Norway
About Norway
Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It shares borders with Sweden to the east, Finland to the northeast, and Russia to the far northeast. Norway has an extensive coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean, including the Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea.
Norway covers an area of approximately 385,207 square kilometres and has a population of around 5.5 million people. The country is widely known for its fjords, mountains, high standard of living, and strong welfare system.
Key Country Information
- Capital City: Oslo
- Head of State (Monarch): King Harald V
- Head of Government (Prime Minister): Jonas Gahr Støre
- Official Language: Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk)
- Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- International Dialing Code: +47
Population and Economy
As of 2024–2025, Norway’s population is estimated at approximately 5.5 million. Norway has one of the strongest economies in Europe, supported by natural resources and a well-managed public sector.
Major economic sectors include oil and gas production, renewable energy, shipping, fisheries, technology, and public services. Norway consistently ranks among the top countries globally for income levels, quality of life, and human development.
European Union and Schengen Status
Norway is not a member of the European Union but maintains close cooperation with the EU through international agreements.
- EU Member State since: ❌ Not a member
- Euro Area Member since: ❌ Uses Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- Schengen Area Member since: ✅ 2001
As a Schengen member, Norway allows passport-free travel with other Schengen countries, even though it is not part of the EU.
Living and Working in Norway
Norway is an attractive destination for foreign nationals due to its high wages, strong labor protections, excellent public services, and clean environment.
EU/EEA citizens may live and work in Norway without a work permit but must register their stay. Non-EU citizens generally require a residence permit and work permit, usually linked to a specific job offer from a Norwegian employer.
Summary
Norway is a Northern European country with a strong economy, high living standards, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Although it is not a member of the European Union or Eurozone, Norway is part of the Schengen Area and closely integrated with Europe through trade and mobility agreements.
