Norway

Norway, 1905 to today. Draft, not yet reviewed

Norway was neutral during the First World War, and in the Second World War until April 1940 when it was invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany until the end of the war. Norway became a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949. In 1969, the Phillips Petroleum Company discovered petroleum resources at the Ekofisk field west of Norway. Norway was twice invited to join the European Union, but ultimately declined after referendums that failed by narrow margins in 1972 and 1994.

Seat of power: Oslo

Rulers

Haakon VII of Norway

Monarch of Norway, 1905–1957

He was formally elected King of Norway by the Storting and took the Old Norse name Haakon, thus ascended the throne as Haakon VII, the first independent Norwegian monarch since Olav IV in 1387. Although the Constitution of Norway vests the King with considerable executive powers, in practice Haakon confined himself to a representative and ceremonial role while rarely interfering in politics, a practice continued by his successors. Haakon rejected German demands to legitimise the Quisling regime's puppet government, vowing to abdicate rather than do so.

Portrait of Haakon VII of Norway: National Library of Norway, No restrictions, file

Olav V of Norway

Monarch of Norway, 1957–1991

His considerate, down-to-earth style made Olav immensely popular, resulting in the nickname Folkekongen ('The People's King'). During World War II, his leadership was much appreciated, and he was appointed Norwegian Chief of Defence in 1944.

Portrait of Olav V of Norway: Unidentified photographer, Public domain, file

Harald V of Norway

Monarch of Norway, 1991–2026

Harald V was King of Norway from 1991 until his death in 2026. In 1940, as a result of the German occupation during World War II, the royal family went into exile where Harald spent parts of his childhood in Sweden and subsequently the United States.

Portrait of Harald V of Norway: Harry Johansen / Sámediggi Sametinget, CC BY 2.0, file

Haakon VIII of Norway

Monarch of Norway, 2026 to today

Haakon VIII is King of Norway and ascended the throne on 28 August 2026.

Portrait of Haakon VIII of Norway: Birgit Fostervold, CC BY-SA 4.0, file

Culture

Norway maintains the Nordic model with universal health care and a comprehensive social security system, with its values rooted in egalitarian ideals.
The petroleum industry accounts for around a quarter of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).
The Sámi people have a certain amount of self-determination and influence over traditional territories through the Sámi Parliament and the Finnmark Act.

Picture

The Oslo Opera House is the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the national opera house in Norway.

Image: Pierre Blaché, CC0, file

Sources

Text adapted from the Wikipedia articles listed as sources, CC BY-SA 4.0.