weather , only bad clothes ” indicates the general positive attitude towards the periodically harsh elements .
The abundance of mountains and forests means only around 3 % of the land is arable . The population of just over 5.2 million are clustered between the coastal South West , Skaggerak in the South East and approximately one million who live in and around the capital city , Oslo . The cities of Bergen , Trondheim and Stavanger follow in terms of population .
Norway is governed by a constitutional monarchy . The current king , Harald V , though very popular , has no real political power .
The discovery of oil and gas gave a significant boost to Norway ’ s economic fortunes in the late 1960s . Up until then the population had to work very hard to make a living . Having declared sovereignty over their continental shelf , the country could control exploration and drilling for oil . The following years saw Norway take a position as a significant oil-producing country and become a world leader in offshore oil and gas exploration .
NON-EU OUT OF CHOICE
Norway chose not to become a member of the European Union in two referenda , 1972 and 1994 ; however they are members of the European Economic Area and contribute to the EU budget .
Norway has a stable economy with an energetic private sector and a large state sector . The current unemployment rate is 4.7 % ( Feb 2016 ). A wealth of natural resources including fishing , forests , minerals and hydropower ensures a steady national revenue . In addition to the metal industry , shipping and tourism also contribute substantially to the country ’ s economy .
The surplus revenue from the oil industry is managed by the government by means of ’ The Petroleum Fund of Norway ’ through extensive regulation . The aim of the fund is to safeguard wealth for future generations . With strict rules on investments and transparency the fund is now the largest of its kind in the world . With over 7,500 billion Norwegian crowns ( NOK ) the fund is growing every day for the benefit of the population .
DIVERSITY WITHIN
The main cities in Norway have all developed their own unique characters and attractions resulting in an exciting mix of locations .
Bergen , a European City of Culture , is the gateway to some of the most spectacular fjord experiences . An important city in the 13th century as a hub for seafaring , commerce and craftsmanship , today “ Bryggen ” is a UNESCO World Heritage site , with its colourful , distinctive buildings a reminder of the city ’ s importance in times past .
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