Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off
following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994.
Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In
1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four
centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden
and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let
Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish
king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum
granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I,
it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at
the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi
Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member
of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted
Norway's economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected
joining the EU. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of
ethnic minorities, maintaining the country's extensive social safety net with
an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness.
For more information about Norway:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
