Norway is one of the most popular countries to visit in Scandinavia, with friendly people, spectacular sights
Here are some cool and fascinating facts about Norway that you probably didn’t know.
• The official name of Norway is Kingdom of Norway
• The official language of Norway is Norwegian (Bokmal and Nynorsk). However, in some districts, Sámi is also an official language.
• Norway has an official Protestant State Church, based on the Evangelical-Lutheran religion.
• Norway is the sixth largest country of Europe, in terms of land mass. However, in terms of population, it ranks only 28th.
• It’s one of the world’s happiest countries in the world
• The coastline of Norway, including fjords and bays, stretches over 20,000 kilometers.
• As per historical accounts, the small kingdoms of Norway were united into a single state around 885 AD, by Harald the Fairhaired, a Viking King.
• It is believed that the name Norway means “Path to the North”.
• The highest mountain in Norway is Galdhopiggen (2,469 m). The largest lake in the country is Mjosa.
• The Jostedalsbreen, in Norway, is the largest glacier in Northern Europe.
• Plague (Black Death) killed over a third of the population of Norway in the mid-14th century.
• Hundreds of thousands of Norwegians migrated to USA in the 19th century.
• The Christmas tree, which stands in Trafalgar Square in London, has been presented by ‘City of Oslo’ to the UK, for over fifty years.
• The per capita income of Norway ranks among the highest in the world.
• The sun doesn’t set in summer
• The Norwegian Constitution was signed on 17th May, 1814. The day is celebrated as a national holiday in the country.
• As per Encyclopedia Britannica, Norwegians read more than any other population in the world.
• Norway is counted amongst the wealthiest countries of the world.
• Norway was rated the most peaceful country in the world, in a survey conducted by Global Peace Index in 2007.
• The scenery and landscapes are diverse and stunning
• You can see polar bears in the wild – an exhilarating experience
If you are keen to explore more of Europe and venture to Scandinavia, Norway really is a special place to go. If you are keen to plan a trip to Norway, even though local people speak English it is polite to learn some Norwegian phrases before departing.
