Utlandet

Utlandet is the Norwegian term for the foreign land or abroad. It denotes any country outside one's home country, most commonly outside Norway. The term is used in everyday speech, media, and official contexts to describe travel, residence, or activities outside the home country. It is often contrasted with hjemlandet, the homeland or country of origin.

Etymology and form: Utlandet is a compound built from ut- meaning outside and landet meaning the land; utlandet is the definite form of the noun utland. The noun utland can be used in some contexts, but utlandet is the standard form when speaking of the abroad in a general sense.

Usage: People move to utlandet for work, study, or family reasons; common phrases include å bo i utlandet, å reise til utlandet, and å arbeide i utlandet. In statistics, policy, and journalism, utlandet distinguishes the foreign countries from Norway. It also appears in travel guidance and immigration language.

Culture and society: There are Norwegians living in utlandet as expatriates, as well as immigrants who come from other countries and settle temporarily or permanently. The concept shapes discussions about language, identity, and cross-border exchange, and it is central to diaspora networks and international mobility.

See also: hjemlandet, utland, diaspora.