Editorial Team
Photo by Dimitris Karagiorgos via Flickr
Behold, the land of the Vikings, cradled by the Northern Lights and adorned with some of the world’s most stunning fjords – Norway! A nation known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, it never fails to awe the world. As we delve deeper into the Kingdom of Norway, it’s time to unveil ten surprising facts that will add to your admiration for this country.
1. A Melting Pot of Languages
While most people are aware that Norwegian is the official language, it’s lesser-known that the Kingdom of Norway recognizes a broad array of languages. This includes Sámi, Kven, Romani, Scandoromani, and even Norwegian Sign Language. It’s a truly multicultural linguistic landscape!
2. A Kingdom Surrounded by Waters
Geographically, Norway is nestled in Northern Europe in the northern and western parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It shares a unique relationship with water, bordered by the Skagerrak inlet to the south, the North Sea to the southwest, the North Atlantic Ocean (Norwegian Sea) to the west, and the Barents Sea to the north. Land borders exist with Sweden, Finland, and Russia, but water defines the majority of its border.
3. Rich Culinary Culture
Norway’s culinary traditions are deeply intertwined with its geography and history. From Rakfisk and smalahove to Krotekake and Kompe, the country’s food traditions are influenced by sea farming and farming the land, offering a balanced diet of seafood, dairy products, and bread.
4. Climate Change and Norway
Despite being a major producer and exporter of oil and natural gas, Norway leads the world in tackling climate change. Astonishingly, 98% of Norway’s electricity demand is supplied by renewable sources, predominantly hydroelectric power. Notably, the country is a global front-runner in the adoption of electric vehicles.
5. A Geography of Extremes
The westernmost, northernmost, and surprisingly the easternmost of the three Scandinavian countries, Norway is known for its complex fjords, midnight sun, Northern Lights, and unusual rugged landscape. It boasts countless waterfalls, crystal rivers, and innumerable glaciers, making it one of the most mountainous countries in Europe.
6. The Hessdalen Phenomenon
Norway is home to one of the most enduring and fascinating mysteries – the Hessdalen Lights. This unexplained natural phenomenon consists of bright white, yellow, or red lights that appear both day and night, floating through and above the Hessdalen valley.
Hessdalen Lights… are you familiar? pic.twitter.com/Y5icsmsXVn
— n8 (@loveandnate) July 23, 2023
7. A Nation of Lakes
Did you know that there are at least 450,000 freshwater lakes in Norway? Most of these were created by glacial erosion, shaping Norway’s picturesque landscape.
8. The Jewish History of Norway
Despite a tumultuous history that included bans and expulsion, the Jewish community in Norway has persisted. Today, the Jewish population in Norway stands at approximately 770, residing mainly in Oslo and Trondheim.
9. The Role of Norway in World War II
Norway played a significant role in World War II. The Battle of Narvik, which involved nearly 7,500 Norwegian soldiers along with British, French, and Polish troops, marked the first instance where the Third Reich war machine had to be removed from a captured city.
10. A Resonating Musical Legacy
Norway’s musical history dates back to the early Viking and medieval ages. The country experienced a cultural blossoming in the 19th century, leading to the creation of a unique Norwegian identity in literature, art, and music, which continues to resonate today.
Through these surprising facts, we delve into the depth of Norwegian culture, history and geography, offering glimpses of a nation shaped by its enduring ties to its natural environment, its rich cultural heritage, and its diverse populace. As Norway continues to evolve, these facets of its identity promise a future as remarkable as its past.
