Norway is one of the most prosperous nations in Europe and, while for the present it prefers independence to signing up for the European Union, it continues to make its mark in the world, notching up achievements in everything from sports to technology. It also regularly appears at the top of surveys designed to find the most peaceful and liveable country in the world.
An election in the autumn of last year brought a centre-left coalition to power and the country is thriving economically. The unemployment rate, hovering at a mere 3 per cent, is the lowest in the region.
A mild recession early last year was quickly brushed aside and the economy is forecast to grow approximately 2 per cent this year. The national wealth fund, which invests surplus revenues from exports of gas and North Sea oil in stocks and bonds, is estimated to be in excess of US$400 billion, or about US$85,000 per citizen, despite the recent global economic downturn.
Besides fishing, Norway's other major industries are shipping, food processing, shipbuilding, the metal industry, chemicals, and pulp and paper products from its extensive forests.
On the international scene, Foreign Policy Magazine ranked Norway last in its Failed States Index for 2009, judging Norway to be the world's most well-functioning and stable country, while the Worldwide Press Freedom Index, co-ordinated by Reporters Without Borders, put Norway first equal together with Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Ireland. Norway was also rated the second most peaceful country in the world last year, after New Zealand, in a survey by Global Peace Index.
So, Norwegians - who receive free education and benefit from a heavily subsidised health care system - have many reasons to feel contented.
And the national sporting prowess simply serves to give the Norwegian ego an extra boost. Thomas Rogne, a 19-year-old defender who previously played for minor Norwegian team Stab?k, hit the headlines last month when he was signed by Scottish Premier League football club Celtic.
