Norway, the land of the Vikings, is the alleged birthplace of nordic skiing and now showcases the sport as a national obsession, evidenced by the huge numbers of Olympic medals Norwegians win in the sport. But you needn't be an Olympian to hit the trails and experience Norway's nature up close: The country is well known for its mountains, glaciers and, especially, its fjords.
A member of NATO and the European Community, Norway has recently replaced Russia as the world's second-largest oil exporter, after discovering and extracting - with little ecological damage - significant deposits in the North Sea.
Norway's climate is a strange mix: The northern third of the country lies above the arctic circle and thus has constant sunlight in summer and constant darkness in winter. Despite this northerly position, temperatures are moderated by the Gulf Stream, bringing mild coastal seasons. Southern inland regions are more extreme, with hot summers and cold winters with copious snowfall.
Norwegian is the official language. English is widely spoken as a second language. About 89% of Norway's 4.5 million inhabitants are Lutheran; the remainder are of various Christian denominations.
Norway's capital city of 750,000, Oslo, holds the country's main airport. Carriers include SAS, FlyNordic, Continental Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and British Airways. Major cities are connected by rail to each other and the rest of Scandinavia (through Sweden) and ferries serve all coastal towns; ferries are one of the best ways to view the fjords. Most roads are in good shape, though some suffer during the winter; traffic drives on the right.
The crime rate in Norway is low, but rising. Pickpocketing and petty theft are the most common concerns, especially in bus or train stations, museums, hotel lobbies and restaurants. Thieves are often well-dressed; one will typically distract the target while the other commits the crime.
Norway has a reliable, modern phone system that accepts coins, credit cards or prepaid phone cards. English-language media are relatively easy to find, and the postal service is reliable and fast.
Visitors will find a variety of hotel choices, particularly in the cities. It is recommended you make and confirm reservations well in advance. Dining options are also varied.
Fishing is a mainstay of the Norwegian economy and diet. Be prepared for lutefisk, a unique, gelatinous form of cod. However, you will pay dearly for it: Norway is widely acknowledged as the most expensive country in Europe.
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