Norway by the Numbers: Facts & Figures Behind the Fjords
Norway by the Numbers: Facts & Figures Behind the Fjords
Introduction
Norway may be known for its stunning fjords and Northern Lights, but behind this natural beauty lies a country defined by data that reflects prosperity, sustainability, innovation, and an outstanding quality of life.
From its small but mighty population to one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, Norway’s statistics tell the story of a nation that consistently ranks at the top of global indexes. Whether you're planning your trip or simply curious about the figures that define this Nordic marvel, this guide offers a deep dive into Norway—by the numbers.
1. 🧍♂️ Population & Demographics
- Population (2024 est.): ~5.5 million
- Population Density: 15 people per km² (one of Europe’s lowest)
- Capital: Oslo (~1.1 million metro population)
- Urbanization Rate: ~83%
- Official Language: Norwegian (Bokmål & Nynorsk)
- Sami Language Speakers: ~20,000
- Life Expectancy: ~83 years (one of the highest globally)
- Median Age: 39.6 years
- Literacy Rate: ~100%
🌍 Immigrant population: ~15% of residents are foreign-born.
👉 Learn more in About Norway
2. 💰 Economy & Wealth
- Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- GDP (nominal, 2024 est.): ~$600 billion
- GDP per capita: ~$105,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.5%
- Income Tax Rate: Progressive (avg. ~22–30%)
- Sovereign Wealth Fund: ~$1.5 trillion (largest in the world)
💡 Fun Fact: Norway's wealth fund owns ~1.5% of all publicly traded companies globally.
👉 Budgeting your trip? See Travel Tips for Norway
3. 🌍 Geography & Nature
- Total Area: 385,207 km² (approx. size of Germany, but with fewer people)
- Coastline: Over 100,000 km including fjords and islands
- Fjords: ~1,190 registered
- Glaciers: Over 2,500, including Jostedalsbreen (largest in mainland Europe)
- Highest Mountain: Galdhøpiggen – 2,469 m
- Longest River: Glomma – 621 km
- Largest Lake: Mjøsa – 369 km²
- Forested Land: ~38% of territory
- National Parks: 47 (22 mainland, 25 in Svalbard)
🌲 More than 90% of Norwegians live within 10 minutes of a green space.
👉 See Sustainable Tourism in Norway
4. 🏙️ Urban Statistics
| City | Population | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Oslo | ~1.1M | Østlandet |
| Bergen | ~290,000 | Vestlandet |
| Stavanger | ~240,000 | Sørvestlandet |
| Trondheim | ~220,000 | Trøndelag |
| Tromsø | ~80,000 | Nord-Norge |
🚇 Oslo’s public transport covers over 400 million trips annually.
👉 Navigate easily with Transportation Guide for Norway
5. ✈️ Tourism in Numbers
- Annual Visitors (pre-pandemic peak): ~5.3 million
- Top Attractions:
- Geirangerfjord
- Flåm Railway
- Northern Lights Tours
- Oslo Opera House
- Lofoten Islands
- Cruise Arrivals (Bergen alone): ~350 ships/year
- Average Stay: 6.3 nights
- Tourism Contribution to GDP: ~4.2%
📈 Winter tourism in the north is growing by 12–15% annually.
👉 Explore Things to Do in Norway
6. 🌡️ Climate & Weather Averages
| Region | Avg. Temp (Winter) | Avg. Temp (Summer) | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oslo | -3°C | 21°C | Moderate |
| Bergen | 2°C | 19°C | High (wettest) |
| Tromsø | -6°C | 15°C | Moderate |
| Lofoten | 0°C | 16°C | Variable |
☀️ Midnight Sun: Above Arctic Circle (Tromsø, Nordkapp) from mid-May to mid-July
🌌 Polar Night: Dark 24/7 in winter above the Arctic Circle
👉 What to pack? Read Travel Tips for Norway
7. 🧑🎓 Society & Quality of Life
- Happiness Index (UN World Happiness Report): Consistently Top 5
- Human Development Index: Ranked #1 or #2 globally
- Education: Free public education, including universities
- Gender Equality Index: Top 3 in the world
- Paid Parental Leave: Up to 49 weeks (or 59 weeks at 80% pay)
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Fully legal, same-sex marriage since 2009
🏳️🌈 Oslo Pride is one of Scandinavia’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals.
👉 Experience local culture in Nightlife in Norway
8. ⚡ Sustainability & Innovation
- Electric Vehicle Adoption: ~82% of new car sales (2024 est.)
- Renewable Energy: ~98% from hydropower
- Recycling Rate: ~72%
- Carbon Neutral Goal: By 2030 (public sector)
- Plastic Bottle Return Rate: ~97% (via deposit system)
🔋 Norway leads Europe in green tech, public EV charging, and sustainable city planning.
👉 Learn more in Sustainable Tourism in Norway
9. 🛂 Border & Visa Figures
- Schengen Area: Yes
- Visa-Free Access: 90 days for most Western passport holders
- ETIAS Required: Starting 2025 (for visa-exempt travelers)
- Land Borders: Sweden, Finland, Russia
- Airports with Customs/Immigration: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø, Stavanger
🛃 Entry refusal rate: Among the lowest in Europe
👉 Full details in Visa & Entry Requirements
10. 🔢 Fun & Curious Numbers
- Tunnels: Over 1,000 (including the world’s longest road tunnel – Lærdal Tunnel: 24.5 km)
- Islands: Over 239,000
- Reindeer in Northern Norway: ~200,000
- Saunas per capita: Norway is second only to Finland
- Literature: ~2,000 new books published annually
🎿 Skiing originated here—word “slalom” is Norwegian!
Final Thoughts
These numbers paint a picture of a country where nature, technology, and humanity intersect in harmony. Whether you're visiting for a week or studying the country in-depth, knowing these figures helps you appreciate Norway’s strengths, challenges, and vision for the future.
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