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to the most deadly attack in modern Norwegian history was praised around the world and
the country united in condemning the attacks and its motives.
And yet, the massacre left deep scars in a country wholly unaccustomed to political vi-
olence, let alone terrorism of any kind on its home soil. More than that, it brought to the
forefront a debate that had been simmering for a long time. In 1970, just 1.5% of people
living in Norway were immigrants. Now, one out of every eight residents of Norway was
either born overseas or was born to two immigrant parents. This radical demographic shift
has changed the way that Norwegians think about their country.
On the one hand, mass immigration is a central pillar in Norway's own national story -
in the dark days of the 19th century, Norwegians emigrated in their thousands to escape
hardship. Later, the fabulous oil wealth of the late 20th century nurtured the deeply held
belief that Norway, as one of the richest countries on earth, had to serve as an example of a
responsible and tolerant global citizen, and modern Norwegians are rightfully proud of
their tolerance and generosity in assisting troubled countries get back on their feet.
At the same time, there is unease in some quarters about what the rise in immigrant
numbers means for ethnic Norwegians and their sense of national identity. At parliament-
ary elections in 2005, 2009 and again in 2013, the Fremskrittspartiet (Progress Party) -
which advocates a crackdown on immigration - polled more than 20% of the vote. In the
process it has easily become the second-largest party in the country and, since the 2013
elections, the Progress Party has been part of the coalition government. Its leader, Siv
Jensen, who has warned of the 'Islamisation of Norway', is currently Norway's Minister of
Finance.
Breivik was convicted and is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison. But whether
the sense of national unity that followed the massacre can survive remains to be seen.
End of the Boom?
Norway weathered the global financial crisis with aplomb. Yes, growth rates stalled as
world oil prices fell, but the economy soon bounced back and its numbers remain the envy
of the world - unemployment below 4%, inflation below 2% and a budget seemingly
forever in surplus. Norway remains the world's ninth-largest oil exporter and the third-
largest exporter of natural gas (providing in the process around one-fifth of the EU's sup-
plies), and the foresight of successive governments has seen the creation of the world's
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