies to support the arts. They are included in the state budget and are used to provide grants to artists, organize exhibitions and directly purchase works of art. In addition, revenue from state-run football competitions is provided to the General Research Council, which funds cultural projects.

Norway gave the world outstanding figures in all fields of culture and art: the playwright Henrik Ibsen, writers Bjornstern Bjornson (Nobel Prize 1903), Knut Hamsun (Nobel Prize 1920) and Sigrid Unset (Nobel Prize 1928), artist Edvard Munch and composer Edvard Grieg. The problematic novels of Sigurd Hul, the poetry and prose of Tarjei Vesos, and the pictures of rural life in the novels of Johan Falkberget also stand out as achievements of Norwegian literature of the 20th century. Probably, in terms of poetic expressiveness, writers writing in the New Norwegian language stand out the most, among them the most famous is Tarja Vesos (1897-1970). Poetry is very popular in Norway. In relation to the population in Norway, several times more books are published than in the USA, and there are many women among the authors. The leading contemporary lyricist is Stein Meren. However, the poets of the previous generation are much more famous, especially Arnulf Everland (1889-1968), Nurdal Grieg (1902-1943) and Hermann Willenwey (1886-1959). In the 1990s, the Norwegian writer Jostein Gorder gained international recognition with his philosophical children's story The World of Sophia.

The Norwegian government supports three theaters in Oslo, five theaters in major provincial cities and one traveling national theater company.

The influence of folk traditions can also be traced in sculpture and painting. The leading Norwegian sculptor was Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) and the most famous artist was Edvard Munch (1863-1944). The work of these masters reflects the influence of the abstract art of Germany and France. Norwegian painting showed a gravitation towards frescoes and other decorative forms, especially under the influence of Rolf Nesch, who immigrated from Germany. At the head of representatives of abstract art is Jacob Weidemann. The most famous propagandist of conditional sculpture is Dure Vaux. The search for innovative traditions in sculpture manifested itself in the work of Per Falle Storm, Per Hurum, Yousef Grimeland, Arnold Haukeland and others. The expressive school of figurative art, which played an important role in the artistic life of Norway in the 1980-1990s, is represented by such masters as Bjorn Carlsen (b. 1945), Kjell Erik Olsen (b. 1952), Per Inge Björlu (b. 1952) and Bente Stokke (b. 1952).

The revival of Norwegian music in the 20th century. noticeable in the works of several composers. Harald Severud's musical drama based on Peer Gynt, the atonal compositions of Farthein Valen, the rousing folk music of Klaus Egge and the melodic interpretation of traditional folk music by Sparre Olsen testify to the life-giving tendencies in contemporary Norwegian music. In the 1990s, the Norwegian pianist and classical music performer Lars Ove Annsnes won worldwide recognition.

Mass media.

With the exception of the popular illustrated weeklies, the rest of the media are serious. There are many newspapers, but their circulation is small. In 1996, 154 newspapers were published in the country, including 83 daily newspapers, the seven largest accounted for 58% of the total circulation. Radio broadcasting and television are state monopolies. Movie theaters are mostly owned by the communes, with occasional success from Norwegian-made films subsidized by the state. Usually American and other foreign films are shown.

In con. In the 1990s, more than 650 radio stations and 360 television stations operated in the country. The population had over 4 million radios and 2 million televisions. Among the largest newspapers are the daily Verdens Gang, Aftenposten, Dagbladet and others.

Sports, customs and holidays.

Outdoor recreation plays an important role in national culture. Football and the annual international ski jumping competition at Holmenkollen near Oslo are very popular. At the Olympics, Norwegian athletes most often excel in skiing and speed skating. Swimming, sailing, orienteering, hiking, camping, boating, fishing and hunting are popular.

All citizens in Norway are entitled to nearly five weeks of paid annual leave, including three weeks of summer vacation. Eight church holidays are celebrated, on these days people try to leave the city. The same applies to two national holidays - Labor Day (May 1) and Constitution Day (May 17).

STORIES

Ancient period.

There is evidence that primitive hunters lived in some areas on the northern and northwestern coast of Norway shortly after the retreat of the ice sheet edge. However, the naturalistic drawings on the walls of the caves 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, runic writing (used from the 3rd to 13th centuries AD by Germanic tribes, especially Scandinavians and Anglo-Saxons for inscriptions on tombstones, as well as for magic spells), and the settlement process territory of Norway was carried out at a rapid pace. From 400 AD the population was replenished by migrants from the south, who paved the "way to the north" (Nordwegr, from where the name of the country came from - Norway). At that time, in order to organize local self-defense, the first tiny kingdoms were created. In particular, the Ynglings, a branch of the first Swedish royal family, founded one of the oldest feudal states west of the Oslo Fjord.

Viking Age and Middle Ages.

Around 900, Harald Fairhair (son of Halfdan the Black, a minor ruler of the Yngling family) managed to establish a larger kingdom, defeating other petty feudal lords at the Battle of Hafsfjord together with Jarl Hladir of Trønnelag. Having been defeated and having lost their independence, dissatisfied feudal lords took part in the campaigns of the Vikings. Due to population growth on the coast, some inhabitants were forced into inland marginal areas, while others began to make pirate raids, trade, or settled in overseas countries. See also VIKINGS

The sparsely populated islands of Scotland were probably settled by people from Norway long before the first documented Viking campaign in England in 793 AD. Over the next two centuries, the Norwegian Vikings were actively engaged in plundering foreign lands. They conquered possessions in Ireland, Scotland, northeast England and northern France, and also colonized the Faroe Islands, Iceland and even Greenland. In addition to ships, the Vikings had iron tools and were skilled wood carvers. Once in overseas countries, the Vikings settled there and developed trade. In Norway itself, even before the creation of cities (they arose only in the 11th century), markets arose on the coasts of the fjords.

The state, left as a legacy by Harald the Fair-Haired, was the subject of fierce disputes between pretenders to the throne for 80 years. Kings and jarls, pagan and Christian Vikings, Norwegians and Danes staged a bloody showdown. Olaf (Olav) II (c. 1016-1028), a descendant of Harald, managed to unite Norway for a short time and introduce Christianity. He was killed at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030 by rebellious chieftains (hövdings) who made an alliance with Denmark. After his death, Olaf was almost immediately canonized and canonized in 1154. A cathedral was erected in his honor in Trondheim, and after a short period of Danish rule (1028-1035), the throne was returned to his family.
The first Christian missionaries in Norway were predominantly English; Abbots of English monasteries became owners of large estates. Only the carved decorations of the new wooden churches (dragons and other pagan symbols) were reminiscent of the Viking Age. Harald the Severe was the last Norwegian king to lay claim to power in England (where he died in 1066), and his grandson Magnus III Barefoot was the last king to lay claim to power in Ireland. In 1170, by decree of the pope, an archbishopric was created in Trondheim with five vicar bishoprics in Norway and six on the western islands, in Iceland and Greenland. Norway became the spiritual center of a vast territory in the North Atlantic.

Although the Catholic Church wanted the throne to pass to the king's eldest legitimate son, this succession was often broken. The most famous impostor Sverre from the Faroe Islands, who seized the throne despite being excommunicated. During the long reign of Haakon IV (1217-1263), civil wars subsided, and Norway entered a short-lived "heyday". At this time, the creation of a centralized government of the country was completed: a royal council was established, the king appointed regional governors and judicial officials. Although the regional legislative assembly (ting) inherited from the past still remained, in 1274 a national code of laws was adopted. The power of the Norwegian king was first recognized by Iceland and Greenland, and it was more firmly established than before in the Faroe, Shetland and Orkney Islands. Other Norwegian possessions in Scotland were formally returned in 1266 to the Scottish king. At that time, overseas trade flourished, and Haakon IV, whose residence was in the center of trade - Bergen, concluded the very first of the known trade agreements with the king of England.

The 13th century was the last period of independence and greatness in the early history of Norway. During this century, Norwegian sagas were collected, telling about the past of the country. In Iceland, Snorri Sturluson wrote down Heimskringla and the Younger Edda, and Snorri's nephew, Sturla Thordsson, wrote down the Saga of the Icelanders, the Sturlinga Saga and the Saga of Haakon Haakonsson, which are considered the earliest works of Scandinavian literature.

Kalmar Union.

The decline of the role of the Norwegian merchants was outlined approx. 1250, when the Hanseatic League (which united the trading centers of northern Germany) established its office in Bergen. His agents imported grain from the Baltic countries in exchange for Norway's traditional export of dried cod. The aristocracy died out during the plague that struck the country in 1349 and carried almost half of the entire population to the grave. Huge damage was done to dairy farming, which formed the basis of agriculture in many estates. Against this background, Norway had become the weakest of the Scandinavian monarchies by the time that, due to the extinction of the royal dynasties, Denmark, Sweden and Norway were united in accordance with the Kalmar Union of 1397.

Sweden withdrew from the union in 1523, but Norway was increasingly seen as an appendage of the Danish crown, which ceded Orkney and Shetland to Scotland. Relations with Denmark escalated at the beginning of the Reformation, when the last Catholic archbishop of Trondheim unsuccessfully tried to oppose the introduction of a new religion in 1536. Lutheranism spread north to Bergen, the center of activity of German merchants, and then to the more northern regions of the country. Norway received the status of a Danish province, which was governed directly from Copenhagen and was forced to adopt the Lutheran Danish liturgy and the Bible.

Until the middle of the 17th century. there were no outstanding politicians and artists in Norway, and until 1643 few books were published. The Danish king Christian IV (1588-1648) took a keen interest in Norway. He encouraged the mining of silver, copper, and iron, and fortified the frontier in the far north. He also established a small Norwegian army and helped recruit conscripts in Norway and build ships for the Danish navy. Nevertheless, due to participation in the wars waged by Denmark, Norway was forced to permanently cede three border districts to Sweden. Around 1550, the first sawmills appeared in Norway, which contributed to the development of timber trade with Dutch and other foreign customers. Logs were floated along the rivers to the coast, where they were sawn and loaded onto ships. revival economic activity contributed to the growth of the population, which in 1660 amounted to approx. 450 thousand people against 400 thousand in 1350.

National rise in the 17-18 centuries.

After the establishment of absolutism in 1661, Denmark and Norway began to be considered "twin kingdoms"; thus, their equality was formally recognized. In the code of laws of Christian IV (1670-1699), which had a great influence on Danish law, the serf relations that existed in Denmark did not extend to Norway, where the number of free landowners was growing rapidly. The civil, ecclesiastical and military officials who ruled Norway spoke Danish, were trained in Denmark and carried out the politics of that country, but often belonged to families that had lived in Norway for several generations. The policy of mercantilism of that time led to the concentration of trade in cities. There, new opportunities opened up for immigrants from Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Denmark, and a class of merchant bourgeoisie developed, replacing the local nobility and Hanseatic associations (the last of these associations lost its privileges at the end of the 16th century).

In the 18th century timber was sold mainly to the UK and often transported on Norwegian ships. Fish was exported from Bergen and other ports. Norwegian trade especially prospered during wars between the great powers. In an environment of increasing prosperity in the cities, the prerequisites were created for the establishment of a national Norwegian bank and a university. Despite episodic protests against excessive taxes or illegal actions of government officials, in general, the peasantry passively took a loyal position in relation to the king, who lived in distant Copenhagen.

The ideas of the French Revolution had some influence on Norway, which, moreover, was greatly enriched by the expansion of trade during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1807, the British subjected Copenhagen to severe shelling and took the Danish-Norwegian fleet to England so that Napoleon would not get it. The blockade of Norway by English military courts caused great damage, and the Danish king was forced to establish a temporary administration - the Government Commission. After the defeat of Napoleon, Denmark was forced to cede Norway to the Swedish king (according to the Kiel Peace Treaty, 1814).

Refusing to submit, the Norwegians took advantage of the situation and convened a State (Constituent) Assembly of representatives, nominated mainly from the wealthy classes. It adopted a liberal constitution and elected the Danish heir to the throne, Viceroy of Norway, Christian Frederick, as king. However, it was not possible 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 November 1814, the first elected parliament - the Storting - recognized the power of the Swedish king.
Elite rule (1814-1884). It cost Norway dearly to lose the English timber market to Canada. The country's population, which grew from 1 million to 1.5 million in the period 1824-1853, was forced to switch to supplying its own food mainly through subsistence agriculture and fishing. At the same time, the country needed to reform the central government. Politicians advocating the interests of the peasantry demanded tax cuts, but less than 1/10 of the citizens had the right to vote, and the population as a whole continued to rely on the ruling class of officials. The king (or his representative - the statholder) appointed the Norwegian government, some of whose members visited the monarch in Stockholm. The Storting met every three years to check the financial statements, respond to complaints, and ward off any Swedish attempts to renegotiate the 1814 agreement. The king had the power to veto the Storting's decisions, and about one in eight bills were rejected in this way.

In the middle of the 19th century the rise of the national economy. In 1849, Norway provided most of the UK's shipping. The free trade tendencies that prevailed in Great Britain, in turn, favored the expansion of Norwegian exports and opened the way for the import of British machinery, as well as the creation of textile and other small enterprises in Norway. The government promoted the development of transport by providing subsidies for the organization of regular postal steamboat trips along the coast of the country. Roads were laid to previously inaccessible areas, and in 1854 traffic was opened on the first railway. The revolutions of 1848 that swept through Europe evoked an immediate response in Norway, where a movement arose to defend the interests of industrial workers, small landowners and tenants. It was poorly prepared and quickly suppressed. Despite the intensified integration processes in the economy, living standards rose at a slow pace and, in general, life remained difficult. In the following decades, many Norwegians found a way out of this situation in exile. Between 1850 and 1920, 800,000 Norwegians emigrated, mainly to the USA.

In 1837 the Storting introduced a democratic system of local self-government, which gave new impetus to political activity in places. As education became more accessible, a readiness for long-term political activity reappeared among the peasantry. Stationary elementary schools were established in the 1860s to replace mobile ones when one rural teacher moved from one locality in another. At the same time, the organization of secondary public schools began.

The first political parties began to function in the Storting in the 1870s and 1880s. One group, conservative in character, supported the ruling bureaucratic government. The opposition was led by Johan Sverdrup, who rallied peasant representatives around a small group of urban radicals who wanted to make the government accountable to the Storting. The reformers sought to amend the constitution by requiring that the royal ministers participate in the meetings of the Storting without the right to vote. The government invoked the king's right to veto any constitutional bill. After fierce political discussions, the Supreme Court of Norway in 1884 issued a ruling depriving almost all cabinet members of their portfolios. After considering the possible consequences of a decision by force, King Oscar II considered it good not to take risks and appointed Sverdrup head of the first government, responsible to Parliament.
Transition to a constitutional-parliamentary monarchy (1884-1905). Sverdrup's liberal-democratic government expanded suffrage and gave equal status to New Norwegian (Nynoshk) and Rixmol. However, on issues of religious tolerance, it split into radical liberals and puritans: the first of them had support in the capital, and the latter on the west coast since the time of Hauge (late 18th century). This split is described in the works of famous writers - Ibsen, Bjornson, Hjellan and Jonas Lee, who criticized the traditional narrow-mindedness of Norwegian society from different angles. However, the conservative party (Høire) did not benefit from the situation, as it received its main support from the uneasy alliance of the disadvantaged bureaucracy and the slowly growing middle industrial class.

Cabinets of ministers quickly changed, each of them was unable to resolve main problem: how to reform the union with Sweden. In 1895, the idea arose to take over foreign policy, which was the prerogative of the king and his foreign minister (also a Swede). However, the Storting usually intervened in intra-Scandinavian affairs concerning the world and the economy, although such a system seemed unfair to many Norwegians. Their minimum demand was for the establishment of an independent consular office in Norway, which the King and his Swedish advisers were unwilling to establish, given the size and importance of the Norwegian merchant marine. After 1895, various compromise solutions to this issue were discussed. Since no solution could be reached, the Storting was forced to resort to the veiled threat of opening direct action against Sweden. At the same time, Sweden was spending money on strengthening Norway's defenses. After the introduction of universal conscription in 1897, it became difficult for conservatives to ignore calls for Norway's independence.

Finally, in 1905, the union with Sweden was broken under a coalition government headed by the leader of the liberal party (Venstre), the shipowner Christian Mikkelsen. When King Oscar refused to approve the law on the Norwegian consular service and accept the resignation of the Norwegian cabinet, the Storting voted to dissolve the union. This revolutionary action could have led to war with Sweden, but this was prevented by the Great Powers and the Social Democratic Party of Sweden, which opposed the use of force. Two plebiscites showed that the Norwegian electorate was almost unanimous in favor of the secession of Norway and that 3/4 of the electorate voted in favor of retaining the monarchy. On this basis, the Storting offered the Danish prince Karl, son of Frederick VIII, to take the Norwegian throne, and on November 18, 1905 he was elected king under the name of Haakon VII. His wife Queen Maud was the daughter of the English King Edward VII, which strengthened Norway's ties with Great Britain. Their son, heir to the throne, later became King Olaf V of Norway.
Period of peaceful development (1905-1940). The achievement of full political independence coincided with the beginning of accelerated industrial development. At the beginning of the 20th century the Norwegian merchant fleet was replenished by steamships, and whaling ships began to hunt in the waters of the Antarctic. For a long period, the liberal party Venstre was in power, which carried out a number of social reforms, including the full enfranchisement of women in 1913 (Norway in this respect was a pioneer among European states) and the adoption of laws to restrict foreign investment.

During the First World War, Norway remained neutral, although Norwegian sailors sailed on Allied ships that broke through the blockade organized by German submarines. In 1920, Norway was granted sovereignty over the Svalbard (Svalbard) archipelago as a token of gratitude for supporting the Entente country. Wartime anxiety helped bring about reconciliation with Sweden, and Norway subsequently played a more active role in international life through the League of Nations. First and the last presidents this organization were Norwegians.

In domestic politics, the interwar period was marked by the growing influence of the Norwegian Workers' Party (NLP), which originated among the fishermen and tenants of the far north, and then received the support of industrial workers. Under the influence of the revolution in Russia, the revolutionary wing of this party gained the upper hand in 1918, and for some time the party was part of the Communist International. However, after the breakaway of the Social Democrats in 1921, the ILP broke off relations with the Comintern (1923). In the same year, the independent Communist Party of Norway (CPN) was formed, and in 1927 the Social Democrats again merged with the CHP. In 1935, a government of moderate representatives of the CHP was in power with the support of the Peasant Party, which gave its votes in exchange for subsidies to agriculture and fisheries. Despite the unsuccessful experiment with Prohibition (abolished in 1927) and the mass unemployment generated by the crisis, Norway has made progress in health care, housing, social welfare and cultural development.

The Second World War.

April 9, 1940 Germany unexpectedly attacked Norway. The country was taken by surprise. Only in the Oslofjord area were the Norwegians able to put up stubborn resistance to the enemy thanks to reliable defensive fortifications. Within three weeks, the German troops dispersed throughout the interior of the country, preventing individual formations of the Norwegian army from uniting. The port city of Narvik in the far north was recaptured from the Germans a few days later, but Allied support proved 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 they continued to lead the merchant fleet, small infantry units, naval and air forces. The Storting gave the king and government the authority to lead the country from abroad. In addition to the ruling CHP, members of other parties were introduced into the government to strengthen it.

A puppet government headed by Vidkun Quisling was created in Norway. In addition to acts of sabotage and active underground propaganda, the leaders of the Resistance secretly organized military training and sent many young people to Sweden, where permission was obtained to train "police formations". The king and government returned to the country on June 7, 1945. Approx. 90 thousand cases on charges of high treason and other offences. Quisling, along with 24 traitors, was shot, 20 thousand people were sentenced to prison.

Norway after 1945.

In the 1945 elections, the CHP won the majority of votes for the first time and remained in power for 20 years. During this period, the electoral system was transformed by abolishing the article of the constitution on granting 2/3 of the seats in the Storting to deputies from rural areas of the country. The regulatory role of the state has been extended to national planning. State control over the prices of goods and services was introduced.

The financial and credit policy of the government helped to maintain a fairly high growth rate of economic indicators even during the global recession in the 1970s. Required Funds to expand production were received through large foreign loans against future income from oil and gas production on the shelf of the North Sea.

Norway has become an active member of the UN. The Norwegian Trygve Lie, a former leader of the CHP, served as general secretary of this international organization from 1946-1952. With the onset of the Cold War, Norway made its choice in favor of the Western Alliance. In 1949 the country joined NATO.
Until 1963, the Norwegian Workers' Party firmly held power in the country, although already in 1961 it lost its absolute majority in the Storting. The opposition, dissatisfied with the expansion of the public sector, was waiting for the right opportunity to remove the CHP government. Taking advantage of the scandal associated with the investigation of the disaster at the coal mine in Svalbard (21 people died), she managed to form the government of J. Lynge from representatives of the "non-socialist" parties, but it lasted only about a month. After returning to office, the Social Democratic Prime Minister Gerhardsen took a number of popular measures: the transition to equal pay for men and women, an increase in public spending on social security. Introduction of monthly paid leave. But this did not prevent the defeat of the CHP in the elections of 1965. The new government of representatives of the parties of the Center, Höyre, Venstre, and the Christian People's Party was headed by the leader of the centrists, the agronomist Per Borten. The Cabinet as a whole continued social reforms (introduced a unified social security system, including a universal old-age pension, child benefits, etc.), but at the same time carried out a new version of the tax reform in favor of entrepreneurs. At the same time, disagreements in the ruling coalition on the question of relations with the EEC escalated. Centrists and part of the liberals objected to plans to join the EEC, and their position was shared by many residents of the country, fearing that European competition and coordination would deal a blow to Norwegian fishing and shipbuilding. However, the minority Social Democratic government that came to power in 1971, headed by Trygve Bratteli, sought to join the European Community and held a referendum on this issue in 1972. After a majority of Norwegians voted no, Bratteli resigned and gave way to a minority government of three centrist parties (HNP, PC and Venstre) led by Lars Korvald. It has concluded a free trade agreement with the EEC.

Having won the 1973 elections, the CHP returned to power. Minority cabinets were formed by its leaders Bratteli (1973-1976). Odvar Nurdli (1976-1981) and Gro Harlem Bruntland (since 1981) - the first female prime minister in the history of the country.

The center-right parties increased their influence in the elections in September 1981, and the leader of the Conservative Party (Høire) Kore Willok formed the first government since 1928 from members of this party. At this time, the Norwegian economy was on the rise due to the rapid growth of oil production and high prices in the world market.

In the 1980s, an important role was played by ecological problems. In particular, the forests of Norway have been hit hard 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 1985 elections, negotiations between the socialists and their opponents stalled. The fall in oil prices gave rise to inflation, there were problems with the financing of social security programs. Willock resigned and Bruntland returned to power. The results of the 1989 elections made it difficult to form a coalition government. The non-socialist minority conservative government led by Jan Suce resorted to unpopular measures that stimulated unemployment. A year later, it resigned due to disagreements over the creation of the European Economic Area. The Labor Party, led by Brutland, re-formed a minority government, which in 1992 resumed negotiations on Norway's accession to the EU.

In the 1993 elections, the Workers' Party remained in power, but did not win a majority of seats in parliament. Conservatives - from the very right (Progress Party) to the very left (People's socialist party) - increasingly lost their positions. Center Party, opposed to EU accession, received three times more places and moved into second place in terms of influence in parliament.

The new government has again raised the issue of Norway's accession to the EU. This proposal was strongly supported by voters from three parties - the Workers, the Conservative and the Progress Party, living in cities in the south of the country. The Center Party, representing the interests of the rural population and farmers, mostly opposed to the EU, led the opposition, gaining support from the extreme left and Christian Democrats. In a popular referendum in November 1994, Norwegian voters, despite the positive results of voting in Sweden and Finland a few weeks earlier, again rejected Norway's participation in the EU. A record number of voters participated in the voting (86.6%), of which 52.2% were against membership in the EU, and 47.8% were in favor of joining this organization.
In the 1990s, Norway came under increasing international criticism for its refusal to stop commercial whale slaughter. In 1996, the International Fisheries Commission confirmed the ban on the export of whaling products from Norway.

In May 1996, the largest labor conflict in recent times broke out in shipbuilding and metallurgy. After a strike that swept the entire industry, the unions succeeded in lowering the retirement age from 64 to 62 years.

In October 1996, Prime Minister Bruntland resigned in the hope of giving her party a better chance in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The new cabinet was headed by CHP chairman Thorbjørn Jagland. But this did not help the CHP win the election, despite the strengthening of the economy, the reduction of unemployment and the reduction of inflation. The prestige of the ruling party was undermined by internal scandals. Resigned were the planning secretary, who was accused of previous financial manipulation during her tenure as trade manager, the energy secretary (she sanctioned illegal surveillance practices during her tenure as justice minister), and the justice secretary, who was criticized for her stance on granting asylum for foreign citizens. Having suffered a defeat in the elections in September 1997, Jagland's cabinet resigned.

In the 1990s, the royal family received media attention. In 1994, unmarried Princess Mertha Louise became involved in divorce proceedings in the UK. In 1998, the king and queen were criticized for overspending public funds on their apartments.

Norway is actively involved in international cooperation in particular in resolving the situation in the Middle East. In 1998 Bruntland was appointed CEO World Organization healthcare. Jens Stoltenberg served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Norway continues to be criticized by environmentalists for ignoring agreements to limit the fishing of marine mammals - whales and seals.
The parliamentary elections of 1997 did not reveal a clear winner. Prime Minister Jagland resigned as his CHP lost 2 seats in the Storting compared to 1993. The far-right Progress Party increased its representation in the legislature from 10 to 25 deputies: since the rest of the bourgeois parties did not want to enter into a coalition with it , this forced her to create a minority government. In October 1997, HNP leader Kjell Magne Bondevik formed a three-party cabinet with the participation of the Center Party and the Liberals. Government parties had only 42 mandates. The government managed to hold on to power until March 2000 and collapsed when Prime Minister Bondevik opposed a gas-fired power plant project that he believed could have an adverse environmental impact. The new minority government was formed by CHP leader Jens Stoltenberg. In 2000, the authorities continued privatization by selling a third of the shares in the state oil company.

The government of Stoltenberg was also destined for a short life. In the new parliamentary elections held in September 2001, the Social Democrats suffered a heavy defeat: they lost 15% of the vote, showing the worst result since the Second World War.

After the 2001 elections, Bondevik returned to power, who formed a coalition government with the participation of conservatives and liberals. Government parties had only 62 seats out of 165 in parliament. Representatives of the "Party of Progress" were not included in the cabinet, but supported him in the Storting. However, this alliance was not sustainable. In November 2004, the Party of Progress withdrew support from the cabinet, accusing it of insufficient funding for hospitals and hospitals. The crisis was averted as a result of intensive negotiations. The Bondevik government has also been criticized for its handling of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Southeast Asia that claimed the lives of many Norwegian tourists. In 2005, the leftist opposition intensified its anti-government agitation by condemning the private school development project.

In the beginning. In the 2000s, Norway experienced an economic boom associated with the oil boom. During the entire period (except 2001) a steady economic growth was observed, at the expense of oil revenues, a reserve fund in the amount of 181.5 billion US dollars was accumulated, the funds of which were placed abroad. The opposition called for part of the funds to be used to increase spending on social needs, promised to reduce taxes on people with low and middle incomes, and so on.

The arguments of the left were supported by the Norwegians. The parliamentary elections in September 2005 were won by an opposition left-wing coalition consisting of the CHP, the Socialist Left Party and the Center Party. CHP leader Stoltenberg took over as prime minister in October 2005. Differences remain between the winning parties on EU accession (the CHP supports such a move, the SLP and the LC oppose), NATO membership, increased oil production and the construction of a gas power plant.

Despite the northern position, Norway is inherent favorable climate with cool summers and relatively mild winters - the result of the influence of the Gulf Stream. Average annual rainfall varies from 3330 mm in the West, where moisture-carrying winds first arrive, up to 250 mm in some isolated river valleys in the east countries. January average temperature 0°C characteristic of the southern and western coasts, while in the interior it drops to -4°C and less. In July, average temperatures on the coast approx. 14°C, and in the interior - approx. 16°C, but there are higher.

Visas, entry rules, customs rules

Norway is included in the countries Schengen Agreement.

When applying for a tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following documents:

Two copies of the completed application form. The questionnaire is completed in English or Norwegian.
- Two color photographs pasted on visa application forms (light background, size 3x4 cm.)
- A foreign passport valid for at least three months from the date of return.
- Booking a hotel, camping, etc.
- Booking tickets (round trip).
- Medical insurance, as well as green card car insurance and a copy of the driver's license if the tourist visa applicant plans to travel in a private car.
- Confirmation that the visa applicant has sufficient funds to cover travel expenses (bank statement).
- Certificate from the employer.
- Description of the route with a daily indication of overnight stays.
- When applying for a visa for children (under 18), 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 released from the payment of 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.

Deadline for submission of documents- not less than 10 business days before the start of the trip.

Import and export of foreign currency not limited. Import of national currency limited the amount of 25 thousand crowns. Importing larger amounts necessary be accompanied by the completion of a special customs declaration. About traveler's checks no restrictions.

duty free up to 2 liters of beer, up to 1 liter of spirits (up to 60%), up to 1 liter of wine (up to 22%) or up to 2 liters of wine if spirits are not imported, as well as up to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco (subject to the importer reaching 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). The total value of imported items and products must not exceed 5 thousand crowns. Import of spirits permitted only for persons over 20 years old, beer and wine - over 18 years old. Importation of medicines for personal use is possible only with written permission(prescription) doctor.

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

Population, political condition

Except for Iceland, Norway - least populated country in Europe. In addition, the distribution of the population is extremely uneven. In the capital of the countryOslo resides 495 thousand people, a in the Oslo Fjord concentrated approximately one third of the country's population. Other major cities - Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Berum, Kristiansand, Fredrikstad, Tromsø and Drammen.

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

The strip, confined to a winding coastline, has always been attractive for settlements due to its access to the sea and temperate climatic conditions. With the exception of large valleys in the east and some areas in the west of the central highlands, all interior highlands are sparsely populated. However certain areas are visited in certain seasonshunters, Sami nomads with reindeer herds 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 available for permanent residence.

Norse- extremely homogeneous people of German origin. A special ethnic group is Saami, 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 clearly distinct two forms of Norwegian. Bokmål, or book language used by most Norwegians, derived from Danish-Norwegian, common among educated people at a time when Norway was under Danish rule. Nyunoshk, or New Norwegian, 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. Higher Legislature Storting (parliament), consisting of 2 chambers: lagting and odelstinga elected for a term of 4 years. Supreme executive body - State Council.

What to watch

The first place in Norway in terms of the number of visitors is Museum of Norwegian Glory, which was discovered on the peninsula Bygday. In its various pavilions are carefully stored ships of the great Norwegian navigators; viking ships with a pointed and curved nose proudly upturned. Black oak shines like coal. The nose of one ship ends in a thin curl, the other is crowned with a dragon's head with an open mouth. Another museum - fram». Its main exhibit- eponymous egg-bottomed keel ship, which is 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 buildings of the university, rises Historical Museum.

Beautiful city Alta. Here, in 1991 open Rock Art Museum. rock art demonstrated here in the open air, by the decision of UNESCO attributed to the objects of world cultural heritage. These are the most massive caves in Northern Europe. cave drawings made 2500-6000 years ago, that is, dating back to the end of the Neolithic (Stone Age).

For about 5 km along the organized paths with wooden footbridges, you can see more 3000 drawings with scenes of deer, elk and bear hunting. 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 tourists Yairangerfjord, Lysefjord, Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, Stavangerfjord, Skjoldenfjord, Glomfjord, Geirangerfjord and others, many of which are framed by waterfalls tumbling down from cliffs and small colorful fishing villages. Sea excursions in the fjords - the most exciting trip in Norway.

Western part of Europe's largest Scandinavian Peninsula occupy harsh and rocky scandinavian mountains, stretching for almost 1700 km from the skagerrak strait to the northernmost tip of this part of the world - Cape North Cape. Their steepness and inaccessibility is already evidenced by the fact that on the 200 km section of the Oslo-Bergen railway there are 178 tunnels. That's what the mountains of Scandinavia are! Rising above the waters of the Norwegian Sea 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 mainly as a place of receptions and official cabinet king. This is a long yellow building, not too stately, looking 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 King's Guard in 13.30 . Left, on the square of June 7, rises statue of the first king Haakon, sculpted Niels Aas.

Very beautiful royal residence, literally immersed in greenery. 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 the past era. In general, the park is about 150 works by the sculptor Vigeland(1869-1943).

In the city center of Tensberg located and West Fall-Vilkesmuseum, with his expositions on archeology, traditional fisheries and whaling. Here is located open-air museum(13 buildings). Gallery Haugar-Westfold-Kunstmuseum exhibited interesting paintings and handicrafts North of Tønsberg(5 km) is the famous royal barrow, during the excavations of which in 1904. was found among other treasures drakkar, which served as the tomb of two queens ( 830g.)

Behind the Town Hall, on Karl Johansgate, and behind the port focused business part of the city. Western part of Oslo abounds in numerous parks, among which the famous frogner park with a giant sculptural ensemble G. Vigeland. The history of Frogner Park is also interesting. First of all, the entrance to it is unusual - gate with square lanterns and grating with a thin through pattern like in stained glass. Such lanterns and lattices with figures of men and women border the platforms with steps leading to the central hill of the park.

AT 1914 In the same year, a large exhibition was held at this place, and the sculptor G, Vigellan ordered a fountain for her. 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 whole life to its realization.

In Troms you can visit theatreHolo-galand, arctic cathedral glass and metal, museum « Polaria», lift to Mount Fløya. Thousands of tourists visit monument, marking a line at the center of the Arctic Circle on Saltfjell. Also interesting Military Museum Tromsø in Bardu, unique rock paintings 2500-4500 years old in Blasfjord, chalk caves in Rana, waterfalls in Reisadalen, Cathedralin the capital of Nordland - Bodø, majestic fjords, stalactite cave with the underground Grönli Grotto waterfall, church and " meridian stone» in Hammerfest. Of great interest are the numerous beautiful islands and areas almost untouched by man, where many representatives of the polar flora and fauna live.

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 City 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 the equality of women, there is a figure of a Norwegian girl.

Central Hall of the City Hall just huge (its height 21 meters), it has very lots of wall art, the combination of plots of which is the most different: episodes from the history of the labor movement and near image of a prosperous trading house;Gestapo raid on a working-class family's apartment and paintings from the life of Saint Holvard. From the side of the embankment in front of the Town Hall there are six bronze figures, representing the professions of the workers who built this building.

Rock Preikestolen located opposite Stavanger on the other side of the fjord. It takes a whole day to go there and back. Giant 600 meter cliff, eroded, looms 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 a above, then you need to use by ferry from the Fis-kepiren embankment. 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 (12th century) with tomb of St. Olaf, Archbishop's Palace(12th century.) and Ringwe Music Museum, and on the territory of the southern outskirts of the city numerous Viking Age sites (8th-11th centuries.).

Interesting surroundings Mountain Botanical Garden « Köngsvöld» in Oppdal og Orkdalen, Rhine Abbeyin Rissa, many prehistoric monuments ( grave hills, menhirs and stone circles in Eggekfammen and Thingfall), farm Helge in Biaphossen, fortress ruinsin Steinviksholm (1525.), cave drawings and grave hills in Skogne, haile, Lirvalle and le caoya, Grossmoen national parks and Borgefjell, as well as the best salmon river in the country - namsen.

City Bergen by the number of attractions far exceeds the capital. The glory of the city was brought by the famous Hanseatic Bryggen(inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List),Bergenhus fortress (1261), rosencrania tower (1546.), old Fish market to Torget(works with 13th century.), Aquarium- one of the best in Europe, Maria Kirken(church of St. Virgin Mary,12th century), Bergen Art Museum with a beautiful a collection of paintings by Munch, Miro and Picasso,manor of Edvard Grieg - Trollhaugen (« Troll Hill”) on the picturesque shore of the lake, funicular« Floybanen and hundreds of gingerbread houses» under tiled roofs.

Most sightseeing trips start from Bergen on " Troll country”, to the longest and deepest fjord in Norway - Sognefjord, to the most beautiful Hardangerfjordu, on the ice massif Jostedalsbren, to the lake Dyupswati, to the waterfalls in the area Geirangerfjord and Trollveggen, to the unique railway flåm - Voss (20 tunnels for 46 km), as well as to the picturesque rocky peaks near Odda, Svel gene and Andalsnes.

There is evidence that primitive hunters lived in some areas on the northern and northwestern coast of Norway shortly after the retreat of the ice sheet. However, the naturalistic drawings on the walls of the caves along the west coast were created much later. Agriculture slowly spread in Norway after 3000 BC. During the Roman Empire the inhabitants of Norway had contact with the Gauls, runic writing appeared and the process of settling the territory of Norway was carried out at a rapid pace. With 400 ADpopulation replenished by migrants from the south, laying " way north". At that time, in order to organize local self-defense, there were created the first tiny kingdoms.

The sparsely populated 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, the Norwegian Vikings were actively engaged in plundering foreign lands.

AT 1170 by decree of the pope was created archbishopric in Trondheim with five suffragan bishoprics in Norway and six in the Western Isles, Iceland and Greenland. Norway has become the spiritual center of a vast territory in the North Atlantic.

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

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

After the establishment of absolutism in 1661 Denmark and Norway began to be considered twin kingdoms»; thus, their equality was formally recognized. In the law code of Christian IV, which had a great influence on Danish law, the serf relations that existed in Denmark did not extend to Norway, where the number of free landowners was growing rapidly. AT 18th centurythe forest was sold mainly to the UK and were often transported on Norwegian ships. From Bergen and other ports exported fish. Norwegian trade especially prospered during wars between the great powers. AT 1807 The British bombarded Copenhagen and the Danish-Norwegian fleet was taken to England to keep it from Napoleon. Blockade of Norway caused great damage by English warships, and the Danish king was forced to establish a provisional administration - government commission. After the defeat of Napoleon, Denmark was forced to cede Norway to the Swedish king..

Refusing to obey, the Norwegians took advantage of the situation and convened State Assembly of Representatives, put forward mainly from the wealthy classes. It took liberal constitution and elected the Danish heir to the throne, Viceroy of Norway, Christian Frederik, 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 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. started national economic recovery. AT 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 businesses in Norway. AT 1860s were created stationary primary schools, replacing mobile ones, when one rural teacher moved from one settlement to another. At the same time began organization of secondary public schools.

First political parties started operating in Storting in 1870-1880s. After the introduction of universal conscription in 1897 it became difficult for conservatives to ignore calls for Norway's independence.

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

During the First World War Norway kept neutrality, although Norwegian sailors sailed on Allied ships breaking through the blockade organized by German submarines. In gratitude to Norway for the support of the Entente country in 1920 gave 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 put up stubborn resistance to the enemy thanks to reliable defensive fortifications. Within three weeks, the German troops dispersed throughout the interior of the country, preventing individual formations 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, the Allied forces had to be evacuated. The king and government fled to Great Britain, where they continued to lead the merchant fleet, small infantry units, naval and air forces. The Storting gave the king and government the authority to lead the country from abroad.

Norway has created puppet government headed by Vidkun Quisling. In addition to acts of sabotage and active underground propaganda resistance leaders secretly organized military training and transported many young people to Sweden, where permission was obtained for training " police units". The king and government returned to the country June 7, 1945. Approximately 90,000 cases were initiated in court on charges of high treason and other offences. Quisling, along with 24 traitors, was shot, 20 thousand people were sentenced to prison. Was introduced state control for the prices of goods and services.

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

AT 1980s environmental issues play an important role. In particular, the forests of Norway have been hit hard 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 done to the Norwegian reindeer herding.

After the election 1985 negotiations between the socialists and their opponents reached an impasse. The fall in oil prices gave rise to inflation, there were problems with the financing of social security programs. Willock resigned and returned to power bruntland. Election results 1989 hindered the formation of a coalition government. Conservative government of a non-socialist minority led by Yana Suce resorted to unpopular measures that stimulated the growth of unemployment. A year later, it resigned due to disagreements over the creation of the European Economic Area. Labor Party led by Brutland, re-formed a minority government which, in 1992 resumed negotiations on Norway's accession to the EU.

AT 1990s Norway has come under increasing international criticism for its refusal to stop commercial whale slaughter. AT 1996 International Fisheries Commission upholds export ban on whaling products from Norway.

In May 1996 broke out the largest recent labor conflict in shipbuilding and metallurgy. After a strike that swept the entire industry, the unions succeeded in lowering the retirement age from 64 to 62 years.

In October 1996 Prime Minister Bruntland resigns hoping to give his party a better chance in the upcoming parliamentary elections. AT 1998 the king and queen were criticized for excessive spending 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. AT 1998 bruntland was appointed Director General of the World Health Organization. Jens Stoltenberg performed Responsibilities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Norway continues to be criticized environmentalists behind ignoring agreements to limit the harvest of marine mammals- whales and seals.

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

In the beginning. 2000s Norway experienced economic growth associated with the oil boom. The entire period saw steady economic growth, fueled by oil revenues reserve fund has been accumulated volume in $181.5 billion whose funds were placed abroad.

The arguments of the left were supported by the Norwegians. In the parliamentary elections in September 2005 won the opposition left-wing coalition NRP, « Socialist Left Party" and " Center Party". CHP leader Stoltenberg in October 2005 took over as prime minister. Differences 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 United Kingdom, followed by Denmark, Netherlands and USA. Dominant export items by cost - oil and gas, finished goods. Products are exportedoil refining and petrochemical,timber industry, electrochemical and electrometallurgical industry, food.Main imports -finished goods, foodstuffs and agricultural raw materials.Country imports some types mineral fuel, bauxites,iron, manganese and chrome ore, cars.

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

The shops

Shops are open Monday through Friday with 9 before 17 , a on the weekend with 9 before 15 . Some cities in Norway trading ends on Thursdays in 19 hours.

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

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 a year.

Improvements in health and living standards have ensured a steady, albeit slow, increase in population over the last two generations. Norway, along with Sweden, is characterized record low infant mortality rates - 3,73 per 1,000 newborns versus 7.5 in the US. Expected life expectancymen is 76,64 years and women82,01 years. Although Norway's divorce rate was below some of its neighboring Nordic countries, after 1945 this figure increased, and in the mid-1990s, about half of all marriages ended in divorce (as in the US and Sweden). 48% of children born in Norway in 1996 are illegitimate. After the restrictions introduced in 1973, immigration to Norway was sent mainly from the Scandinavian countries for some time, but after 1978 there was a significant gap people of Asian descent(about 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 evaluated in 1.5 billion tons, a gas- in 765 billion cubic meters m. 3/4 of the total reserves and oil fields in Western Europe are concentrated here. By oil reserves Norway went to 11th in the world. The Norwegian sector of the North Sea contains half of all gas reserves in Western Europe, and Norway in this respect holds 10th 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 in the waters of Norway north of the Arctic Circle has been established.

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

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

The manufacturing industry in Norway is developing slowly due to the lack of coal, the narrowness of the domestic market and limited capital inflows. The manufacturing, construction and energy sectors account for 26% gross output and 17% all employed. In recent years, have developed energy-intensive industries. Major Industries in Norway- electrometallurgical, electrochemical, pulp and paper, electronic, shipbuilding. The Oslofjord region is characterized by the highest level of industrialization, where about half of the country's industrial enterprises are concentrated.

Leading Industry - electrometallurgy based 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 necessary for this is extracted from the air using a large amount of electricity. A significant part of nitrogen fertilizers is exported.

Pulp and paper industry is an important industrial sector in Norway. Approx. 25% industrial workers in Norway. The most important areas of activity- shipbuilding and ship repair, release of equipment for production and electricity transmission. The textile, clothing and food industries provide few products for export. They provide 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 occupied by mountains, plateaus and glaciers, the opportunities for plant growth and development are limited. Allocate five geobotanical regions: treeless coastal with meadows and shrubs, east of itdeciduous forests, further inland and north - coniferous forests, higher and further northbelt of dwarf birches,willows and perennial herbs; finally, at the highest altitudes - grass belt, 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 a small amount - 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 stationsummer and in September works in Weekdays with 8 before 19:30 , a on Saturday with 10 before 17 . Bank in the airoport open even on sunday with 7 before 20 hours.

Unit of money circulation-Norwegian krone.

In the budget, the main sources of income there is social security contributions, income taxes and on property, excise taxes and value added tax. The main expenditures were directed to social security and housing construction, external debt servicing, public education and health care.

Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, having the status of a state, 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 changes to this provision are under discussion. 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 events and equipped important missions to Africa and India. internal message . State ownedrailways about 4 thousand km, of which more than half are electrified. However, most of the population prefers to travel by car. Total length of roads exceeds 90.3 thousand km, but only 74% of which are hard coated. In addition to railways and highways, there are ferry service and coastal shipping. In 1946 Norway, Sweden and Denmark founded the airline " Scandinavian Airlines Systems". developed in Norway local air service: in terms of domestic passenger traffic, it occupies one of the first places in the world. Railway length - 4077 km, of them 2518 kmelectrified.

Can be taken rent a car. For this need a driver's license, an identity document and a credit card confirming solvency. Also charged a number of fees.

Minerals

The country has large deposits various ores, non-ferrous metals, granite, feldspar etc.

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

However, the discovery in the 1970s of oil and gas fields on the continental shelf in the North and Norwegian Seas 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 in 2.5 billion tons, a natural gas- in 708 billion cubic meters m. Stocks pyrites (sulfur pyrite), which in places contain copper, as well as ilmenite (titanium ore), nickel, molybdenum and magnetite ores constitute 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 sulfate ores are located on South, in the district of Ringerike. Ilmenite ores, rich in titanium dioxide, are 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.

The iron ores of Norway contain little phosphorus, and this improves their quality, but at the same time they are all poor in iron, which means they are enriched. The largest deposits of magnetite ores concentrated in the north of Norway - in the mines Servanger and Wound. However, the ores here contain little iron. Deposits of iron-rich 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. AT rural and forestry busy 5,2% working-age population of the country, and these industries gave a total 2,2% general production. Natural conditions of Norway - high latitude and short growing season, marginal soils, abundance of precipitation and cool summer- very complicate the development of agriculture. As a result, mainly fodder crops and is of great importance dairy products. Every fourth Norwegian family cultivates their personal plot.

Agriculture in Norway - unprofitable branch of the economy, 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 domestic resources. Country have to import most of the food consumed. Many farmers produce only enough agricultural products to meet family needs. Additional income gives work in fish or forestau pair.

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

Norwegian for a very long time" eyeing"to the interlocutor, holding 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 popular belief, the locals are all right. Respect for elders universally emphasized polite, respectful appeal to the elderly can be seen even among the "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 do not hug when meeting, but simply shake hands, while often only denote a handshake with the fingertips. Parting they are affectionately pat each other on the back.

Electricity

General characteristics of Norway.

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

The monetary unit is the 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 supreme legislative body is the Storting (unicameral parliament). Executive power is exercised by the government appointed by the king.

Natural conditions and resources of Norway.

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

Most of the territory of Norway is occupied by the Scandinavian mountains. Here is the highest mountain peak in Northern Europe - Mount Gallhöpiggen. The coastline of Norway is indented by long deep bays - fjords. During the last glacial epoch, a thick sheet of ice formed over Scandinavia. The ice, spreading out to the sides, cut deep narrow valleys with steep banks. About 11,000 years ago, the ice sheet melted, the water level of the world's oceans rose, and sea water flooded many of these valleys, forming the picturesque fjords of Norway (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. Proven oil reserves are more than 800 million tons, natural gas - 1210 billion cubic meters. Total capital investment in the offshore oil sector hit a record $60bn. Norwegian kroner, or 7.5% of GDP, significantly contributed to the growth of other branches of material production that manufactured equipment for oil production and created the corresponding infrastructure. The purpose of this huge investment is to increase the profitability of the oil industry and improve the state of the country's macro economy. Investments are mainly focused on the giant Stotford field, discovered 20 years ago at the dawn of Norway's oil era.

If oil production tends to decrease, then gas production in Norway is on the rise. Norway is successfully turning 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 contracts for the sale of gas have already exceeded a total 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-owned company Statoil, unlike the 20th century, which was the century of oil, the 21st century is likely to become the century of gas, especially since concern for the cleanliness of the environment is becoming driving force growth in its consumption.

Economic and geographical position.

Northern Europe is united by many socio-economic characteristics: the proximity of industrial and company structures, high economic efficiency and living standards. In general, the region is a large economic complex, which, due to the specialization of production, occupies a special place in the world economy and the international division of labor. With a developed industry, intensive agriculture, an extensive service sector and extensive foreign economic relations, these countries, yielding to the major powers in terms of the overall scale of production and the size of labor resources, are ahead of them in many indicators per capita. If the share of the countries of Northern Europe in the capitalist world is less than 1% in terms of population, then in terms of gross domestic product and industrial production it is approximately 3%, and in terms of exports about 5%.

The strength of the countries of Northern Europe is not in quantity, but in quality and manufactured products, mainly exported. Norway is one of the most economically developed countries in the world. Having an advanced production base and a highly qualified force, Norway, with its dependence on foreign markets, for a long time went mainly along the path of finding and consolidating its “niches”, with respect to a narrow specialization in the production of certain products, systems, components, and assemblies.

At the same time, the Norwegian economy has always been characterized by the ability to quickly adapt to the changing situation in the global economy. Initially, specialization was based on natural resources and geographical location. The sea played an important role. Norway was famous for its international shipping, fishing and whaling. The presence of a large number of full-flowing and turbulent rivers brought Norway to the first place in Western Europe in terms of hydropower reserves.

In recent decades, industries that use modern technologies have come to the fore. At present, the focus on the production of science-intensive, high-tech products (electronics, industrial work, biotechnology, etc.) is becoming more and more intense. The combination of new industries with traditional ones that are undergoing or have already undergone a radical transformation lies the basis of the modern specialization of the Norwegian economy.

The economic crises of the mid-1970s and early 1980s, the intertwining of cyclical recessions and structural shifts almost nullified the benefits that Norway derived from specialization, made it difficult to maneuver due to the asynchrony, diversity of the economic cycle, as it was before. In the second half of the 1970s, according to a number of important indicators, Norway was supported only by oil.

With the transition to an intensive, resource-saving type of reproduction, modern technologies, Norway, taking into account its national needs and capabilities, the lessons of the crisis, embarked on the path of structural adjustment and the identification of new directions. Mainly in the field of exports, which are increasingly experiencing the blows of competition in world markets.

Norway is an industrial-agrarian country with a high share in the economy of energy-intensive industries, as well as shipping, fishing and, in recent years, the oil refining and petrochemical industries.

The dominant position in the economy is occupied by the private capitalist sector. In the post-war period, an intensive process of capital concentration takes place in the country. Large enterprises (500 or more employed), accounting for 1% of the total number of industrial enterprises (82% of enterprises are small, with up to 50 employees), account for about 25% of all employed; The 3 largest banks control about 60% of bank capital. The concentration of production is accompanied by the disappearance of a large number of small and medium enterprises. The number of small farms is also decreasing. The penetration of foreign capital into the country is constantly increasing, mainly American, English, Swedish (mainly in the oil industry and shipping)

Analysis of the economic development of Norway.

The formation of capitalist economic structures in Norway was distinguished by a certain originality: the later dates of industrialization, its significant dependence on the needs of the external market, the ability to achieve an advantageous position on it for their goods and services.

Almost participating in the territorial division of the world, Norway, and without colonies, thanks to industrial and financial ties to the profits of large powers, has become part of the world economic system. Already at the end of the last - the beginning of this century, on the basis of the concentration and centralization of production and capital, large companies arose, mainly in the export direction, and financial groups began to take shape.

In Norway, low economic conditions and crisis phenomena have been observed since 1986, when oil prices fell sharply, due to the transition to energy-saving technologies. Over the course of one year, the contribution of the oil industry declined from 18.5% of GDP to 11%. In subsequent years, a strong increase in oil production raised this figure to 16% of GDP, but, according to experts, oil production will begin to fall again in the near future. Natural gas revenues will fill the gap for at least a few years. But will the relatively weak oil side of the public-sector-dominated economy be strong enough to make up for shortfalls when the oil sector begins to shrink? These worries have been exacerbated in recent years by a sharp deterioration in the state of public finances. The generous fiscal policy adopted by the Labor Party government after 1990 in order to mitigate the difficulties of the recession, led to an increase in the state budget deficit to 12.5%. Realizing these long-term difficulties, the government in 1993. submitted to Parliament a program for 1994-1997, outlining a strategy for their elimination. It is based on a significant tightening of fiscal policy, a containment of transfer payments in favor of infrastructure investment, and a general shift in emphasis from the public sector to the private sector.

Personal consumption in 1992 was below the 1986 level. almost 3%. Gross capital investment is significantly lower than in 1988. Import in 1992 was lower than in 1986, by 3.5%, and the volume of production and manufacturing - even below the level of 1985. This bleak picture was hidden only thanks to oil production. The volume of gross capital investments is shown in Figure 2.

The inflation rate gradually decreased and in May 1993 amounted to 2.4% on an annualized basis, and in 1994 to 1.7%. But the level of wage costs was still noticeably higher than in other countries, although the competitiveness of Norwegian goods in 1993. exceeded the level of 1988 by 11%.

The state budget deficit is still large -50 billion kroons in 1993. By the spring of 1993 the level of interest rates dropped noticeably, the decline in employment stopped.

The first five months of 1993 exports amounted to 88 billion kroons, and imports 60 billion kroons. Oil accounts for 43% of all Norwegian merchandise exports.

The country's banking crisis is in its fifth year, although the worst is over. All-major commercial banks, except for Den Norske Bank, turned out to be completely dependent on the state. The banking crisis began with a dramatic fall in oil prices and spread to all other sectors of the economy.

1994 marked the beginning of the revival of the economy. GDP grew by 3.5%. Inflation was less than 1%. The balance of payments is associated with a large surplus that exceeded 2.5% of GDP. Unemployment has established itself at the level of 5.5% of the economically active population of the country. The unemployment rate from 1989 to 1995 characterizes

1995 ended at approximately the same economic level. However, the pace of development of the oil economy is declining. Ten years ago, the manufacturing industry contributed 20% of GDP; now it provides only 13%. Long buoyed by North Sea oil, Norway may be entering a critical phase that will determine whether it can maintain its position as one of Europe's most prosperous countries well into the 21st century.

In many respects, Norway can be compared to a developing country, since its main exports consist mainly of raw materials (oil and gas) rather than finished industrial products. The manufacturing industry does not exceed 15% of GDP, which is considered the minimum level for modern industrial countries. The government is taking a number of measures to change the structure of its exports towards the manufacturing industry.

Asked what the government is doing about the imminent oil production cut, Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Bruntland told the British Financial Times: “The government is pursuing a policy in which tax and structural measures are designed precisely to stimulate economic development and employment in the material economy. We actively use the state budget to increase employment, strengthen the private sector and invest in areas of expertise and other infrastructure. Now that the economy has entered a period of relatively vigorous growth, it is important to strengthen the financial position of the country.

Indeed, our oil production will decline in a few years, but, given the growth in gas production, the exploitation of the Norwegian shelf will continue to be the backbone of the country's economy for many years to come. Therefore, increased production on the Norwegian mainland will help keep growth balanced. The cost-benefit ratio of the competitiveness of the Norwegian economy has improved significantly and the outlook for the mainland economy is now better than a few years ago. This means that we are becoming less dependent on oil.

Political and geographical position.

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 princely courts in Russia, Russian princesses became queens of Norway. The Norwegians traveled around Russia, served in the protection of the Russian princes (they were called Varangians), an active exchange of goods was carried out. Subsequently, as a result of the devastating epidemic of the Black Death (plague) around 1350, the economic situation in Norway 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 in compensation for its loss of Finland in 1809. Norway took this opportunity to declare independence, and adopted the most democratic Constitution at that time in Europe, which also operates under today, albeit 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 were supposed to pursue a single foreign policy.

Over the next century there was a continuous growth of the Norwegian national consciousness. Simultaneously with the progress in industry, trade and shipping, there was a revival of culture. In politics, radical and democratic sentiments led to the emergence of opposition to theKing of Sweden. A growing national consciousness emphasized the differences in living standards and lifestyles, as well as in political views between Norway and Sweden. Under the influence of divergent economic and foreign policy interests, the Norwegian parliament (Storting) voted in 1905 to break the union with Sweden. The referendum that followed supported this decision by an overwhelming majority, and the two kingdoms parted amicably. The first power to recognize the new and completely independent status of Norway was the Russian Empire.

In the post-war period, the political course of Norway is mainly determined by its participation in NATO (since 1949) and is aimed at close political and military-economic cooperation with the leading powers of this bloc (USA, Great Britain, Germany). Norway's relations with the EEC are governed by the Free Trade Agreement (1973).

Foreign policy

In the post-war years, the Nordic countries occupied, as is known, a special place on the political map of the world. Sweden is characterized by its policy of active neutrality. The neutrality of Finland was combined with an agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance with the USSR. The NATO member states - Norway, Denmark and Iceland have declared their refusal to deploy nuclear weapons on their territory in peacetime.

The difference in positions could not but affect the foreign policy behavior of the countries of the European North. At the same time, their role in international life has increased markedly. After all, from the object of history, which for a long time were small countries, constantly involved in the game and contradictions of large powers, they became its subject. They contribute to the course of the world historical process, actively participate in the formation of a new order in the spirit of the Helsinki Act and the Charter of Paris.

The new geopolitical situation that arose at the turn of the 90s - cardinal changes in Central and Eastern Europe, the collapse of the USSR into sovereign republics, the emergence of the CIS, the independence of the Baltic states, the new role of Russia - makes the Nordic countries rethink many important international problems.

The difficult, sometimes dramatically explosive progress in the renewal of our society is arousing great interest in the North of Europe. This interest is also dictated by business considerations, development prospects in the new conditions of mutually beneficial cooperation - after all, we are neighbors and its stagnation is unnatural. But to an even greater extent, it is dictated by the impact that changes in our country have on the development of pan-European and world processes, including those of a global nature.

Naturally, the attention of European northerners, as indeed of the entire West, is attracted by the amazing speed and scale of changes in Eastern Europe. The attitude of the northern European states towards them (in general, they support the ongoing changes) is ambiguous, just as the shifts and cataclysms in individual Eastern European countries are inherently ambiguous. Thus, the unification of Germany with general approval also causes certain concerns (past historical experience has not been forgotten). If not anxiety, then uncertainty is also generated by the far from stability of the situation in Poland, their southern neighbor.

A fundamentally new situation for the European North arose in connection with the further development of integration processes: the formation by 1993 of a single internal market of the EU and plans to create an economic and monetary, and subsequently a political union of the participating countries.

Refusal to join the EU - feature or regularity?

Particular attention should be paid to the issue of accession to the EU.

On the referendum on joining the EU, the Norwegians went against their northern neighbors and voted against. This caused surprise among other Europeans. The unwillingness of the Norwegians to join the EU looked somehow inexplicable against the background of the positive results of the referendums in Austria, Finland, and Sweden in the same year.

The successful development of the Norwegian economy in the 90s markedly improved the well-being and standard of living of its inhabitants. In 1994, the country ranked third in the ranking of states with the highest share of GNP per capita in the world, inflation was at the level of 2-3% per year, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of unemployed, and experts predicted bright prospects and stable economic development for the coming years. All these factors indicated a healthy state of the economy and overshadowed the attractiveness of participation in EU regional programs with the corresponding cash injections into the economic structures of the regions. Despite the fact that in the case of membership in the organization, the Arctic regions of Norway would have been covered by the program of assistance to the northern regions, it was the inhabitants of the North who spoke most negatively towards the EU, and the overwhelming majority of votes were cast against. Knowing the economic opportunities and development potential of their country, they were the last to think about possible financing from Brussels for local industries. In addition, according to estimates, in the first years of EU membership, Norway was waiting for a negative balance of financial receipts from the funds of the organization. Positive changes would begin to be observed only after a few years.

We must not forget about the oil factor. The production of oil and gas on the continental shelf of the Norwegian Sea, which began in the mid-1960s, radically changed the economic structure of society, giving the state treasury an invaluable source of income. Oil has become a kind of “insurance” in case of crises, allowing cash injections into lagging sectors of the economy. Brussels.

The narrowness of the domestic market also played a certain role in such a negative decision of the Norwegians. In a country with a population of 4.5 million people, it is difficult to create conditions favorable for the successful competitive struggle of a large number of large enterprises. Limited demand leads to strict selection and the creation of monopoly companies that can dictate their terms and exist, as it were, away from the raging elements of the free market. It cannot be said that entire sectors of the economy are monopolized in Norway, but this trend is most pronounced in the field of telecommunications and electricity sales. In addition, the social policy of the state, aimed at protecting all segments of the population and providing for programs for the “rehabilitation” of employees in the event of bankruptcy of an enterprise, creates “hothouse” conditions for employees when they can be sure that even if they lose their jobs, they have good chances to get a new job. In the case of EU membership, such companies would face tough competition, new rules of the game that would put them in a difficult position.

In Norway, you can immediately feel whether this or that company has experience in the international market; it stands out against the background of others with a higher level of service, efficiency in decision-making, and the ability to quickly adapt to new market conditions.

The certain vulnerability of agriculture, which operates in difficult northern conditions and requires constant state funding, and the features of the profitable functioning of the fishing industry, also played a role in the choice of the Norwegians. It was the province and the North, where fishing is the main source of income, that voted against joining the European Union (52.2% voted against and 47.8% for).

Immediately after the announcement of the results of the vote, Norwegian politicians began to notice some changes in their European colleagues' attitude towards Norway. Norwegian diplomats had to stand for a long time at the doors of the offices of EU officials, waiting for them to have a minute of free time to discuss (in addition to issues of accession of new countries to the EU) problems northern neighbor. In Norwegian newspapers, even the concept appeared - “country outside”.

Such inattention on the part of Brussels officials was only an illustration of the new situation in which Norway has placed itself. The country ceased to participate in the meetings of the committees and working groups of the organization (it had this right during the accession negotiations). Thus, on the one hand, Norway has lost a number of valuable sources of information, and, on the other hand, and more importantly, it has lost the ability to directly influence decisions taken in the EU from outside. Most of all, it was already faced with the fact of the adoption of any decision by the EU, without being able to influence its formation.

At the same time, Norway, being a member of the EEA (European Economic Area), is obliged to comply with EU directives concerning not only trade and exchange of goods, but also regulating issues of working conditions, social security, the production of a number of goods and the provision of services. It has been estimated that in the first half of 1996 alone, 47 domestic Norwegian rules and regulations were amended in accordance with EU directives. Most of these changes do not create big problems either for the legal system or for the lives of ordinary citizens of the country, however, the Norwegians are aware that within the existing SES, which includes, in addition to Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Malta and Liechtenstein, they do not have a real opportunity to influence on the decision-making process of the EU and are forced to accept them as a fait accompli.

More than 50% of Norwegian exports go to the EU member states, which indicates the direct dependence and, accordingly, the interest of Norway in developing relations with these countries. Thus, Norway is doomed to contacts with the EU.

GovernmentT. Jagland (like the previous government of H. H. Brundtland) is doing everything possible to maintain the constructive climate that exists in relations with the EU and ensure the maximum possible participation in the work of the Union. Norway is involved in a number of regional programs, including the “Internet” program. The conceptual plan provides for and is gradually implementing accession to the three directions of development of European economic structures. We are talking about a common policy in the field of fisheries, where the parties have both common interests and contradictions that would be much easier to resolve within a single organizational structure. Norwegian experience in the field of fish regulation could be useful for European partners. The second formation is the formation of a unified EU energy policy. There are more ambiguities here, but Norway is directly interested in cooperation, given that the EU countries are the main consumers of Norwegian oil and gas, and by united efforts they can influence the price development trend and create unfavorable conditions for energy exports. Norway is more profitable to be an active participant in the game than a passive outsider. Finally, the third direction is cooperation within the framework of the passport union, the Schengen agreement.

On December 19, 1996, a document was signed in Brussels on the associated membership of Norway and Iceland in the Schengen Agreement, which provides for a single passport space and cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the participating countries. Formally, the Schengen Agreement applies only to the EU states, so these two countries were granted an associated status, which provides for participation without voting rights in the working groups of the organization. Taking such a step, the Norwegian representatives proceeded from the fact that no decisions would be made within the Schengen framework that would contradict the position of Norway. The main reason for joining was the desire to preserve the northern passport union, which had existed long enough for people to get used to it and not want to lose. Denmark, Sweden and Finland, by their accession to the Schengen without Norway and Iceland, would have destroyed the established passport regime for crossing borders between the Nordic countries, in which none of the Nordics was interested. In this regard, through lengthy negotiations, a compromise formula of associate membership was developed, which suits all parties.

It can be said that, thanks to participation in the Schengen Agreement, Norway outside the EU has achieved its involvement in another important area of ​​development European integration.

There is currently a seeming lull in the Norwegian pan-European discussion about relations between Norway and the EU. The question of submitting a new application for membership before the year 2000 is not raised, and politicians to a lesser extent use the Brussels arguments to defend their positions. However, the topic of the EU is constantly present on the newspaper pages and remains relevant to the political establishment of the country.

Many observers believe that by placing itself outside the EU, Norway managed to preserve its own face and ability to act in the international arena, based on its own interests, without regard to European partners. Norway's activity in the Middle East and mediation in the peace process in Guatemala was evidence of this, when the country was perceived as an independent independent participant, and not a representative of the EU. At the same time, despite the obvious successes of Norwegian foreign policy, it can be said with confidence that on a geopolitical scale, Norway's position after the referendum in 1994 has weakened to a greater extent than strengthened.

However, the country is of great interest to Russia as a trade and economic partner. Norway is not subject to EU rules and restrictions on imported goods. Cooperation between Russia, Norway, Sweden and Finland within the framework of the Barents Sea region is developing at an active pace. The intensification of contacts in the border areas of the North continues. Thus, based on the positive experience of a number of Russian enterprises operating on the Norwegian market, it can be assumed that trade and economic relations between our countries will turn out to be a kind of springboard for Russia to enter the European market.

The predictability and certain regularity of the negative result of the 1994 referendum lies in the peculiarity of Norway. The country preferred to maintain the status quo and did not want to give up part of its sovereignty in the name of the idea of ​​European integration. It is possible that the Norwegians, in an effort to keep up with the development of the European system, will return to the issue of joining the EU at the beginning of the next century, but then the candidacy of Norway will be considered among the countries of Eastern Europe and it is unlikely that the conditions for its possible membership in the EU will be the same. same as in 1994

Svalbard

Svalbard is an archipelago beyond the Arctic Circle. Territory - 62 thousand square meters. km. There are over 1,000 islands in the archipelago. There is no native population.

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

Until 1920, the archipelago was a "no man's land". In February 1920, in Paris, representatives of a number of European states, the United States and Japan signed an international treaty establishing Norwegian sovereignty over Svalbard. In accordance with this treaty, the use of the archipelago for military purposes is prohibited.

60% of the territory of the archipelago is covered with ice. Of the minerals, only coal is of industrial importance. In the waters of the archipelago, cod, halibut, haddock, harp seal, seal, white whale are found; on the islands - polar bear, arctic fox, deer. However, fishing and hunting are limited.

Communication between Spitsbergen is carried out by sea through the ports of Tromso and Murmansk, since 1947 regular air traffic has been established between Norway and Spitsbergen

Industry in Norway

Norway's industrial production, including electricity, employs about 400,000 people. workers and employees, of which about 95% work in the manufacturing industry, and the rest - in the mining industry and the electric power industry.

In the sectoral structure, the so-called export industries, most of whose products are exported, stand out sharply for their large scale and high technical level. On the one hand, there are fish processing and pulp and paper enterprises operating mainly on local raw materials, and on the other hand, processing of imported raw materials with the help of abundant and cheap electricity, electrometallurgy and electrochemistry. The export industries 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. In addition, mechanical engineering, especially large-tonnage shipbuilding, electrical engineering and electronics, which, as a rule, work in close industrial and economic cooperation with Swedish, Danish and other foreign partners, are becoming increasingly export-oriented.

The industries of the "domestic market" include, first of all, the light and food (non-fish processing) industries. These industries, due to strong foreign competition, are experiencing increasing difficulties from year to year. Industry in Norway is very unevenly distributed. The vast majority of the industrial potential of the country falls on the enterprises of the southern regions - Estlanna, Sørlanna and Vestlanna, which provide 4/5 of all industrial products. Approximately 1/10 falls on the Trenielag region. On the vast territory of Northern Norway, despite the construction of large state enterprises there, no more than 1/10 of the country's industrial output is now produced.

Almost 9/10 of Norway's industrial enterprises are concentrated in port cities. This facilitates and reduces the cost of the delivery of raw materials and the shipment of finished products.

One of the main factors of the entire industrial development of Norway is a highly developed energy industry. It is based mainly on hydropower and liquid fuels. Until recent years, Norway was rightly considered a classic country of hydropower. Ahead of all countries of foreign Europe in terms of hydropower reserves (120 billion kWh per year), it ranks first in the world in terms of electricity production per capita . Almost all of the electricity generated in the country comes from hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of more than 18 million kW. Thanks to numerous natural lakes-reservoirs on high plateaus, waterfalls and steeply falling rivers, it is not necessary to build expensive dams, which extremely 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 Estlanna valleys, on the Telepark plateau, in the Vestlanna fjords and in the rapids of northern Norway. Almost all large power plants are connected by power lines into a single power system, which in turn is connected with electrometallurgical and electrochemical enterprises and all cities. Back in the mid-1970s, hydropower accounted for more than half of Norway's energy balance. About 2/5 of the generated electricity is consumed by industry, including 1/3 by metallurgy. In some years, electricity surpluses are transferred to Denmark (via an underwater cable) and to Sweden. Hard coal plays an insignificant role in the country's energy balance. Its share, including about 0.5 million tons produced in Svalbard and about the same amount imported from abroad, does not exceed 3-4% southwest of Stavanger). as well as gas and oil - 200 km west of Bergen. In 1971, a first ton of oil was produced in the Ekofisk field, and in 1979 its production reached almost 40 million tons, which is four times higher than all the country's current needs for liquid fuel. Norway was the first of the developed capitalist countries to become a net exporter of oil. Oil from a whole complex of drilling platforms is supplied via a 335-kilometer pipeline to the coast of East Anglia, and the produced gasidet is supplied through pipes to the northern coast of Germany from the Frigga field located west of Bergen to Scotland. The operation of the state fisheries Sgatfjord (northwest of Bergen) is underway. The rapid development of oil and gas production led to the rise of the oil refining and petrochemical industry. Monopoly capital relies on forced production of oil and gas primarily for export to the countries of Western Europe. However, the Norwegian authorities are trying to control the growth rate of oil and gas production. The extraction of metal raw materials has received significant development in Norway: iron ore, titanium, molybdenum, copper, zinc, and pyrites. Enriched iron ore of one of the most northern world mines Sør-Varaiger - sent through the neighboring port of Kirkenes to Western Europe and partly to the smelter in Mo i Rana. It is also supplied with raw materials by the Dundermann mine. In total, more than 4 million tons of iron concentrate are produced, half of which is exported. In terms of the extraction of titanium ore from the Haugs mine in the Titania deposit on the southwestern coast of the country (about 1 million tons of ilmenite concentrate), Norway is one of the first places in the world; while almost all products are exported. The Kiaben molybdenum mine in the Serlanna mountains is also one of the largest in the world. The extraction of copper and zinc ores is small - about 30 thousand tons each per year. Pyrites, mined mainly in Trennelag (Lekken mine), are used to extract copper from them. Zinc and sulfuric acid production.

One of characteristic features structure of the Norwegian industry - the broad development of electrometallurgy. The country occupies one of the leading places in the world in the production of aluminum, nickel, magnesium, and ferroalloys. In addition, a large amount of alloyed electric steel, zinc, and cobalt is smelted. For example, in the smelting of aluminum and nickel, it is in 5th place, as well. second only to the United States in magnesium production. Ferroalloys, zinc and cobalt smelted in Norway are considered to be the highest quality in the world. The main part of the products of electrometallurgy is made from imported raw materials and almost completely exported. Many electrometallurgical enterprises are located on the coast of the country - from the extreme south to the polar regions. With the development of powerful power transmission lines, the choice of a plant construction site is determined primarily by the favorable conditions for constructing berths for ships delivering raw materials and exporting finished products, as well as the availability of the necessary workforce. The country's only relatively large ferrous metallurgy plant (the northernmost in the world) was built by the state in the 50s years in the subpolar town of Mo i Rana. It smelts annually up to 700 thousand tons of electric iron and up to 900 thousand tons of electric steel.

A relatively young industry in Norway is mechanical engineering. In the post-war years, with the participation of foreign capital, large shipyards, factories for the production of offshore oil drilling platforms, hydraulic turbines, industrial and household electrical and electronic equipment, and production lines for the fish processing industry were created in Norway. At present, more than one-third of the country's industrial workers are employed in all branches of mechanical engineering and metal-working, and about one-third of the gross industrial output is produced, a significant part of which is exported. Norway also trades in projects and licenses, in particular for offshore drilling platforms. The main centers of engineering are Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Drammen. drastically reduced their range. Due to the growing competition from the richer wood of Sweden and Finland, Norway gradually began to rebuild on the production of more valuable products - mechanical wood pulp, pulp, cardboard and paper. Pulp and paper production is one of the main branches of the country's international production specialization. More than 1.5 million tons of wood pulp and pulp and more than 1.3 million tons of various grades of paper and cardboard are produced annually, the vast majority of which is exported. The main centers of sawmilling and pulp and paper production are located around the Oslo Fjord, usually in the estuaries of the rafting rivers flowing down the wooded slopes of Estland. These are, first of all, Sarpsborg, Halden, Mose, Drammen, Skien. Separate enterprises are located directly in the places of logging - in the large valleys of Estland and in Trennelag.

The formation of the modern chemical industry in Norway began at the beginning of the 20th century. in the province of Telemark for electrochemical production. These were the plants of the Norsch Hydro concern, which received electricity from a cascade of hydroelectric power plants, extracted nitrogen from the air and produced ammonia and its compounds, including the so-called Norwegian saltpeter. Now the capacity of the concern's plants for the production of "bound nitrogen" exceeds half a million tons. as "by-products" the concern's plant in Rjukan produces heavy water and noble gases - argon, neon, etc. Of the other electrochemical industries, the production of calcium carbide has been established. In recent years, petrochemistry has been rapidly developing and, on its basis, the production of plastics and other synthetic materials. Petrochemical enterprises are located mainly in the coastal towns of Estlan and on the west coast.

Agriculture

In agriculture, small farms (up to 10 hectares of land) predominate. Production and marketing cooperation is widespread. The leading industry is intensive animal husbandry of the meat and dairy direction, as well as the plant growing that serves it (forage grasses). Sheep breeding and pig breeding are developed. Grain crops are cultivated (mainly barley and oats). Approximately 40% of the population provides themselves with agricultural products of its own production.

An important place in the economy is occupied by fishing, which is an industry of international specialization in Norway (it is the second largest exporter of fish products in the world). Fish catches in 1985 amounted to 2.3 million tons. Forestry is of great importance, since large tracts of coniferous forests have long been a source of prosperity for the countries of Northern Europe.

Norwegian agriculture is characterized by some vulnerability due to difficult northern climatic conditions Therefore, it needs constant government funding.

Population

There are two indigenous, aboriginal peoples in Norway - the Norwegians, who make up 97% of the country's population (3,920 thousand), and the Saami (30 thousand).

The Norwegian language belongs to the Germanic group of the Indo-European family of languages. Until now, there are two of its literary forms - riksmol (or Bokmål) and lannsmol (or nynorshk). Norwegians live in forested and arable valleys and coastal areas. The traditional occupations of the Norwegians are agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, and now they work in a wide variety of industries.

In the mountain colors of northern and partly middle Norway, the Saami live in the forest-tundra and tundra. This nation has retained its national identity - its language and culture. The Sami language belongs to the Finno-Ugric group Ural family languages. There are schools and teachers' seminaries where they teach using textbooks in the Nasaami language, and there are Saami cultural and educational societies that seek to preserve the original culture of the most ancient people of Northern Europe. As a result of active religious activity in the Middle Ages, the Saami Christian missionaries in Sweden, Norway and Finland adopted Lutheranism.

Traditional Sami activities are reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting. However, in modern Norway, only 6% of the Saami are engaged in reindeer herding. The rest of them go to work as laborers, logging, become farmers. They also make handicraft souvenirs. Increasingly, the Saami are settling in villages and towns. Only in summer do reindeer herders lead a nomadic life and then live in frame tents or in cats.

Long naturalized national minorities include Danes (about 15,000) and Swedes (about 8,000) related to Norwegians in language. The Danes do not live in the cities of Estlanna, not constituting compact communities, and the Swedes live mainly in the villages of Estlanna bordering Sweden.

Of the alien and naturalized foreign-speaking minorities, the earliest are the Kvens, or Norwegian Finns (20 thousand), apparently the descendants of Finnish settlers of the early Middle Ages, or, according to some sources, also of the 16th-17th centuries. They currently live in fishing villages and small towns in the north of Norway - around the Varangerfjord, Porsangerfjord, Altafjord. Their occupations are fishing and work in the local, especially in the construction industry.

Of religious affiliation, almost all believers in Norway are Protestants (Lutherans).

There are more than 50,000 permanently or long-term resident foreigners in the cities of Norway, many of whom 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 the developing countries of 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 non-compact settlement, they maintain kinship and other compatriot ties within each ethnic group.

In Norway, within its current borders, at the first census in 1769, 723 thousand people lived. With a fairly high birth rate, there was also a very high death rate, so the natural increase was only 9 people per 1 thousand inhabitants per year. - After 45 years, after the formation of the national state in the framework of a personal union with Sweden, Norway began to pick up the pace of economic development. By 1825, slightly more than 1 million people lived in the country. From 1860 - 70s. began a rapid process of capitalist development in the countryside and the city, began to free up workers, the villagers were sent to the city in search of work. Those who did not find it in the city went abroad, mainly to the USA and Canada. From 1836 to 1915, about 750 thousand people emigrated. Despite emigration, good. giving a rather high birth rate in the beginning and middle of the 19th century - the number) of the country's population by 1890 reached 2 million. people, i.e. almost doubled. The ebb of emigrants brought in late XIX in. to a certain drop in the birth rate with still very high mortality. As a result of such a long emigration, over 1 million people of Norwegian origin turned out to be outside Norway by the beginning of more than a swarm of world wars. Nevertheless, thanks to natural growth, the population of Norway reached 3 million people by the beginning of the 1940s. After the war, the death rate dropped sharply, but the birth rate also fell at the same time. If the average annual natural increase before 1960 was from 8 to 12 people per 1 thousand, then by 1.978 it had dropped to 7 people. The sex ratio has evened out. In 1976, the population of Norway exceeded 4 million people. Now it is about 4.3 million people.

Almost a third of the economically active population of Norway is employed in industry. A little more than 1/10 of the economically active population works in fishing, agriculture and forestry. A relatively large share is employed in transport, especially in the navy. Norwegians are considered the most "seafaring" nation in the world. Employment in the service sector is growing every year, where almost half of the economically active population works.

Most of the economically active population of the country is made up of workers united in trade unions. The Central Association of Trade Unions of Norway (COPN) has 600,000 members. members.

At the top of the social ladder stands the financial oligarchy, whose representatives occupy leadership positions in industry and shipping.

Norway is one of the sparsely populated countries in Europe. The average population density here is 12.8 people per 1 sq. km. km. The most densely populated south-eastern part of Norway - Estland. Here, on 1/3 of the country, along the large valleys converging to the Oslo Fjord, half of the population of Norway lives. Its density reaches 50 people per 1 sq. km,

At the same time, the plateaus of the southern part of Norway are almost deserted. The northern part of Norway, which occupies about half of the country's area, is very sparsely populated. 10% of the population lives here. Its average density in the north is less than one person per 1 sq. km. The population is concentrated in coastal cities and towns. In summer, the Saami roam the mountains with herds of deer. Between the southern and northern parts of Norway, there is a low area around the Tronnheims Fjord, where the average density reaches 4-5 people per 1 sq. km. km. Norway in the past was a peasant country. In 1890, the rural population was over 70% and the urban population a little over 20%. By the end, since the 1970s, the proportion of city dwellers had tripled. Now the share of the urban population in Norway is 78%.

A city in Norway is a densely populated area in which the distance between buildings is more than 50 m, where at least 3/4 of the economically active population is employed in all “urban sectors of the economy” (i.e., in any non-forest and non-agricultural work) and where the number of inhabitants is at least 2 thousand Norway is characterized by large cities. There are 532 urban settlements, and only in 32 of them the number of inhabitants exceeds 10 thousand people. The most populated Norwegian cities: the capital of the country Oslo (720 thousand inhabitants), Bergen and Trondheim. Most Norwegian cities are located on the sea coast. Only a few small towns are found in the Estlann 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 in enterprises in a nearby city.

Norway stands out for the equal participation of women in all areas public life. So, almost half of the country's parliament is women.

Transport.

Shipping plays a leading role in both internal and external transport links. This is due to the specifics of the geographic location, the strong indentation of the coastline, combined with the mountainous terrain and the historical seafaring skills of the Norwegians. By sea is 9/10 of foreign trade and more than 1/2 of domestic cargo turnover. Norway is one of the leading shipping powers in the world. In terms of merchant fleet tonnage, it is in 5th place.

After the Second World War, when the severely damaged Norwegian fleet was restored and modernized with the help of foreign, primarily American, loans, monopoly concerns occupied a dominant position in it, which own entire fleets of motor ships and turboships and serve lines encircling the entire globe. Such, for example, are the Wilhelmsen, Ulsen, Bergen Shipping Company concerns. The Norwegian fleet is distinguished by a large proportion of tankers, which account for 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 employed transportation of goods between foreign ports, which brings the country several billion crowns of foreign currency per year More than 50 million tons of various cargoes pass through the seaports of Norway annually.About half of them are 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 motor roads is rather limited. The total length of railways, usually single-track, is 4.24 thousand km, of which slightly more than half are 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 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 (calculated per capita.)

Foreign economic relations

Foreign trade, which plays an exceptionally important role in the economic life of Norway, is characterized by a traditional large deficit: the value of imports of goods far exceeds the value of their exports. This deficit, in the conditions of favorable development of international trade, was usually almost completely covered by income from foreign shipping. However, now these revenues are often not enough, and the country is forced to resort more to foreign loans, as a result of which its external debt is growing rapidly.

The structure of exports reflects all the shifts in the structure of the Norwegian economy. The share of fish and fish products is systematically falling, which in the early 1950s accounted for up to 25%, and now - only a little more than 5% of the value of exports. The same can be said about timber products. There was a slight decrease (from 30% in 1960 to 20% at the end of the 1970s) in the share of products of electrometallurgy and electrochemistry. On the other hand, the share of engineering products is constantly growing. Now it has reached more than 30% and includes a wide range of products. In recent years, oil and gas exports (via pipelines) have risen sharply. However, the pace of development of the oil economy is declining, oil production is gradually declining, while gas production, on the contrary, is on the rise. Therefore, gas exports are increasing sharply, and contracts for the sale of gas have already exceeded the total volume of 50 billion cubic meters per year.

Imports are wider and more varied. The most significant import of various products of engineering, including ships and cars. 4/5 of all exports go to European countries and about 3/4 of imports come from there. Including trade with the Nordic countries accounts for approximately 1/4 of imports and exports.

Among Norway's largest trading partners are Great Britain, Sweden and Germany. Russian-Norwegian trade is developing.

Cooperation between Norway and Russia.

BARENTS COOPERATION was formalized on January 11, 1993 in Kirkenes by the adoption of a corresponding declaration by the Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Barents Euro-Arctic Region. In many ways, it represents a small revolution in our perception of the world around us and the opportunities for development that we have. For all who were born after the end of World War II, building relationships with our Russian neighbors that resemble our ties with other neighboring countries is groundbreaking. We are all children of the Cold War, the time when the Barents region was called the northern flank, and the border between Norway and Russia was the border between NATO and the Warsaw Pact and between two very different social systems.

Today there is an opportunity to develop contacts with neighbors in a way that was unthinkable just a few years ago. In the economic field, because trade with Russia can contribute to positive economic development. In the field of environmental protection - since we have finally approached how hazardous waste is handled in Russia and how harmful substances get into the soil, atmosphere and water, we can study this and influence the process.

Russia is a weakened country characterized by economic problems and political instability. We do not know what Russia's policy will be in ten years, even in ten months or ten days. Russia can be a good partner in cooperation and a source of positive development for Norway, but there are also dangerous signs ahead. Therefore, it is necessary to establish strong ties between both societies, to create a climate of cooperation that would exist even with setbacks in the Russian reform process.

The Barents region is a region of opportunities. Here, the necessary resources are available in large quantities: fish, oil and gas, minerals, timber, and so on. So far, these opportunities have been realized only to a small extent. For reasons of political order, the reasonable and rational use and management of large natural resources on the territory of Russia is difficult. Nature has suffered great damage, the infrastructure is underdeveloped, the economy and the structure of the economy need to be transformed, modernized and made efficient. So far, there has been no way to link together the resources, economies, expertise, and markets across the east and west sides of the border.

What can the Norwegian economy offer Russia and the countries of Eastern Europe? Until now, the main emphasis has been on trade in goods. When settled in cash, such trading is less affected by the special problems that exist in Russia than those associated with investments. Opportunities are now opening up for the establishment of much closer and stronger ties between the Norwegian and Russian economies. Fisheries emerge as a central area for the implementation of cooperation projects. Large deliveries of Russian cod by Norwegian fishery companies to fish processing enterprises made it possible to establish important ties between them. Norwegian companies also have extensive experience in the supply of equipment for the fishing fleet, as well as in other areas of production. The reorganization in Russia of the former state fisheries companies and collective farms has pushed the Norwegian and Russian sides to a very gratifying and beneficial cooperation for both sides.

Energy is another area that is marked by dynamism and in which the Norwegian economy is particularly perverse. As you know, Russia is experiencing a great need to develop its energy sector in order to achieve greater production efficiency. There is a large untapped potential in the oil and gas industry in Northwest Russia that will require significant expertise, investment and equipment supplies to unlock. There are also major tasks in the field of power supply, making markets more efficient, technical improvement and energy savings.

Norway has a very competitive maritime industry. This applies to enterprises in the field of both shipping and shipbuilding, as well as the supply of equipment, and research. There must be a good basis for economic cooperation between these industries of the two countries.

The proximity of Norway to the north-west of Russia, the similarity of climatic and soil conditions create favorable prerequisites for the development of cooperation in the field of agriculture. The agro-industrial complex of Northern Norway has experience that can be very useful for north-western Russia, for example in the processing, processing and distribution of agricultural products.

Norwegian companies are well positioned in important sectors such as construction, mining and mineral extraction, and not least in computer science.

The strength of the Norwegian economy is its ability to combine many functions in individual industries, which have a kind of enterprise complexes that complement each other in production, service, financing, insurance, marketing, research and development. The Norwegian economy, with such complexes, especially in the fields of energy, fisheries, shipping, shipbuilding, metallurgy and wood processing, has a particularly advantageous starting position in terms of constructively promoting transformation and making the Russian economy more efficient.

There are reasons to believe that as the results of economic reforms in the countries of Eastern Europe are achieved, the indicators for trade operations with Norway will increase.

The capital of Norway is Oslo.

The capital of Norway - the city of Oslo is located in the south of Norway on the shores of the Oslo Fjord and the surrounding area. About 720,000 people live here. Territorially - the administrative center - Fyulke-Akershus.

Founded in 1048, this ancient city is now predominantly built up with modern houses; buildings” of the 19th century, and even more so of the 14th-18th centuries. little has been preserved. Oslo is located on both sides of the river. Akerselv, which flows into the Bay of Björkvik in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe main - East railway station. From east to west, from this station to the royal palace, stretches the main street of the city - Karl Johansgate. On the east coast Pipervika Bay, the remains of the Old Town with the Akershus Fortress, built around 1300 and rebuilt in the 15th-16th centuries, have been preserved. In the northern part of the same bay, behind the port, there is a town hall building, built in 1933-1950. and richly decorated with sculptures on the outside, and paintings on historical themes on the inside. Behind the town hall, on Karl-Juhansgate Street, there is the parliament building - the Storting, erected in 1886, and the National Theater, built in l891-l899 ... Between Karl-Juhansgate Street and the port, the entire business part of the city is concentrated.

Voslo is the gateway to Norway - Forneby International Airport.

Voslo has a subway, higher educational institutions - the University, the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Literature, the State Academy of Arts, a conservatory. There are many theaters: National Norwegian, New, Opera.

Industrial enterprises are concentrated mainly in the eastern part of the city (Estkant). More than a quarter of the country's industrial production is concentrated here: mechanical engineering (including shipbuilding, electrical and radio-electronic industries), chemical, printing, food, and clothing industries.

In the western part of Oslo (Vestkant) there are bourgeois mansions and parks, among which is the famous Frogner Park with a giant sculptural ensemble created by the famous Norwegian sculptor Henrik Vigeland. Not far from the park is his memorial museum.

There are many museums in Oslo. In the city center, next to the old buildings of the university, stands the Historical Museum (Museum of National Antiquities) with many unique archaeological exhibits of the ancient early medieval history of the country. Near this museum is the National Gallery, created in 1837 with the participation of the famous painter and graphic artist Yu.-K.-K. Dahl and exhibiting, in addition to his paintings, the works of various Schools of the 19th and 20th centuries, for example, the genre painter A. Tiedemann, the landscape painter H. Goulet, the realists K. Krag and E. Verenscholl. A separate museum was established for the outstanding artist, one of the founders of expressionism, E. Munch. In the center of the city is the Museum of Applied Arts, which contains works of folk craftsmen of the past - casting and forged metal products, figured vessels carved from wood, weaving, embroidery, knitting, lace.

One of the most interesting places in Oslo, which is most readily visited by those arriving in the country's capital, is the Bygde peninsula with its numerous museums. The largest and most significant of them is the Norwegian Folk Museum. Its exhibits characterize the culture and life of the country's population. In the park zone of the peninsula, which is spread around, in areas relatively similar in landscape to individual peculiar regions of the country, log buildings of its branch - an open-air museum are scattered. Log buildings of old peasant estates were brought here from all over the country.

There are three unique museums in the vicinity of the Norwegian Museum of Folk Life. The oldest of them is the Viking Ship Museum, which contains amazing archaeological exhibits - ancient graceful keel ships, on which the ancestors of Norwegians plied the seas around Europe and crossed the Atlantic to the shores of America.

In another museum, which is called "Fram", is kept as the main exhibit of the eponymous keel ship with an egg-shaped bottom, built according to the calculations of Fridtjof Nansen specifically to withstand ice compression in the Arctic. A quarter of a century later, another Norwegian traveler, Roald Amundsen, sailed on the Fram to the shores of Antarctica and then reached the South Pole on skis of the first people.

But perhaps the most visited museum in Bygd is “Kon-Tiki”. This is not a state museum, unlike those named here, but a private one, owned by Thor Heyerdahl. There are two main exhibits - the balsa raft “Kon-Tiki” and the papyrus boat “Ra-2”, on which the brave Norwegian made his famous voyages.

There is also a Ski Museum in Oslo, where types of skis are exhibited from ancient times to the present day.

The northwestern part of Oslo is the ski "Mecca" of Norway - Holmenkollen with a large springboard. Here, on one of the Sundays of March, the largest sports festival of the year is held. In Holmenkollen ski jumping competitions take place in the country.

It is significant that in train cars and in buses making domestic flights around the country, special places are reserved for skis - according to the number of passenger seats. Oslo, like other cities in Norway, is empty in the winter on weekends: fathers and mothers with children, grandparents with little grandchildren ski and go away from the city. In Holmenkollen and in the hilly and wooded recreation area of ​​Nurmark, north of Oslo, the snowy slopes are full of tens of thousands of skiers. The whole nation is on skis! There is no more common item in Norwegian everyday life than skis. “Norwegian, born with skis on his feet!” - says the Norwegian proverb.

The famous Bishlet Stadium is located in the center of Oslo. In the last half century, skating has become no less popular hobby for Norwegians than skiing, and this stadium is a place of glory and many bright victories of Skorokhodov on ice at the world and European championships held here.

Bibliography

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2. Sergeev P. Norwegian Petroleum Directorate and its educational program. MEiMO. 1994 No. 3 p.140

3. Burnaeva E. Northern Europe in the international division of labor. // MEiMO. 1994. No. 12 p. 100.

4. "Greetings from Norway" Economy and life. 1992. No. 36 (supplement).

5.Geographical Encyclopedic Dictionary (Moscow 1984)

6. Economic geography of foreign countries (Moscow 1992)

7.Countries of the World. Reference books (1992-1993)

8. Journal "International Life" (1991-1994)

9. Gunderson T. Norway - economic and other development in the Barents region.// MEiMO. 1994. No. 7-8.

10.Large Soviet Encyclopedia 1990

For the preparation of this work, materials from the site referat2000.bizforum.ru/

Norway occupies the western, mountainous part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. This is a large boulder, composed mainly of granites and gneisses and characterized by a rugged relief. The block is asymmetrically raised to the west; as a result, the eastern slopes are more gentle and long, while the western ones, facing the Atlantic Ocean, are very steep and short. In the south, within Norway, both slopes are present, and between them there is a vast upland.

In tectonic terms, almost the entire country is a Calydonian folded region, composed of volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Cambrian and Silurian. Only the southeastern part of Norway is located on the ancient Baltic Shield, composed of Precambrian crystalline rocks.

The Scandinavian mountains stretch along the entire country from the northeast to the southwest. The Scandinavian mountains, formed in the Lower Paleozoic, were destroyed and leveled for a long time in subsequent periods. In the Neogene-Quaternary period, they again experienced uplifts and tectonic revival. These movements were accompanied by the appearance of deep faults, the directions of which were mutually perpendicular. They broke the skeleton of the Caledonian platform into separate blocks, which, rising at different speeds, formed a series of plateaus of different heights in the relief.

In the north, the Scandinavian mountains are much narrower and lower and are dissected into small massifs. Here their heights reach an average of 800 meters. The slopes of the highlands are asymmetrical: the western one is steep, while the eastern one is more gentle. The western steep slopes of the mountains break off either directly into the sea, or to a narrow coastal lowland - the country flat. This lowland emerged from under 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, but they do not exceed 40 m above sea level. Most of the population of the coast lives on the country flat and many cities of the country are located. The steep western slopes of the Scandinavian Mountains abound in fjords - narrow bays jutting far into the land with steep, glacier-polished slopes; they formed along the lines of tectonic faults. Thus, the Scandinavian mountains, which occupy almost the entire territory of Norway, are highlands, divided into separate plateaus (fjelds), elongated ridges and depressions. The highest and most extensive plateaus are located in the southern part of the country.

The most powerful and highest fields are Yutuiheimen, Yustedalsbre, Telemark. Fjelds are covered with huge glacier caps. It is here, on the Yutuiheimen massif, that the highest peak of the Scandinavian Highlands is located - Galdhøpiggen, reaching 2469 m. and Mount Glittertinn (2452 m). Other elevated areas are only slightly inferior in height. These include Dovrefjell, Ronnane, Hardangervidda and Finnmarksvidda. Bare rocks are often exposed there, devoid of soil and vegetation cover. Outwardly, the surface of many highlands is more like gently undulating plateaus, and such areas are called "vidda".

During the great ice age, glaciation developed in the mountains of Norway, but modern glaciers are small. The largest of them is Jostedalsbre, whose area reaches 487 square meters. km, (the largest of the glaciers not only in Norway, but throughout Europe abroad) in the mountains of Jotunheimen, Svartisen in the northern part of central Norway and Folgefonni in the Hardangervidda region. The small Engabre glacier, located at 70° N, approaches the shore of the Kvenangenfjord, where small icebergs break away at the end of the glacier. However, usually the snow line in Norway is located at altitudes of 900-1500 m. Many features of the country's topography were formed during the Ice Age. Probably, there were several continental glaciations then, and each of them contributed to the development of glacial erosion, deepening and straightening of ancient river valleys and their transformation into picturesque U-shaped steep spurs, deeply cutting through the surface of the highlands.

The total number of all ice caps and firn fields in Norway is 2081. Their total area is 2770 sq. km. km, which is 1% of the entire territory of Norway. It is the largest glacial region in mainland Northern Europe.

Finnmark. The northernmost region of Norway is called Finnmark, the eastern part of which does not present any significant uplands and is filled only with rounded hills and highlands.

To the west of the North Cape, the mountains take on an almost completely flat appearance, and at an altitude of 200-400 m descend almost sheer to the sea.

From Cape North Cape begins a number of islands that cover the coast of Norway from the sea and represent a feature characteristic of Norway in terms of orography. The closest are the larger islands (like Mageroy with the North Cape, etc.); further south are large and small islands interspersed, of which the smallest is called Skerries. The wide Altafjord lies nearby, and the Lingenfjord reaching almost 100 km in length, which is limited from the west by a mighty (alpine) snow and ice chain, reaching up to 1500-2000 m in height (Goatzapais, Yuhkiveyr, Neilever, etc.). This chain represents the orographic limit of the Finnmarken Highlands.

Nordland. The so-called "Northern Country" begins with the Lingen Alps. This rugged country extends over a space of several degrees of latitude to the south, retaining everywhere the same character. The mountains here are mostly 1000-1800 m high; their highest peak, Sulitielma (1880 m), is on the Swedish border, with a large glacier.

Closer to the coast lies the large Svartisen glacier (65 km long, with an area of ​​more than 1000 sq. km, 1097 m in height). Only the western slope of the mountain belongs to Norway, the rest, on the other side of the highest mountain range, is Swedish. In front of the mainland are numerous and mostly large mountainous islands; to the north of the others lies a large group of the Vesterålen Islands, from which the Lofoten group of islands extends far into the sea.

Below Vefsenfjord, the band of solid land becomes wider, the mountains lower, and the wide valley of Namdal represents a transition to the plains; behind it they diverge into the wide, beautiful pool of Trondheimsfjord. Here lie fertile and well-cultivated areas, which, however, largely retain the character of the valleys. The terrain on the western side of this fjord, deeply and widely cut into the mainland, is unattractive. At about 63° the highlands are torn apart, with significant mountains going south between the two states (Norway and Sweden), this part of the mountains in the east is lower and less wild. But towards the west, the terrain becomes more wild, and the absolute marks increase and reach their greatest height in the form of the peak of Snøhetta (2286 m.), which was previously considered for a long time highest mountain in Norway. The northern spur of Dovrefjell is quite large and is crossed by two large valleys (Orkdal and Geuldal). To the west, the Driva River, running from Snöhetta, forms the Sunndal valley. The main mountain range here suddenly turns south at right angles and is further called Langfjella. From here, the western spur is dissected by a large spur, which protrudes 209 km into the mountain mass and forms one of the most magnificent and picturesque areas in Europe.

The complex fjord system of the Sunnmöre area, surrounded by mountains, the height of which reaches 1500-2300 m; its coasts and islands are characterized by a wild character. To the south lies the Nordfjord, separated by a long mountain range that ends at Cape Stat.

The Great Sognefjord, which got its name from the area adjacent to it, Sogn. Inside this area, in an area of ​​about 15,000 sq. km, are the highest and wildest mountain ranges in Norway, which have been given the name Giant Land (Jotunheimen). Here, the average height of the highlands, on which sharp teeth of rocks rise, reaches almost 1300 m. Since the snow limit here passes at an altitude of 1400 m, the peaks of the mountains should have been covered with eternal snow, if this were not prevented by the smooth slopes of the mountains; but on the other hand, every crevice or crack, every inconspicuous slope, not quite a steep rise of the mountain is completely covered with a mass of snow, and in many places glaciers are seen through the cracks quite often and at a fairly large depth. All this space is a mountain desert, on which only occasionally a human foot steps. More than 60 peaks of the Giant Land (Jotunheimen) were measured and almost all showed heights above 2000 meters. The most significant are Galdhøpiggen (2469 m) and Glittertind (2452 m), both in the Lom pass in the Gudbrandsdal valley, the highest of any known point in northern Europe, surrounded by a whole mass of almost equally high rocky peaks.

Hurrungane. In the western part of the Giant Land (Jotunheimen) rises a harsh and wild group Prodigal Children (Norwegian Hurrungane), reaching 2000-2400 m in height. Several valleys crash into this realm of mountains, and above all Ordal (Erdal), an extremely wild, rocky valley, whose scattered inhabitants are constantly threatened by avalanches.

To the west lies a glacier 90 km long and 80 km wide. This occupies about 1600 sq. km, the snowy area is called Jostedalsbreen (Jostedalsbreen) and reaches a height of 1600 m, while the lower edge of the glacier descending into the valleys in places rises only 130 m above the sea surface and lies only 3 km from it. These glaciers (including 24 can be attributed to the first category) fill the valleys of Sogn, Nordfjord and Sondfjord.

South of Jotunheimen is an inner mountain plateau with numerous high peaks rising above it called Fillefjell.

To the south of the valley of the Sogna lies a wide mountainous country, the interior of which consists of the fertile country of Foss. Inside this area lies a large flat hill called Hardangervidda, bounded on the north by the Hardangerjökull glacier and the high wall-like rocks of Hallingskarven. It occupies a space of 12-15 thousand square meters. km.

In the western part of Hardangerfjord, on a flat top of a single peninsula, surrounded on three sides by Hardangerfjord and its branches Serfjord and Aakrefjord, lies the Folgefon glacier, 60 km long and 12-46 km wide, covering a space of 150 square meters. km and presenting a majestic spectacle from the sea. Its highest points reach 1654 m, the lower limit eternal ice has a very variable height, from 300 to 1000m.

Telemark mountains. A series of flat, low elevations make up the Heier Plateau, none of which rises above 1,500 meters. Gradually, this series of hills passes into the torn mountains of Telemark (Telemark), forming, as it were, a tangled mountain knot, in which Mount Gausta rises as an isolated cone, reaching a height of 1890 meters. Between the mountains stretch in different directions large valleys filled with rivers, streams and lakes. Telemark is followed one after another by five large main valleys, with low and fertile areas. First, starting from the west, is Numedal; then Hallingdal (Hallingdal), also starting on this flat hill, and Valdres (Valdres); further on is Gudbrandsdalen and Österdalen, which forms the border with Sweden. All these valleys have many similarities with each other: from the watershed they stretch in the form of small furrows between the mountains compressing them on both sides, then gradually expand and, finally, as they approach the coast and the mountains disappear, they take on the character of a valley. These eastern valleys, whose nature is completely different from the western one, are collectively called "Eastern mountainous" Norway.

Minerals. Of the minerals in Norway, iron ores (magnetites and titanomagnetites), nickel, copper, molybdenum, cobalt and silver ores are known. The largest deposits of magnetite ores are concentrated in the north of Norway. Uranium deposits have been discovered in the south of Norway. Copper pyrite deposits are located mainly in the central part of the country. Copper-nickel deposits of sulfate ores are located in the south. Ilmenite ores, rich in titanium dioxide, are found in large quantities in the north of Norway and in the extreme southwest, where the deposit itself is called Titania. It is the largest in foreign Europe, and thanks to this, Norway is considered one of the most important suppliers of ilmenite in the world. On the Lofoten Islands there are marine Jurassic and Cretaceous sandy-argillaceous deposits with layers of coal. Also in Norway there are very large reserves of building stone (granite, slate, marble).

In the 1970s, oil and gas fields were discovered on the continental shelf.

Economic and geographical position of Norway

The Kingdom of Norway is located in northern Europe and stretches in a narrow strip along the northwestern coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula.

In the north, west and south, the country has an open outlet to the Atlantic Ocean through the North, Norwegian, and Barents Seas. The coastline of the country is heavily indented with narrow and long bays, called fjords. The total length of the coast is 25148 km.

The land border from the southeast passes with Sweden, Finland and Russia. The segment of the border with Russia is very short and is 196 km.

All islands, islets and rocks located in its territorial waters are part of the country. A number of islands belonging to it are located at a considerable distance, for example, the Svalbard archipelago, between the Greenland and Norwegian Seas - the island of Jan Mayen, in the southern part of the Atlantic - the island of Bouvet.

In addition, Norway claims Peter I Island off the coast of Antarctica and Queen Maud Land, but they are not part of Norway.

The sea has always played an important role in the country's economy. It was famous for international shipping, fishing and whaling.

The presence of turbulent rivers in terms of hydropower reserves brought Norway to the first place among the countries of Western Europe. The leading role in external and internal relations belongs to shipping, which is associated with the historical skills of the Norwegians and the peculiarities of its geographical position.

The Norwegian fleet, which suffered during the Second World War, was restored and modernized. The country is one of the leading shipping countries in the world, and in terms of merchant fleet tonnage it ranks 5th.

Transportation of goods between foreign ports annually brings billions of kroons of foreign currency.

The road and rail network in the country is limited. The length of railways is 4.24 thousand km, and the length of automobile roads is 79.8 thousand km.

The country's air gateway is Forneby Airport, located near the capital. In terms of passenger transportation by air, Norway occupies one of the first places in the world.

The country is industrial-agrarian, with a high level of development of energy-intensive industries, shipping, and fishing.

With the discovery of oil fields in recent years, oil refining and petrochemical complexes began to develop.

The structure of the Norwegian economy is undergoing changes that affect its exports and imports. In exports, the share of fish and fish products is decreasing, the share of electrometallurgy and electrochemistry, and timber processing has decreased.

But the share of machine-building products is growing rapidly. The export of hydrocarbons, especially gas, is growing.

Imports are very diverse, Norway imports engineering products, including ships and cars. Major partners:

• Sweden,
• Germany,
• United Kingdom.

The country gained state independence in 1905. After the Second World War, its political course was determined by participation in NATO and close military and economic cooperation with the leading countries of the bloc.

Norway regulates its relations with the European Union under the Free Trade Agreement of 1973.

Remark 1

Thus, the economic and geographical position of this northern European country is quite favorable, and she was able to extract from it all the positive factors for the development of her economy.

Natural conditions of Norway

Most of Norway is occupied by the Scandinavian mountains. They are composed of granites and gneisses, their eastern slopes are gentle, while the western ones are short and steep.

In Norway, both mountains are represented in the southern part of the country, and between them there is a vast highland. The height of the mountains with the advancement to the south increases and reaches maximum marks - the peak of Mount Gallhöppigen, 2469 m high.

The surface of many highlands outwardly resembles a plateau, which are called "vidda". The mountains were characterized by glaciation during the ice age, but modern glaciers are not large. The snow line in the mountains is at an altitude of 900-1500 m.

The lower reaches of the ancient valleys, after the melting of the glacier, were under water, where fjords were formed, many of which have great depths.

Islands located near the coast protect the fjords from strong winds from the Atlantic. Fjords are of economic importance.

Compared to Russian Siberia and American Alaska located at the same latitude, the climate of Norway is not very severe. The reason for this is the warm current of the Gulf Stream, which warms the coast of the country.

The climate is maritime temperate with cool summers and fairly warm winters. The July temperature is +6, +15 degrees, but it varies depending on the area. In the south of the country it can be +17 degrees, and in the north at the same time only +7 degrees. On some days, the thermometer rises to +30 degrees.

The January temperature is +2, -12 degrees, with the removal to the east the climate becomes continental, and the thermometer can drop to -50 degrees.

The fallen snow lasts from November to April. The north of the country lies within the subarctic climate and the temperature regime is similar to neighboring countries. The average is kept at around -22 degrees.

More precipitation falls on the coast, with the advancement to the east, their amount decreases. The central and eastern parts are drier.

On the flat territories, 500-600 mm will fall, and on the windward side of the mountains 2000-2500 mm. Their maximum number falls on September and October.

The seas surrounding Norway do not freeze during the winter. In spring, the air temperature gradually rises, but there is little rainfall, but there are many sunny days.

Natural resources of Norway

A variety of minerals are concentrated in the bowels of the state. Most of the hydrocarbons are concentrated in the North Sea, the country ranks first among European countries in terms of oil reserves, and ranks second in terms of natural gas reserves.

Remark 2

Industrial oil reserves in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea were estimated at 1.5 billion tons, and natural gas at 765 billion cubic meters. m. This is 3/4 of all reserves of Western Europe.

The oil fields of the Barents Sea are at the stage of industrial development. Large coal deposits are concentrated on the island of Svalbard.

As of 2002, coal reserves were estimated at 10 billion tons. There are 4 mines in the central part of the island of East Svalbard.

The main metal resource of Norway is iron ores, in terms of the reserves of which the country ranks 6th-7th among European countries. Iron ores are represented by ferruginous quartzites and magnetite-hematite ores. The total reserves of ferruginous quartzites are 1 billion tons, and the proven reserves are 100 million tons.

The second place after Finland is occupied by Norway in terms of vanadium ore reserves. Their reserves are estimated at 12-15 million tons. Norway occupies a leading place among European countries in terms of titanium ore reserves, and in terms of copper reserves, it is among the top ten European countries.

The only veined molybdenum ore deposit in Europe is located in Norway. Reserves of nickel ores, polymetals, niobium are average. There are also silver, lead-zinc deposits, gold, phosphate ores, graphite, marble and some other minerals, but their deposits are not very large.

Significant hydropower reserves in Norway. The country's hydro resources are distributed evenly.

Forest resources occupy about 40% of the country's territory, of which 15% of forests are not suitable for industrial use, as they are located far from transport routes.

Most of the forests are privately owned, but despite this, the Norwegians have the right to visit the forest at any time. The landforms limit the opportunities for plant growth and development, so fertile soils are concentrated mainly in the south of the country. They cover only 4% of the territory.