NORWAY

Norway is located in Northern Europe, with the North Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, Sweden to the east, and the North Sea to the south. It covers an area slightly larger than New Mexico. The climate is temperate along the coast, colder inland, and rainy year-round in the west. The terrain is glaciated, consisting mostly of high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys. There are some small scattered plains, a coastline deeply indented by fjords, and arctic tundra in the north. Natural resources include petroleum, minerals, natural gas, fish, timber, and hydro power.

Location

Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden.

Geography

About two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines in the world.

Capital

Oslo

Climate

Temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast.

Language

Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami-and Finnish-speaking minorities

Monetary Unit

Norwegian krone (NOK)

Largest Cities

Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger

Principal rivers

Glama

Places to Visit

Oslo, Bergen

Airports

Vigra Airport, Alta Airport, Andoya AB Airport, Banak ABBatsfjord Airport, Flesland Airport, Berlevag Airport, Bodo Airport, Bomoen AB Airport, Hilversum Airport