Population density: 15/km² (38/mi²)

Main languages spoken: Norwegian (Bokmål "book language" and Nynorsk "new Norsk"), Sami

Norway has a small but growing immigrant population, forming 5.6% of the population in 2001. In the early 1990s the number of asylum seekers increased, especially as a result of the Bosnian conflict. Some refugees have been attacked by right-wing groups.

The family is traditionally close and nuclear. Men are expected to share responsibility for raising children, who frequently attend day schools from under the age of two years. Women enjoy considerable power and freedom, and comprise at least 40% of members of the government. Over half of marriages end in divorce.

THE URBAN/RURAL POPULATION SPLIT

RELIGIOUS PERSUASION

ETHNIC MAKEUP

POPULATION AGE BREAKDOWN

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004