Get a visa for Norway...
Eight million tourists visit Norway each year. The main reason this number is not higher, is because Norway is expensive. Although those who have money, will be in for quite a treat. These city guide videos will help you better explore Norway. Scroll down to learn more about Japan's history and current events.
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The first Norwegians were hunter-gatherers who lived peaceful lives in Norway for thousands of years before they evolved into the Vikings. The Vikings, not satisfied with the homeland for some reason, decided to invade the British Isles.
Viking traces can still be seen all over Britain. You don't have to dig deep into the ground. Many common words and phrases in English, evolved from Old Norse. By the 11th century, the Vikings converted from their traditional religion to Christianity.
In the Middle Ages, battles between the church, state and people were very common. But the Middle Ages are mostly remembered for the establishment of the Hanseatic League which allowed for free trade between Scandinavia, Britain, and Germany, with Norway at its center.
After Sweden declared independence from the Hanseatic League in the 1520s, an alliance between Denmark and Norway was established at Copenhagen. Norwegians also became Protestants around the same time. While Denmark was trapped in endless territorial wars with Sweden, Norway's economy prospered due to the timber trade. Many Norwegians earned a living working as sailors on Dutch ships. Mining and other industries also appeared.
Norway became an independent country in May of 1814 after losing the Napoleonic Wars. Power was split between the Royal Family and Parliament. In the 19th century, many Norwegians left for the American Midwest where Norwegian traditions and culture are heavily preserved.
By 1913, Norway became the second country in Europe (after Finland) to give women the right to vote. Although Norway was officially neutral, the country supported Britain during World War One. During World War Two, however, Norway was occupied by Germany. After the war, Norway collaborated on many projects with other nations in Scandinavia and in Europe, in general.
Norway established SAS Airlines, along with other Nordic countries, and joined NATO. Free trade agreements were signed with countries in the EU, although, Norwegians voted not join the EU in a landmark 1994 referendum. Although an advocate for sustainablity and electronic vehicles, Norway is one of Europe's largest oil producers.
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