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Norway's History & Geography

Geography

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  • Norway is one of the most northern European countries, with the capital, Oslo, having a latitude of about 59.9°N

  • ​Known for its beautiful fjords along its coastline

  • Two-thirds of the country is mountainous, with its highest point reaching 2,469 meters above sea level

  • Most of its habitants live at the southern portion of Norway due to the extreme climate in the north

Environment

  • Because of Norway's proximity to the Artic, they have made it a priority to reduce their impact on climate change

  • Passed the Climate Act in 2017 in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and become a low-emission society by 2050

    • There are many policies in place to enact this, including tax policies that promote the use of environment-friendly alternatives​

  • Oslo has the world's highest concentration of electric vehicles

Climate

  • Due to the warm current of the Northern Atlantic Ocean, southern Norway has a milder climate than to be expected at its longitude

  • Mild winters and cool summers

  • Much colder in the northern parts of Norway

  • In the summer, the southern parts of Norway may experience highs in the early 70's °F with some rainfall

  • During summer months, southern Norway receives up to 18 hours of daylight with only 5-6 in the winter months

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Fjord Region​

Viking History

  • Early settlers established a settlement near present-day Norway, with very few settlers in the interior of the country due to climate and terrain

  • As settlements continued to develop along the coast of the country, many became dependent on fishing, leading to a tradition of seafaring

  • This incline in seafaring in the area was marked by the Viking Era (800-1050 CE)

    • Led to a tradition of exploration; Vikings also established colonies in Greenland and Iceland​

  • Today, fishing is still heavily relied upon as a source of food

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Oseberg Ship

Sources

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