Explore the unknown and challenge your own limits - the people of Norway have never been afraid of going their own ways. A thousand years ago the Vikings sailed their ships south to the Mediterranean, east to the Black Sea and all the way west to Greenland, and many historians claim they even made it to Newfoundland in North America.

Today, Norway is a modern country where our explorative mindset is geared towards technology, innovation and developing a knowledge-based society.

We also continue to further develop our oil & gas industry, the fisheries and traditional industrial areas.

Thriving on the top of Europe
Norway is a European country even though we are not part of the European Union (EU). But through the EEA agreement we are fully integrated with the large European community with regard to everything from trade and economy to education and research. And as a participant in the Schengen agreement, travel to and from Norway is easy for people with legal residency in another Schengen country.

For the last four years the United Nations (UN) has ranked Norway as having the highest standard of living in the world. This annual ranking is based largely on average levels of education and income, combined with life expectancy as well as factors like human rights and cultural freedom. Norway is weighed high for its literacy rate in addition to educational levels and material wealth.

Cold country? Warm people
OK, the cat is out of the box - there are no palm trees in Norway! But in the summer we enjoy periods with warm weather, and due to the Gulf Stream the coastal areas are rather mild in the winter time. Nevertheless, you should bring warm clothing when visiting Norway in the winter.

Norwegians have a reputation of being somewhat introvert and difficult to get to know. But this is just a first impression. Norwegians are generally welcoming and open minded towards foreigners. If we don't take the first step, don't be afraid to start a conversation. We have a direct way of communicating and often state our opinions, without holding anything back.