Norge

Norge, the Norwegian name for Norway, is a Nordic country located on the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. It borders Sweden to the east, Finland and Russia to the northeast, and has a long coastline along the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, and the Barents Sea. The capital and largest city is Oslo. Official languages are Norwegian (with Bokmål and Nynorsk), and English is widely spoken.

Norge has a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The monarchy is ceremonial; the head of government is the prime minister. The country operates a multi-party system and maintains a comprehensive welfare state.

The economy is highly developed, with a mixed economy that emphasizes both private enterprise and public sector influence. Key sectors include oil and natural gas extraction in the North Sea, hydroelectric power, maritime industries, fisheries, and services. Norge is not a member of the European Union but participates in the European Economic Area and the Schengen Area. The currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK).

Historically, the region was settled by Norse communities during the Viking Age. It was united under a monarchy in the late 9th century, later formed unions with Denmark and Sweden, and achieved full independence in 1905. It joined NATO in 1949. Norske culture features literature, design, music, and a strong tradition of outdoor recreation; notable contributions include Ibsen and Nobel prizes, alongside a robust contemporary cultural scene.

Geography and environment highlight dramatic landscapes, including deep fjords, rugged mountains, and extensive coastline. The north includes Arctic areas, while the south concentrates most of the population and urban centers. The coastal climate is moderated by the Gulf Stream, yielding relatively mild winters along the coast and colder conditions inland.