Norway is a country in northern Europe. It borders Finland, Sweden, and Russia. The capital is Oslo and the country has a population of close to 6 million, made up of two main ethnic groups, the Norwegian and Sami. Here are ten other amazing facts about Norway that you would find interesting.
Population: 5.214 Million (2016)
Capital: Oslo
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Currency: Norwegian krone
System of Government: Constitutional monarchy
Monarch: Harald V
Prime Minister: Erna Solberg
Continent: Europe
Official Languages: Norwegian, Bokmål, Nynorsk
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Amazing Facts About Norway
1. MARRIAGE NOT A MUST
Families are basically nuclear. And many couples live together without formalizing their union in legal marriage. It means many children are love-children
2. LONGEST MATERNITY LEAVE
The country holds the record for giving women the longest maternity leave! In Norway, women can take up to 10 months maternity leave with full pay. And if they want, they can even go for one year at 80% pay!
3. WELFARE FOR WOMEN
The country also has one juicy welfare package that could make many a woman lazy…especially since having children outside marriage is rampant. Women who decide to stay home with pre-school kids receive monthly allowance from the government.
4. THE MODESTY LAW
There is a 9-point Jante Law that teaches people to be of good behavior. These include:
- To be modest
- To never criticize others
- To view everyone as equal
- To shun showy display of wealth
5. THE FOUR VIRTUES
Norwegians pride themselves on their egalitarian principles. The greatest four are:
- Honesty
- Sincerity
- Bluntness
- Objective view of others
6. THE GOOD-BY RITUAL
When leaving a meeting, Norwegians don’t just shout a goodbye to everyone and go. They shake hands and say goodbye to people individually…just as when they arrive.
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7. COMPULSORY GIFTS
When honoring an invitation, it is good manners to take along gifts as appreciation. These include:
- Flowers
- Chocolates
- Pastries
- Wine or imported spirits
These are to be given to the hostess.
8. GIFTS TO NEVER GIVE
However, there are certain gifts that are viewed as taboo in Norway. These include:
- Carnations
- Lilies
- White flowers
These are used for funerals. Never give these as gifts.
9. WHEN EVEN IS ODD
It appears that when it comes to gifts of flowers, number matters to Norwegians. It is an oddity, even a taboo to give flowers of even numbers. They’d prefer it be just one than two; or three than four.
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10. INVITATION BEGETS INVITATION
In Norway, when you are invited, make sure you show appreciation by reciprocating. And make sure you toast the hostess during the meal. Failing to do either of these is viewed as bad manners.
Hope you enjoy the ten facts about Norway we presented to you? Make your comment below for us to know your view about the article.
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