Norway Factbook

Norway is blessed with a rich Christian heritage. Although there has been a significant turning away from the church in the recent years, there is still much to praise the Lord for in this land.

Norway is located in northern Europe. It is the westernmost of the Scandinavian countries. It shares borders with Sweden, Finland, and a small portion of Russia.

4.5 million people live in Norway. Over 90% of the people are native Norwegian.

Gas and Oil were discovered in the 1960s. These products along with other natural resources such as fish and lumber have made Norway wealthy. An extensive social welfare system draws on that wealth, and the government is actively saving money for the time that the oil reserves run out. Norway has not joined the European Union.

Norway gained independence from Sweden in 1905 and established a constitutional monarchy. Norway remained neutral in international affairs until Germany occupied the country during World War II. Norway joined NATO in 1949.

The Lutheran Church is the state church. However, there is freedom of religion. Norway has a strong Christian heritage and well over 90% of the people would be classified as Christian. Unfortunately, many have turned away from the Church in the last generation. Today, perhaps less than 10% are actively involved in a local congregation.

However, there remains a strong, committed base of believers. Despite being the state church, a number of the Lutheran churches are evangelical. Pray for the ministry of these and other evangelical congregations. In total, evangelicals make up nearly 10% of the population.

Norway has historically sent a proportionately large number of missionaries for foreign fields. Their numbers are dropping, but there are still many Norwegian missionaries in service and many others committed to supporting missions. Pray for these ministries.

Copyright 2006 by Brad Garrison

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