Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beginning in the 14th century, Norway came under Danish rule for more
than 400 years, until the Danes took the wrong side in the Napoleonic Wars.
The Treaty of Kiel forced Denmark to cede Norway to Sweden in 1814.
Sweden's rule of Norway lasted until 1905, when Norway voted to dissolve
the union. Like many European countries, Norway was taken over by Ger-
many during World War II. April 1940 marked the start of five years of Nazi
occupation, during which a strong resistance movement developed, hindering
some of the Nazi war efforts.
Each year on May 17, Norwegians celebrate their ill-fated but idealistic
1814 constitution with fervor and plenty of flag-waving. Men and women
wear folk costumes
(bunads),
each specific to a region of Norway. Parades
are held throughout the country. The parade in Oslo marches past the Royal
Palace, where the royal family waves to the populace from their balcony.
While the king holds almost zero political power (Norway has a parliament
chaired by a prime minister), the royal family is still highly revered and re-
spected.
Several holidays in spring and early summer disrupt transportation sched-
ules: the aforementioned Constitution Day (May 17), Ascension Day (May 9
in 2013, May 29 in 2014), and Whitsunday and Whitmonday (a.k.a. Pentecost
and the following day, May 19-20 in 2013, June 8-9 in 2014).
High taxes contribute to Norway's high standard of living. Norwegians
receive cradle-to-grave social care: university education, health care, nearly
yearlong paternity leave, and an annual six weeks of vacation. Norwegians
feel there is no better place than home. Norway regularly shows up in first
place on the annual UN Human Development Index.
Visitors enjoy the agreeable demeanor of the Norwegian people—friendly
but not overbearing, organized but not uptight, and with a lust for adventure
befitting their gorgeous landscape. Known for their ability to suffer any mis-
fortune with an accepting (if a bit pessimistic) attitude, Norwegians are easy
to get along with.
Despite being looked down upon as less sophisticated by their Scandinavi-
an neighbors, Norwegians are proud of their rich folk traditions—from hand-
made sweaters and folk costumes to the small farms that produce a sweet
