World Happiness Report for Norway 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Norway: 7
- Happiness Score Norway:7.302
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Norway. NO.
Norway is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
- The country is known for its stunning fjords and natural landscapes.
- Norway is one of the world’s leading petroleum exporters.
- Norway has a high standard of living and is known for its social welfare programs.
Overview of Norway
Early History: The earliest inhabitants of Norway were hunter-gatherers who arrived during the late Paleolithic period, around 9000 BC. The Vikings, Norse seafarers, emerged in the late 8th century and established several kingdoms across Scandinavia.
Kingdoms and Empires: Norway was unified into a single kingdom in the 11th century under King Olaf III. The Norwegian Kingdom prospered during the Viking Age and later became part of the Kalmar Union with Denmark and Sweden in the 14th century.
Colonial Period: Norway was under Danish rule from 1380 to 1814 and was ceded to Sweden after the Napoleonic Wars. It gained independence in 1905, ending the union with Sweden.
Independence and Modern Era: After independence, Norway adopted a constitutional monarchy and remained neutral during World War I and the early stages of World War II. However, it was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1945. Post-war Norway joined NATO and experienced economic growth fueled by its oil and gas industry.
Current Political Situation: Norway is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. The current Prime Minister is Jonas Gahr Støre, who leads a coalition government. The King of Norway is Harald V.
International Relations: Norway is a member of NATO, the UN, and the European Economic Area. It has strong relationships with its Scandinavian neighbors and is a significant donor of international aid.
Human Development and Economy: Norway has a highly developed economy, ranking first on the Human Development Index. Its economy is driven by oil and gas exports, shipping, and renewable energy. It has one of the highest standards of living globally.
Cultural Highlights: Norway is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, and its rich cultural heritage, including Norse mythology, traditional cuisine, and folk arts like rosemaling.
Conclusion: Key challenges facing Norway include managing its transition to a sustainable, post-oil economy, addressing climate change, and maintaining its high living standards amid an aging population.
Travel Tips for Norway
Best times to visit: Summer (June-August) for mild weather and long daylight hours, or winter (December-March) for skiing and Northern Lights viewing. Cultural etiquette: Respect personal space, be punctual, dress modestly, and avoid public drunkenness. Safety: Norway is generally safe, but take precautions against petty crime in cities. Must-see landmarks: Oslo’s Vigeland Sculpture Park, Bergen’s Bryggen wharf, Geirangerfjord, and the Lofoten Islands. Culinary experiences: Try traditional dishes like fårikål (lamb and cabbage stew), fiskesuppe (fish soup), and Norwegian waffles.
Living in Norway
Cost of living: High, especially in Oslo, but offset by strong social welfare system. Housing: Rental apartments or purchasing homes is expensive, especially in cities. Healthcare: Universal healthcare system with low out-of-pocket costs. Education: Free public education with high standards. Lifestyle: Outdoorsy, with opportunities for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature. Cultural norms: Value personal space, punctuality, and gender equality. Legal requirements: Residency permit or visa required for non-EU/EEA nationals.
Doing Business in Norway
Business culture: Hierarchical, with consensus-based decision-making. Punctuality and preparedness are expected. Economic climate: Stable, high-income economy with strong oil and gas, shipping, and renewable energy sectors. Key industries: Petroleum, shipping, food processing, renewable energy, and technology. Starting a business: Straightforward process with online registration, but high taxes and strict regulations. Negotiation strategies: Focus on building long-term relationships, be direct but diplomatic, and expect lengthy decision-making processes. Building local relationships: Network through professional associations and social events, but respect personal space.
Main facts
Location
Norway is a country located in Northern Europe, occupying the western and northern portions of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It shares borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia, and is bordered by the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea, and North Sea.
Map References
Norway is situated in Northern Europe, within the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Area – Comparative
With an area of approximately 385,207 square kilometers (148,718 square miles), Norway is slightly larger than the state of New Mexico in the United States.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Norway shares land borders with the following countries:
Coastline (if applicable)
Norway has a coastline of 25,148 km (15,626 miles), featuring numerous fjords, islands, and inlets.
Maritime Claims
Norway claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
Norway has a temperate climate, with cool summers and mild, snowy winters. The climate varies significantly from the coast to the interior, with the coastal areas experiencing a more maritime climate and the inland regions experiencing a continental climate with greater temperature extremes.
Terrain
Norway’s terrain is characterized by rugged, glaciated mountains and high plateaus broken by fertile valleys, with small, scattered plains and coastal areas. The country is dominated by the Scandinavian Mountains, which stretch along the border with Sweden.
Elevation Extremes
Norway’s highest point is Galdhøpiggen, at 2,469 meters (8,100 feet), located in the Jotunheimen Mountains. The lowest point is the Norwegian Sea, at sea level.
Natural Resources
Norway’s major natural resources include:
- Petroleum
- Natural gas
- Iron ore
- Copper
- Lead
- Zinc
- Titanium
- Nickel
- Fish
- Timber
- Hydropower
Major Bodies of Water
Norway’s major bodies of water include:
- Norwegian Sea
- Barents Sea
- North Sea
- Skagerrak Strait (shared with Denmark and Sweden)
- Sognefjorden (the world’s second-longest fjord)
- Lake Mjøsa (Norway’s largest lake)
Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards in Norway include:
- Avalanches
- Landslides
- Coastal storms
Geography – Notes
Norway is known for its stunning natural scenery, including fjords, glaciers, mountains, and coastal islands. The country has a long history of environmental conservation and sustainable resource management, with significant efforts towards protecting its natural landscapes and marine ecosystems.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 33.20%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 41,023. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 2.70%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 60.4720248.468946.
- Capital: The capital of Norway is Oslo
- Major Cities:
- Oslo – Population: 693,491
- Bergen – Population: 283,929
- Stavanger – Population: 132,913
- Trondheim – Population: 193,666
- Drammen – Population: 68,929
- Population: 5,347,896
- Area(Km2): 323802
- Population Density( P/Km²):15. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:47
- Official Language(s):Norway is Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk) – 95%
- Currency: NOK
Main Economic Indicators
Norway has a robust and prosperous economy driven by its petroleum and maritime sectors. With a GDP of around $400 billion, Norway boasts one of the highest GDP per capita levels globally. The country’s economy is diverse, with a strong emphasis on exports, particularly petroleum and petroleum products, machinery, metals, chemicals, and fish. Norway faces challenges such as managing its petroleum wealth sustainably and transitioning to a more diversified economy.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
6.8% (2022 est.)
3.7% (2021 est.)
Source: Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook
Credit Ratings
Fitch: AAA
Moody’s: Aaa
Standard & Poor’s: AAA
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 2.1%
Industry: 35.2%
Services: 62.7%
Source: Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook (2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Dairy products, livestock, fish, grain, fruits, vegetables
Industrial Products: Petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals, chemicals, ships, fish
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 2.8 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: Not available
Current Account Balance
2021: $93.31 billion
2020: $17.77 billion
Comparative Ranking: Not available
Exports and Imports
Exports: $148.7 billion (2021 est.)
Key Export Partners: United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, France
Main Exports: Petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals, chemicals, ships, fish
Imports: $113.9 billion (2021 est.)
Key Import Partners: Sweden, Germany, China, United States, Denmark
Main Imports: Machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $81.95 billion (2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 38.55 million troy ounces (2022 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$403,336,363,636. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 23.90%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 36.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.78. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 3.35%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Noun: Norwegian(s)
Adjective: Norwegian
Ethnic Groups
Norwegian 83.2%
Other European 8.3%
Other 8.5%
Religions
Christian 70.6% (Lutheran 67.8%, other Christian 2.8%)
Muslim 3.4%
Other 2.4%
Unaffiliated 23.6%
Age Structure
0-14 years: 17.51%
15-64 years: 64.71%
65 years and over: 17.78%
Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 54.5
Youth dependency ratio: 26.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 28.4
Median Age
Total: 39.7 years
Male: 39.1 years
Female: 40.3 years
Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 23.1% of the population
Alcohol consumption: 7.7 liters of pure alcohol consumed per capita annually
Tobacco use: 13% of adults are daily smokers
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 82.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 100%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:10.4. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.56. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 94.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 4,418,218. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):14.30%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Norway’s military is organized into the following branches:
- Norwegian Army: This ground force branch consists of light infantry units and support elements.
- Royal Norwegian Navy: The naval force includes surface warships, submarines, and coastal defense units.
- Royal Norwegian Air Force: The air branch operates fighter aircraft, transport planes, and helicopters.
- His Majesty the King’s Guard: This elite unit is responsible for protecting the Norwegian royal family and foreign dignitaries.
The Norwegian Police Service is responsible for law enforcement and maintaining public order within the country.
Military Expenditures
Norway’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.62%
- 2021: 1.62%
- 2020: 1.79%
- 2019: 1.71%
- 2018: 1.62%
Norway ranks among the top 30 countries globally in terms of military spending.
Personnel Strengths
Norway has approximately 25,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown by service branch:
- Norwegian Army: 12,000
- Royal Norwegian Navy: 3,600
- Royal Norwegian Air Force: 5,400
- Other services: 4,000
The Norwegian Home Guard is a reserve force with around 40,000 members.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Norway’s military equipment includes:
- Main Battle Tanks: Leopard 2A4
- Armored Personnel Carriers: CV9030, Iveco LMV
- Artillery: M109A3GN howitzers
- Fighter Aircraft: F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II (under procurement)
- Naval Vessels: Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, Ula-class submarines
Norway is in the process of acquiring 52 F-35 fighter jets to replace its aging F-16 fleet.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Norway has mandatory military service for both men and women. The age range is typically 19-44 years old.
- For men, the initial service period is 16-19 months.
- For women, the initial service period is 16 months.
Those not selected for military service must complete a 19-month civilian service obligation.
Military Deployments
Key ongoing overseas deployments of Norwegian forces include:
- NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan (around 100 personnel)
- United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (around 200 personnel)
- NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania (around 200 personnel)
Norway also contributes troops to various other UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.
Strategic Military Notes
Norway’s defense strategy focuses on territorial defense, collective security through NATO, and international peacekeeping operations. As a founding member of NATO, Norway plays a key role in the alliance’s deterrence and defense posture in Northern Europe.
The Norwegian military maintains close partnerships with NATO allies, particularly the United States and neighboring Nordic countries. Norway is also an active participant in various international security and peacekeeping initiatives under the auspices of the UN and NATO.
- Armed Forces Size: 23300. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.92
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 63.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.