norways

Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It occupies the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula and includes numerous coastal islands along the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean. The country is known for its mountainous terrain, extensive fjords, and maritime heritage.

Oslo is the capital and largest city. Norway borders Sweden to the east and Finland and Russia to the northeast, and has a long coastline that supports a strong maritime economy.

Norway is a constitutional monarchy and a unitary parliamentary democracy. Legislative power is vested in the Storting, a unicameral parliament with 169 members elected for four-year terms. The monarch's role is largely ceremonial, while the prime minister and cabinet hold governing authority.

Norway has a high-income mixed economy with extensive welfare provisions. The state influences the economy through the petroleum sector and the Government Pension Fund Global, a large sovereign wealth fund. The economy emphasizes oil and gas, shipping, hydroelectric power, and services.

Norway gained independence in 1905 after dissolving its union with Sweden. It is not a member of the European Union but participates in the European Economic Area. The country is known for its cultural heritage and emphasis on environmental protection.