2. THE MAP
A country of northern Europe in the
western part of the Scandinavian
Peninsula. Norway was ruled by
numerous petty kingdoms from the
ninth century, and raiding parties
reached Normandy, Iceland,
Greenland, islands off Scotland and
Ireland, and the coast of the New
World. Norway was finally unified in
the 12th century. After 1397 it was
controlled at various times by
Denmark and Sweden.
Independence was achieved in
1905. Oslo is the capital and the
largest city. Population: 4,630,000.
3. PEOPLE OF NORWAY
Norwegians constitute both
a nation and an ethnic
group native to Norway. They
share a common culture and
speak the Norwegian
language. Norwegian people
and their descendants are
found in migrant communities
worldwide, notably in
the United
States, Canada, Australia an
d Brazil.
4. HISTORY
The history of Norway before the age of the Vikings is indistinct from that of the rest of Scandinavia. In
the 9th cent. the country was still divided among the numerous petty kings of the fylker. Harold I, of the
Yngling or Scilfing dynasty (which claimed descent from one of the old Norse gods), defeated the petty
kings (c.900) and conquered the Shetlands and the Orkneys, but failed to establish permanent unity.
Harold's campaigns drove many nobles and their followers to settle in Iceland and France. In the next
two centuries Norsemen raided widely in W Europe and established the Norse duchy of Normandy.
Harold himself concentrated on developing a dynasty; before he died (c.935) the country was divided
among his sons, but one of them, Haakon I, defeated (c.935) his brothers and temporarily reunited the
kingdom.
Christianity, brought by English missionaries, gained a foothold under Olaf I and was established
by Olaf II (reigned 1015-28). Olaf II was driven out of Norway by King Canute of England and Denmark,
in league with discontented Norwegian nobles; however, his son, Magnus I, was restored (1035) to the
Norwegian throne. Both Magnus and his successor, Harold III, played a vital part in the complex events
then taking place in England and Denmark. After Harold died while invading England (1066), Norway
entered a period of decline and civil war, precipitated by conflicting claims to the throne.
Among the major events of 12th-century Norwegian history were the mission of Nicholas Breakspear
(later PopeAdrian IV), who organized the Norwegian hierarchy, and the rule of Sverre, who created a
new nobility grounded in commerce and, with the help of the popular party, the Birkebeiner,
consolidated the royal power. His grandson,Haakon IV, was put on the throne by the Birkebeiner in
1217; under him and under Magnus VI (reigned 1263-80) medieval Norway reached its greatest
flowering and enjoyed peace and prosperity. During this time Iceland and Greenland recognized
Norwegian rule.
5. COMMON ANIMALS IN NORWAY
Norway is home to many species of wild animals. Most of the animals in Norway
are not dangerous to people, and we can safely use the countryside without
being afraid of wild animals. Some animals live in the forests, while others live in
the mountains. Here are some of them:
Bears
Squirrels
Elks
Lynx
Hares
Deer
Reindeer
Roe deer
Foxes
Wolves
Adders
6. FARMING IN NORWAY
The Norwegian farm
culture (Norwegian: bondekultur) was a rural
movement unique[citation needed] in values and practices
which assumed a form in Viking AgeNorway,[citation
needed] and continued with little change into the age of
firearms – and in many respects even to the early
20th century.[citation needed] It has been described as
unique[citation needed][by whom?] in Europe and was widely
celebrated in Norwegian literature during the romantic
nationalist movement.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12. TOURIST INFORMATION
Experience the northern lights or the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle, or visit the worldfamous Norwegian fjords, spectacular mountains and glaciers.
You can find detailed tourist information on the website of the official travel guide to Norway,Visit
Norway.
Information about customs regulations can be found on the website of the Norwegian Directorate
of Customs and Excise.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority provides information about bringing pets into Norway.
Entering Norway
All foreign nationals travelling to Norway must have a valid travel document, and for the vast
majority of people this means a valid passport. Nationals of certain countries must in addition
have a valid visa before travelling to Norway. Foreign nationals who are required to have a visa
are also obliged to have travel medical insurance. European nationals must bring their national
European health insurance card in order to have the costs of any treatment they may need
covered while travelling in Europe. It is recommended that all foreign nationals have travel
insurance that is valid for the whole trip.
13. EDUCATION IN NORWAY
Education in Norway is mandatory for all
children aged 6–16. The school
year in Norway runs from mid August to late
June the following year. The Christmas
holiday from mid December to early January
historically divides the Norwegian school year
into two terms. Presently, the second term begins
in the beginning of January.
14.
Education in Norway is
mandatory for all children aged
6–16. The school
year in Norway runs from mid
August to late June the following
year. The Christmas holiday from
mid December to early January
historically divides the
Norwegian school year into
two terms. Presently, the second
term begins in the beginning of
January.
EDUCATION IN NORWAY
15.
16. FOR MORE INFO
For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway
Finich
