Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Norway
Kongeriket Norge
CapitalOslo
Population5,610,870
GDP$530.8bn
Area385,207 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off after King Olav TRYGGVASON adopted Christianity in 994; conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Norway remained neutral in World War I and proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but Nazi Germany nonetheless occupied the country for five years (1940-45). In 1949, Norway abandoned neutrality and became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of ethnic minorities, maintaining the country's extensive social safety net with an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness.
Reference: 1994, 1972, 1949, 1940Geography
Location
Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 323,802 sq km
land: 304,282 sq km
water: 19,520 sq km
land: 304,282 sq km
water: 19,520 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than twice the size of Georgia; slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries
total: 2,566 km
border countries: Finland 709 km; Sweden 1,666 km; Russia 191 km
border countries: Finland 709 km; Sweden 1,666 km; Russia 191 km
Coastline
25,148 km
note: note: includes the mainland at 2,650 km, as well as long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations at 22,498 km; length of island coastlines is 58,133 km
note: note: includes the mainland at 2,650 km, as well as long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations at 22,498 km; length of island coastlines is 58,133 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 10 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 10 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
Climate
temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast
Terrain
glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north
Elevation
highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m
lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 460 m
lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 460 m
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land: 2.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 33.3% (2023 est.)
other: 64% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 33.3% (2023 est.)
other: 64% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
337 sq km (2016)
Reference: 2016Population distribution
most people live in the south; population clusters are found along the North Sea coast in the southwest and Skaggerak in the southeast; the interior areas of the north remain sparsely populated
Natural hazards
rockslides, avalanches
volcanism: Beerenberg (2,227 m) on Jan Mayen Island in the Norwegian Sea is the country's only active volcano
volcanism: Beerenberg (2,227 m) on Jan Mayen Island in the Norwegian Sea is the country's only active volcano
Geography - note
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 the most rugged and longest coastlines in the world
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Norwegian(s)
adjective: Norwegian
adjective: Norwegian
Ethnic groups
Norwegian 81.5% (includes about 60,000 Sami), other European 8.9%, other 9.6% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Languages
Languages: Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities
major-language sample(s): Verdens Faktabok, den essensielle kilden for grunnleggende informasjon. (Norwegian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: Sami has three dialects (Lule, North Sami, and South Sami) and is an official language in nine municipalities in the northernmost counties of Finnmark, Nordland, and Troms
major-language sample(s): Verdens Faktabok, den essensielle kilden for grunnleggende informasjon. (Norwegian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: Sami has three dialects (Lule, North Sami, and South Sami) and is an official language in nine municipalities in the northernmost counties of Finnmark, Nordland, and Troms
Religions
Church of Norway (Evangelical Lutheran - official) 67.5%, Muslim 3.1%, Roman Catholic 3.1%, other Christian 3.8%, other 2.6%, unspecified 19.9% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Age structure
0-14 years: 16.3% (male 461,979/female 438,243)
15-64 years: 64.5% (male 1,820,692/female 1,734,818)
65 years and over: 19.1% (2024 est.) (male 498,301/female 555,700)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 64.5% (male 1,820,692/female 1,734,818)
65 years and over: 19.1% (2024 est.) (male 498,301/female 555,700)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 55 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 25.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 29.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.4 (2024 est.)
note: note: data include Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 25.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 29.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.4 (2024 est.)
note: note: data include Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Median age
total: 40.8 years (2024 est.)
male: 40.1 years
female: 41.5 years
Reference: 2024male: 40.1 years
female: 41.5 years
Population growth rate
0.59% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
10.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
8.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
most people live in the south; population clusters are found along the North Sea coast in the southwest and Skaggerak in the southeast; the interior areas of the north remain sparsely populated
Major urban areas - population
1.086 million OSLO (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
29.8 years (2020 est.)
note: note: data is calculated based on actual age at first births
Reference: 2020note: note: data is calculated based on actual age at first births
Maternal mortality ratio
1 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.77 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.1% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
4.98 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
3.4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.1% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 6.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.63 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 2.63 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 12% (2025 est.)
male: 12.6% (2025 est.)
female: 11.3% (2025 est.)
male: 12.6% (2025 est.)
female: 11.3% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
50.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0% (2022)
women married by age 18: 0% (2022)
Reference: 2022women married by age 18: 0% (2022)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 19 years (2023 est.)
male: 18 years (2023 est.)
female: 20 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 18 years (2023 est.)
female: 20 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 129,894 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 1,621 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 1,621 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Haakon VIII of Norway | — | 2026-08-28 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Jonas Gahr Støre | — | 2021-10-14 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway
conventional short form: Norway
local long form: Kongeriket Norge
local short form: Norge
etymology: derives from the Old Norse words norre and vegr, meaning "northern way," and refers to the long coastline of western Norway
conventional short form: Norway
local long form: Kongeriket Norge
local short form: Norge
etymology: derives from the Old Norse words norre and vegr, meaning "northern way," and refers to the long coastline of western Norway
Capital
name: Oslo
geographic coordinates: 59 55 N, 10 45 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name may derive from the Old Norwegian word os, meaning "estuary" and referring to the city's location on a fjord; alternatively, the name may come from As, a Scandinavian god, and Lo, a nearby river
geographic coordinates: 59 55 N, 10 45 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name may derive from the Old Norwegian word os, meaning "estuary" and referring to the city's location on a fjord; alternatively, the name may come from As, a Scandinavian god, and Lo, a nearby river
Administrative divisions
12 counties (fylker, singular - fylke); Agder, Innlandet, More og Romsdal, Nordland, Oslo, Rogaland, Romsdal, Troms og Finnmark, Trondelag, Vestfold og Telemark, Vestland, Viken (2024)
Reference: 2024Dependent areas
Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard (3)
Legal system
mixed system of civil, common, and customary law; Supreme Court can advise on legislative acts
Constitution
history: drafted spring 1814, adopted 16 May 1814, signed by Constituent Assembly 17 May 1814
amendment process: proposals submitted by members of Parliament or by the government within the first three years of Parliament's four-year term; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of a two-thirds quorum in the next elected Parliament
amendment process: proposals submitted by members of Parliament or by the government within the first three years of Parliament's four-year term; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of a two-thirds quorum in the next elected Parliament
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Norway
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Norway
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991)
head of government: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr STORE (since 14 October 2021)
cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch, approved by Parliament
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister, with the approval of Parliament
Reference: 2021, 1991head of government: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr STORE (since 14 October 2021)
cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch, approved by Parliament
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister, with the approval of Parliament
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament (Stortinget)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 169 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 9/8/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Labour Party (53); Progress Party (47); Conservative Party (24); Socialist Left Party (9); Center Party (9); Red Party (9); Other (18)
percentage of women in chamber: 40.2%
expected date of next election: September 2029
Reference: 2029, 2025legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 169 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 9/8/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Labour Party (53); Progress Party (47); Conservative Party (24); Socialist Left Party (9); Center Party (9); Red Party (9); Other (18)
percentage of women in chamber: 40.2%
expected date of next election: September 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (consists of the chief justice and 18 associate justices)
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the monarch (King in Council) on the recommendation of the Judicial Appointments Board; justices can serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal or Lagmennsrett; regional and district courts; Conciliation Boards; ordinary and special courts
note: note: in addition to professionally trained judges, elected lay judges sit on the bench with professional judges in the Courts of Appeal and district courts
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the monarch (King in Council) on the recommendation of the Judicial Appointments Board; justices can serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal or Lagmennsrett; regional and district courts; Conciliation Boards; ordinary and special courts
note: note: in addition to professionally trained judges, elected lay judges sit on the bench with professional judges in the Courts of Appeal and district courts
Political parties
Center Party or Sp
Christian Democratic Party or KrF
Conservative Party or H
Green Party or MDG
Labor Party or Ap
Liberal Party or V
Patient Focus or PF
Progress Party or FrP
Red Party or R
Socialist Left Party or SV
Christian Democratic Party or KrF
Conservative Party or H
Green Party or MDG
Labor Party or Ap
Liberal Party or V
Patient Focus or PF
Progress Party or FrP
Red Party or R
Socialist Left Party or SV
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Anniken Scharning HUITFELDT (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000
FAX: [1] (202) 469-3990
email address and website: emb.washington@mfa.no
https://www.norway.no/en/usa/
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
Reference: 2024chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000
FAX: [1] (202) 469-3990
email address and website: emb.washington@mfa.no
https://www.norway.no/en/usa/
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Eric MEYER (since August 2024)
embassy: Morgedalsvegen 36, 0378 Oslo
mailing address: 5460 Oslo Place, Washington DC 20521-5460
telephone: [47] 21-30-85-40
FAX: [47] 22-56-27-51
email address and website: OsloACS@state.gov
https://no.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2024embassy: Morgedalsvegen 36, 0378 Oslo
mailing address: 5460 Oslo Place, Washington DC 20521-5460
telephone: [47] 21-30-85-40
FAX: [47] 22-56-27-51
email address and website: OsloACS@state.gov
https://no.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, EITI (implementing country), ESA, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
7 June 1905 (union with Sweden declared dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union); notable earlier dates: ca. 872 (traditional unification of Norwegian kingdoms by HARALD Fairhair); 1397 (Kalmar Union of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden); 1524 (Denmark-Norway); 17 May 1814 (Norwegian constitution adopted); 4 November 1814 (Sweden-Norway union confirmed)
Reference: 1905National holiday
Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)
Flag
description: red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the the cross is shifted to the left side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)
meaning: the colors represent Norway's past political unions with Denmark (red and white) and Sweden (blue)
meaning: the colors represent Norway's past political unions with Denmark (red and white) and Sweden (blue)
National symbol(s)
lion
National color(s)
red, white, blue
National anthem(s)
title: "Kongesangen" (Song of the King)
lyrics/music: Gustav JENSEN
history: royal anthem; uses the tune of "God Save the King," the United Kingdom's anthem
note: note: since 2011, the patriotic song “Mitt lille land” has been called a new national anthem and is sometimes performed at patriotic events, but it is not used as often as “Ja, vi elsker dette landet”
Reference: 2011lyrics/music: Gustav JENSEN
history: royal anthem; uses the tune of "God Save the King," the United Kingdom's anthem
note: note: since 2011, the patriotic song “Mitt lille land” has been called a new national anthem and is sometimes performed at patriotic events, but it is not used as often as “Ja, vi elsker dette landet”
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 8 (7 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Bryggen (c); Urnes Stave Church (c); Røros Mining Town and the Circumference (c); Rock Art of Alta (c); Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago (c); Struve Geodetic Arc (c); West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord (n); Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Bryggen (c); Urnes Stave Church (c); Røros Mining Town and the Circumference (c); Rock Art of Alta (c); Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago (c); Struve Geodetic Arc (c); West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord (n); Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site (c)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stortinget | — | 169 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, non-EU economy with trade links via European Economic Area (EEA); key role in European energy security as leader in oil, gas, and electricity exports; major fishing, forestry, and oil(?) extraction industries; oil sovereign fund supports generous welfare system; low unemployment; inflation moderating but remains above target level
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $507.68 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $497.236 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $496.877 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $497.236 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $496.877 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $91,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $90,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $91,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $90,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $91,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 2% (2024 est.)
industry: 37% (2024 est.)
services: 51.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 37% (2024 est.)
services: 51.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 37.7% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 22% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 21.7% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 2.6% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 47.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -32.5% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 22% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 21.7% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 2.6% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 47.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -32.5% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, barley, potatoes, oats, wheat, pork, chicken, beef, eggs, carrots/turnips (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
petroleum and gas, shipping, fishing, aquaculture, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles
Industrial production growth rate
2.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
3.042 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 11.6% (2024 est.)
male: 12.3% (2024 est.)
female: 10.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 12.3% (2024 est.)
female: 10.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
12.2% (2021 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2021note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 26.9 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 11.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 3.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.5% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 22% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 22% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 0.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $261.945 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $178.156 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $178.156 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 36.5% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data exclude treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Reference: 2017note: note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data exclude treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Taxes and other revenues
27.1% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $82.511 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $84.104 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $170.714 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $84.104 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $170.714 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $229.205 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $230.882 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $323.875 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $230.882 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $323.875 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 18%, UK 17%, Sweden 9%, Denmark 7%, Netherlands 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
natural gas, crude petroleum, fish, refined petroleum, aluminum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $162.467 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $156.11 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $160.649 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $156.11 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $160.649 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Sweden 11%, Germany 11%, China 11%, USA 7%, Netherlands 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, ships, nickel, garments (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $81.242 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $80.459 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $72.077 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $80.459 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $72.077 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 10.746 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 10.563 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 9.614 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 8.59 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 9.416 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 10.746 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 10.563 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 9.614 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 8.59 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 9.416 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $82.511 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $84.104 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $170.714 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $84.104 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $170.714 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $229.205 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $230.882 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $323.875 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $230.882 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $323.875 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 18%, UK 17%, Sweden 9%, Denmark 7%, Netherlands 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
natural gas, crude petroleum, fish, refined petroleum, aluminum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $162.467 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $156.11 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $160.649 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $156.11 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $160.649 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Sweden 11%, Germany 11%, China 11%, USA 7%, Netherlands 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, ships, nickel, garments (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 41.1 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 127.335 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 30.978 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 13.232 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 7.025 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 127.335 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 30.978 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 13.232 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 7.025 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 9.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 89.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 9.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 89.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 120,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 1.096 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 60,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 1.042 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 1.096 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 60,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 1.042 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 2.02 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 229,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 8.122 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 229,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 8.122 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 121.637 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 5.082 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 117.597 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 104.744 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.544 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 5.082 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 117.597 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 104.744 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.544 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 206.961 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 145,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
1 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.1% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
4.98 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
3.4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.1% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 12% (2025 est.)
male: 12.6% (2025 est.)
female: 11.3% (2025 est.)
male: 12.6% (2025 est.)
female: 11.3% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 19 years (2023 est.)
male: 18 years (2023 est.)
female: 20 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 18 years (2023 est.)
female: 20 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of civil, common, and customary law; Supreme Court can advise on legislative acts
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (consists of the chief justice and 18 associate justices)
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the monarch (King in Council) on the recommendation of the Judicial Appointments Board; justices can serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal or Lagmennsrett; regional and district courts; Conciliation Boards; ordinary and special courts
note: note: in addition to professionally trained judges, elected lay judges sit on the bench with professional judges in the Courts of Appeal and district courts
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the monarch (King in Council) on the recommendation of the Judicial Appointments Board; justices can serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal or Lagmennsrett; regional and district courts; Conciliation Boards; ordinary and special courts
note: note: in addition to professionally trained judges, elected lay judges sit on the bench with professional judges in the Courts of Appeal and district courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Norwegian Armed Forces (Forsvaret or "the Defense"): Norwegian Army (Haeren), Royal Norwegian Navy (Kongelige Norske Sjoeforsvaret; includes Coastal Rangers and Coast Guard (Kystvakt)), Royal Norwegian Air Force (Kongelige Norske Luftforsvaret), Home Guard (Heimevernet, HV) (2025)
note: note: the Norwegian Police Service is under the Ministry of Justice and Public Security
note: note: the Norwegian Police Service is under the Ministry of Justice and Public Security
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 3.4% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 2.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 27,000 active military personnel; approximately 40,000 Home Guard (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory includes a mix of modern, imported Western European and US, as well as domestically produced weapons systems and equipment; in 2024, the Norwegian Government announced a new long-term defense plan which would double defense spending by the mid-2030s with priorities placed in such areas as the acquisition of air defenses and naval capabilities; Norway has a defense industry with a focus in niche capabilities and participates in joint development and production of weapons systems with other European countries (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2024Military service age and obligation
19-35 years of age for selective compulsory military service for men and women; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18 years of age for women volunteers; 12-19 month service obligation; conscripts first serve 12 months between the ages of 19 and 28, and then up to 4-5 refresher training periods until age 35, 44, 55, or 60 depending on rank and function (2024)
note: note 1: Norway has had compulsory military service since 1907; individuals conscripted each year are selected from a larger cohort who are evaluated through online assessments and physical tests
note 2: Norway was the first NATO country to allow women to serve in all combat arms branches of the military (1985); it also has an all-female special operations unit known as Jegertroppen (The Hunter Troop), which was established in 2014; as of 2023, women comprised about 20% of the military's full-time personnel
note 3: beginning in 1995, the military began offering Icelandic citizens the opportunity to apply for admission to officer schools in Norway with an associated education and service contract under special reasons and based on recommendations from Icelandic authorities; as early as 1996, Norway and Iceland entered into a cooperation agreement on the voluntary participation of Icelandic personnel in Norwegian force contributions in foreign operations
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2014, 1996note: note 1: Norway has had compulsory military service since 1907; individuals conscripted each year are selected from a larger cohort who are evaluated through online assessments and physical tests
note 2: Norway was the first NATO country to allow women to serve in all combat arms branches of the military (1985); it also has an all-female special operations unit known as Jegertroppen (The Hunter Troop), which was established in 2014; as of 2023, women comprised about 20% of the military's full-time personnel
note 3: beginning in 1995, the military began offering Icelandic citizens the opportunity to apply for admission to officer schools in Norway with an associated education and service contract under special reasons and based on recommendations from Icelandic authorities; as early as 1996, Norway and Iceland entered into a cooperation agreement on the voluntary participation of Icelandic personnel in Norwegian force contributions in foreign operations
Military deployments
around 100 Lithuania (NATO); Norway also deploys air and naval assets in support of other NATO operations (2025)
Military - note
the Norwegian Armed Forces (Forsvaret) are responsible for protecting Norway and its allies, including monitoring Norway’s airspace, digital, land, and maritime areas, maintaining the country’s borders and sovereignty, contributing to NATO and UN missions, and providing support to civil society, such as assisting the police, search and rescue, and maritime counterterrorism efforts; the military’s territorial and sovereignty defense missions are complicated by Norway’s vast sea areas, numerous islands, long and winding fjords, and difficult and mountainous terrain; a key area of emphasis is its far northern border with Russia
Norway is one of the original members of NATO, and the Alliance is a key component of Norway’s defense policy; the Forsvaret participates in NATO exercises, missions, and operations, including air policing of NATO territory, NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence mission in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe, and standing naval missions, as well as operations in non-NATO areas, such as the Middle East
the Forsvaret also cooperates closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO; established 2009), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; Norway contributes to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a pool of high-readiness military forces from 10 Baltic and Scandinavian countries designed to respond to a wide range of contingencies in the High North, North Atlantic, and Baltic Sea regions; Norway has close military ties with the US, including rotational US military deployments and an agreement allowing for mutual defense activities and US military forces to access some Norwegian facilities
the Forsvaret's origins go back to the leidangen, defense forces which were established along the coastline in the 10th century to protect the Norwegian coast (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2009Norway is one of the original members of NATO, and the Alliance is a key component of Norway’s defense policy; the Forsvaret participates in NATO exercises, missions, and operations, including air policing of NATO territory, NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence mission in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe, and standing naval missions, as well as operations in non-NATO areas, such as the Middle East
the Forsvaret also cooperates closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO; established 2009), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; Norway contributes to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a pool of high-readiness military forces from 10 Baltic and Scandinavian countries designed to respond to a wide range of contingencies in the High North, North Atlantic, and Baltic Sea regions; Norway has close military ties with the US, including rotational US military deployments and an agreement allowing for mutual defense activities and US military forces to access some Norwegian facilities
the Forsvaret's origins go back to the leidangen, defense forces which were established along the coastline in the 10th century to protect the Norwegian coast (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Anniken Scharning HUITFELDT (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000
FAX: [1] (202) 469-3990
email address and website: emb.washington@mfa.no
https://www.norway.no/en/usa/
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
Reference: 2024chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000
FAX: [1] (202) 469-3990
email address and website: emb.washington@mfa.no
https://www.norway.no/en/usa/
consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Eric MEYER (since August 2024)
embassy: Morgedalsvegen 36, 0378 Oslo
mailing address: 5460 Oslo Place, Washington DC 20521-5460
telephone: [47] 21-30-85-40
FAX: [47] 22-56-27-51
email address and website: OsloACS@state.gov
https://no.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2024embassy: Morgedalsvegen 36, 0378 Oslo
mailing address: 5460 Oslo Place, Washington DC 20521-5460
telephone: [47] 21-30-85-40
FAX: [47] 22-56-27-51
email address and website: OsloACS@state.gov
https://no.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, EITI (implementing country), ESA, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1973-06-25 |
| NATO (NATO) | member | 1949-04-04 |
| OECD (OECD) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-11-27 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-01-01 |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, EITI (implementing country), ESA, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 129,894 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 1,621 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 1,621 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
LN
Airports
146 (2025)
Heliports
113 (2025)
Railways
total: 3,848 km (2020) 2,482 km electrified
Reference: 2020Merchant marine
total: 1,720 (2022)
by type: bulk carrier 109, container ship 1, general cargo 274, oil tanker 95, other 1,241
Reference: 2022by type: bulk carrier 109, container ship 1, general cargo 274, oil tanker 95, other 1,241
Ports
total ports: 141 (2024)
large: 1
medium: 10
small: 34
very small: 90
size unknown: 6
ports with oil terminals: 54
key ports: Bergen, Drammen, Hammerfest, Harstad, Horten, Karsto, Mongstad, Oslo, Stavanger, Tromso, Trondheim
Reference: 2024large: 1
medium: 10
small: 34
very small: 90
size unknown: 6
ports with oil terminals: 54
key ports: Bergen, Drammen, Hammerfest, Harstad, Horten, Karsto, Mongstad, Oslo, Stavanger, Tromso, Trondheim
Environment
Environmental issues
water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and affecting lakes and fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast
Land use
agricultural land: 2.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 33.3% (2023 est.)
other: 64% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 33.3% (2023 est.)
other: 64% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 84% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
note: note: data include Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
note: note: data include Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 38.535 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 2.929 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 25.576 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 10.029 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 2.929 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 25.576 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 10.029 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
7 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 31 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 99.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 33 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 6.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 99.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 33 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 6.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.15 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 35.3% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 35.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 773.41 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 1.071 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 844.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 1.071 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 844.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
393 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 5 (2025)
global geoparks and regional networks: Gea Norvegica; Fjord Coast; Magma; Sunnhordland; Trollfjell (2025)
global geoparks and regional networks: Gea Norvegica; Fjord Coast; Magma; Sunnhordland; Trollfjell (2025)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 145,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
state-owned public radio and TV broadcaster operates 3 nationwide TV stations, 3 nationwide radio stations, and 16 regional radio stations; roughly a dozen privately owned TV stations broadcast nationally, and another 25 locally; nearly 75% of households have access to multi-channel cable or satellite TV; 2 privately owned radio stations broadcast nationwide, with another 240 local stations; Norway was the first country to phase out FM radio in favor of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.no
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5,234,519 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 5,276,968 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 5,311,916 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 5,347,896 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 5,379,475 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 5,408,320 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 5,457,127 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 5,519,601 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 5,572,279 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 5,610,870 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $383,284,047,619 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $415,673,181,543 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $454,588,871,811 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $424,244,886,364 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $382,252,517,922 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $521,592,200,233 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $617,321,834,099 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $502,197,633,323 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $500,886,328,034 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $530,755,719,439 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 852,238 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,012,404 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 88,450 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 84,525 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 87,049 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 94,553 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 98,853 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 101,769 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 110,143 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 120,891 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 26,417 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 21,657 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 18,473 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 25,707 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 11,277 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 19,804 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 58,040 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 53,806 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 44,356 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 29,798 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,610,870 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 5,652,989 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 5,627,400 | 2026 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 1,012,404 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 18.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 120,891 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 29,798 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 124,006 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 6,280 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 20 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 32 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.953 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 2.595 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 2.776 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 2.750 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.743 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 2.498 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 2.418 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1972; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Registered partnerships from 1993 to 2009 (existing partnerships are still recognised) | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes Legal since 2009 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Stepchild adoption since 2002; joint adoption since 2009 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Includes transgender people | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes All documents can be amended to the recognised gender | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $530,755,719,439 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $94,594 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 1.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 3.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 4.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 83.2 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.5 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 83.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 99.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 45.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 33.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 79.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 116.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 5.4% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 23,673 kWh/person | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 61.4% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 9.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 2.0 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 33.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 109.3 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 45.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 35,470 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 59.9138° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 10.7387° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 59.9333° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 10.6833° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | constitutional monarchy, representative democracy, unitary state, parliamentary system | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:30