NORWAYADNANJABER

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.

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 and Brazil.

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.

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

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.

TOURIST INFORMATION

Experience the northern lights or the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle, or visit the world-famous 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 NorwayAll 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.

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.

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.

FOR MORE INFO

For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway

Finich