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View to Sifjorden from Sifjord, Senja, Troms, Norway in 2014 August.jpg

Tourism in Norway contributed to 4.2% of the gross domestic product as reported in 2016.Every one in fifteen people throughout the country work in the tourism industry. Tourism is seasonal in Norway, with more than half of total tourists visiting between the months of May and August. The main tourist attractions of Norway are the bird-indented coastlines and its mountains, the unspoiled nature of the outer parts of the continent, and the countryside and smaller cities.

BACKGROUND

Land and Climate

Although Norway is located in the high northern latitudes, the temperature varies with the Gulf Stream and is not as cold as one might expect. June is a prime time to travel to experience the midnight sun coupled with typical warm and dry weather conditions.

History

Tourism began in Norway during the 1840's during which steamship tours, traveling from northern Hammerfest down to North Cape, became popular.

THE PEOPLE

Population

In 2012, Norway reached a total population of 5 million, which makes up less than .07% of the total world population. The population density is 15 people per square kilometer (30 people per square mile), but over 80% of the population lives in the urban areas of the country.

Government

Norway has a constitution that divides power of the monarchy government into three separate branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch is made up the Storting and is primarily involved with appropriations. The executive branch is the Government and then judicial branch consists of the courts.

Economy

Norway declined the offer to join the European Union in 1994 which resulted in the country independently working toward a sustainable economy. The economy in Norway has a stable foundation based primarily on natural resources. Petroleum contributes to 12% of the GDP and about 13% of the state revenue. This sector also provides about 9% of the state employment. Additionally, Noway is one of the top three exporters of seafood in the world. Other natural resources used for economic development include gas, forests, and minerals.

Language

The majority of the population (95%) speak the official language of Norwegian, which has ties to languages spoken in surrounding countries such as Finnish, Swedish, and Danish. There are two written forms of Norwegian: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Both of these types are equally used and recognized throughout the country.

Religion

Norway recognizes an official state church which is the Church of Norway. 80% of the population is part of this Lutheran based religion, although less than 12% attend religious services more than once a month. There are other forms of religion that are practiced and welcomed, such as Catholicism, Buddhism, and Islam.

Food/Diet

In recent years, Norway has turned to its own resources and has made an extensive effort to produce and consume localized foods. The strict agricultural customs result in reduced usage of pesticides, extensive areas of unpolluted air and ground used for growing, and peripheral land used for animal grazing. Fish, such as haddock, cod, trout, or salmon, is a staple food found all throughout Norway. Rakfisk, native to Norway, takes months to prepare as trout is stacked in wooden barrels for serveral months during which the fermentation process takes place. This fish is typically served with lefse, a portable dessert consisting cinnamon and sugar rolled inside a circle of flat bread. Because Norway is in the world's top three coffee consuming countries, new brews are consistently being introduced.

Customs/Courtesies

Norwegians are typically a private people and don't call attention to themselves or their accomplishments. It is common to greet with a handshake, but keep in mind that people highly value personal space and privacy. It is important to note that the strict standard of less than .02% of blood alcohol content is enforced and expected to be adhered to.

Holidays

Many of the holidays in Norway correlate with significant christian religious events and are celebrated in a manner similar to the rest of Europe.

• New Year's Day
• Easter
• Feast of the Ascension
• Norwegian Constitution Day
• Whit Monday
• Labour Day
• Christmas Day
• Saint Stephen's Day

TOURISM

Visa and Entry Requirements

Because Norway is part of the *Schengen Agreement, tourists can enter Norway and stay up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. To avoid any complications, it is recommended that a passport be valid for six months past an intended period of stay. A return ticket is also needed in order to visit.

Currency and Currency Conversion

The currency used throughout Norway is the *Norwegian Krone. The krone was first used in 1875 as it replaced the formerly used Norwegian Speciedaler. Exchange rates vary based primarily on oil prices and interest rates.

Current NOK exchange rates

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Key Tourism Niche Markets

Outdoor enthusiasts are attracted to the Norwegian experience as it offers many facets to be enjoyed. The midnight sun in the summer and northern lights in the winter are rarely found so exquisite in any part of the world. Norway has 10 of the 30 largest waterfalls in the world, including Vettisoffen that was voted Norway's most beautiful waterfall in 2014. Scuba diving in a cold water atmosphere is popular among those looking for a new experience. Narvik is one spot where war history wreckage can be found and explored only by those who are willing to dive into the depths.

Level of Tourism Development

Norway offers a large range of accommodations ranging from authentic ice hotels in the winter season to yurts in the open fields to the most environmentally friendly hotel around. As tourism demand has increased in recent years due to interest in unique outdoor experiences, the country has invested money into making itself accessible by connecting to a nationwide network of airports. Once in Norway, tourists will find that while each town and city has its own flair, the areas are all well established and easily navigable.

Transportation Options

Norway is highly developed with an array of bus and train options to get tourists around. Trains are a convenient way to travel between cities and towns with affordable rates and punctual times. Each major city has a bus network that connects to train stations, main attractions, and smaller outlying areas.

"Must See" Attractions

Norway holds one of the few places on earth where the northern lights can be observed and enjoyed. The ideal time to see this natural phenomenon is between late September and March. If one visits Norway during the summer months, the midnight sun is a 'must-see' in the northern town of Svalbard. In this spot of the world, the sun doesn't set between the months of April and August, which allows one to view the land in a new light. With more than a thousand fjords throughout Norway, one can't afford to miss seeing some of natures most magnificent creations. Some of the most popular of the fjords, including the Sognefjord, the Lysefjord, and the Geirangerfjord, are all located in Fjord, Norway. The Loften Islands are contain several small traditional villages that will give any tourist a truly authentic taste of local food, scenery, and entertainment.

Secondary Attractions

On the way to see one of the many fjords, take the time to stop by see some of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, including Bryggen in Berge and Urnes Stave Church. While one can enjoy the beauty of the fjords from land, one can also experience a guided fishing tour on a fjord itself. Tromso is the largest city in northern Norway and although many tourists travel here primarily to observe the midnight sun or northern lights, the city also offers whale spotting and a drink in the historical 1877 local Mack brewery. The capital of Oslo offers a more modern and comfortable atmosphere with several options of restaurants, including one owned by a three-star Michelin chef. The area also offers a wide variety of coffee brewers as Norway is known for their love of the drink.

Weather

Norway is often associated with weather similar to Alaska or Siberia, primarily because the country runs along the same latitude as them. In reality, while it is often cold in Norway, the weather is often more mild than expected, due to the gulf stream and warm air currents. The winters are typically bitter and cold with the accompaniment of snow and summers are mild with little to no humidity.

Safety

Norway has an especially low crime rate, especially when compared to other countries throughout Europe. The most reported crime is theft-related with much of it taking place in urban and high transit areas, which sites are also associated with tourism. Traveling throughout the country is relatively safe as long as tourists travel in groups, especially when it's dark. There is a lack of freeways throughout Norway, so high speed car wrecks are rare, but the main roads are very small and are often under construction.

Environmental Concerns

If a tourist is interested in participating in outdoor activities, it will be important to be aware of areas that are prone to landslides or flooding as these disasters can influence the availability of an activity, not to mention the potential hazard they can incur. Norway places a large emphasis on keeping the environment clean and the air free from as many pollutants as possible. Air quality is considered standard, posing little if any risks for persons with stable health.

Socio-cultural Norms

Norwegian society is summed up well in the Jante Law which revolves primarily around humility. Most Norwegians see themselves and others around them on fair ground and do not esteem themselves above another in terms of wealth, social status, or employment. It is against the cultural norm to talk about personal wealth and achievements, so it is best to avoid these subjects.

Emergency Contacts

To get in contact with the local police and rescue coordination centre for criminal offenses or there is threat to people's lives, dial 112. In a medical emergency, dial 113 and an ambulance team will be available to assist. For fires and any other major accidents, call 110.