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Norway is the land of the midnight sun, but there is a prize to pay: In the northernmost parts of Norway, it is completely dark for weeks every winter. From the end of November to the end of January, the sun just don't rise(!). On the other hand, summertime – from mid May to end July - the sun never drops below the horizon. It is only in the northern parts you can experience the midnight sun, but the southern parts also enjoy long summer days – with daylight from 4 am to 11 pm in midsummer.
Norway is 324 220 sq. km (125,182 sq. miles), and have a population of approximately 4,5 million citizens - most of whom live in urban areas and all of whom enjoy uncrowded surroundings.
Norway is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. Political stability, and more than 400 municipalities in 19 counties provide a high degree of local government. Every four years, 165 representatives are elected for the parliament.
Norwegian per capita income ranks among the world's highest. Norway is the world's fourth largest oil exporter and number two outside of OPEC, with substantial gas and oil reserves. We have a highly educated, bilingual workforce, a strong economy, and a high degree of technological development. Major industries are oil/gas, computers, high technology, fishing, shipbuilding and paper production.
Our nature is magnificent, and offers incredible wilderness – fresh air and clean water. Sadly acid rain is affecting forests thanks to pollutants pumped into the atmosphere by Russia, Germany and the UK. Lately, our coastline has started to be heavily polluted from Sellafield nuclear plant, UK, who dump their waste directly into the ocean, and the Gulf Stream brings it to our waters. We are, of course, protesting but it doesn't seem to help much.
Norway is a member of NATO and an associate member of the West European Union. Through the United Nations, Norway works at many levels and we participate in many of the UN peacekeeping forces. Norway is also playing a vital role in a number of peace processes in unstable corners of the world.
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