Shaped by centuries of adventure and resilience, the story begins in the Viking Age, between the 8th and 11th centuries, when bold seafarers explored, raided, and traded across Europe — even reaching North America. As the Viking era waned, the land became a Christian kingdom but fell under foreign dominance. In 1397 it joined the Kalmar Union, a Scandinavian alliance that united Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under one monarch. When Sweden broke away in the 16th century, the territory remained under Danish rule for centuries, then was ceded to Sweden in 1814. That year brought a declaration of independence and a new constitution, though full sovereignty didn’t come until 1905. During World War II, Nazi Germany occupied the country, but after liberation it thrived as a democratic, prosperous member of NATO.

A deep love for nature and tradition runs through everyday life here. The idea of friluftsliv, or “open-air living,” encourages hiking, skiing, and enjoying the wilderness. On May 17, Constitution Day, locals fill the streets with parades and flags, proudly wearing bunads — colorful, hand-embroidered folk costumes. Its cultural legacy includes Henrik Ibsen’s powerful plays and Edvard Munch’s haunting painting The Scream, which echo the rugged and introspective spirit of the land.

Governance is structured as a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. The king serves a largely symbolic role while real power rests with the elected parliament (Storting) and prime minister. With its strong welfare state, egalitarian ethos, and robust democratic traditions, the country enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world. Although not a member of the European Union, it maintains close ties through the European Economic Area.

Leading the world in sustainability, nearly all electricity here — about 98% — comes from renewable sources, primarily hydropower. Its citizens have embraced electric vehicles more than anywhere else, and its government invests heavily in clean technology. Thanks to careful management of its oil wealth through the largest sovereign wealth fund on earth, it balances prosperity with environmental stewardship, setting a powerful example for others.