Article: Norway…Statistically Speaking

Quick History
A number of small Norwegian communities were gradually organized into larger regions in the 9th century, and around the year 900 King Harald Fairhair (Harald Hårfagre) unified the realm and became its first supreme ruler. In the Middle Ages Vikings from Norway settled in England, France, Ireland and Iceland. Norway and Denmark subsequently formed one kingdom from 1380 to 1814 when, in the wake of the Napoleonic wars, Norway was united with Sweden, adopting a modern constitution in the process. In 1905 Norway and Sweden went their separate ways peacefully and Norway has been independent since.

Norway Overview

Population 1.7.2011: 4 953 000

Unemployment: 3.3%

GDP per capita: NOK 510 544

Norway has been the second largest exporter of seafood.

Norway was ranked highest of all countries in human development from 2001 to 2007, and then again in 2009.

Norway was also rated the most peaceful country in the world in a 2007 survey by Global Peace Index.

The standard of living in Norway is among the highest in the world.

Norway is on the Central European Time. The clock is set forward one hour to summertime in March and set back one hour in October. Remember this phrase: ‘Spring forward, fall back’.

Due to Norway’s high latitude, there are large seasonal variations in daylight. From late May to late July, the sun never completely descends beneath the horizon in areas north of the Arctic Circle and the rest of the country experiences up to 20 hours of daylight per day. Conversely, from late November to late January, the sun never rises above the horizon in the north, and daylight hours are very short in the rest of the country.

Norwegians enjoy the second highest GDP per-capita (after Luxembourg) and third highest GDP (PPP) per-capita in the world. Norway maintained first place in the world in the UNDP Human Development Index (HDI) for six consecutive years (2001–2006), and then reclaimed this position in 2009.

Nearly 83% of Norwegians are members of the state Church of Norway(Evangelical Lutheran), to which they are registered at baptism. Many remain in the state church to be able to use services such as baptism, confirmation, marriage and burial, rites which have strong cultural standing in Norway. However, only 20% of Norwegians say that religion occupies an important place in their life

Norwegian per capita income ranks among the world’s highest. North Sea oil and gas fields are one of the cornerstones of the Norwegian economy. Other major industries upon which Norway relies are fishery, pulp and paper, forestry, mining, manufacturing and shipping. Traditionally, however, the country is a fishing nation, with 90 per cent of it’s catch exported. Fish farming is a growth sector, with government assistance, and Norway is now the world’s leading producer of salmon.

Stavanger
Stavanger is the 3rd largest city in Norway.

Stavanger is a city and municipality in the county of Rogaland, Norway.

Stavanger was established as a municipality 1 January 1838.

Stavanger municipality has a population of 121,610 (2009).

Stavanger is commonly referred to as the Petroleum Capital of Norway.

The Stavanger region has been European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Rogaland has the lowest unemployment rate of any county in Norway, 1.1%.

Stavanger is divided into 7 boroughs: Hundvåg, Tasta, Eiganes og Våland, Madla, Storhaug, Hillevåg, & Hinna.

Rogaland is the most important region for oil and gas exploration and development in Norway. There is also a well developed industrial cluster related to the petroleum industry, with special know-how in deep well technologies.

Electricity in Norway

Electricity in Norway is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second (Hz). If you travel to Norway with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Outlets in Norway generally accept 1 type of plug: Two round pins. If your appliances plug has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter. American 110 volt (60Hz) appliances definitely need an adapter. Visit your local electronics store for more help.