History of Norway

Post-war highlights

Foreign and military policy

See main articles on Foreign relations of Norway and Military of Norway

Related Topics:
Foreign relations of Norway - Military of Norway

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Following the failure of neutrality in World War 2, in 1949 neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. The discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is on containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning for the time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held in 1972 and on November 28, 1994, Norway rejected joining the European Union, though it remains associated with it through being part of the wider European Economic Area.

Related Topics:
1949 - NATO - 1972 - November 28 - 1994 - European Union - European Economic Area

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Militarily, while Norway and Britain both maintain independent forces, some common defence policies evolved as well as certain integration of training and deployment of both nations' Special Forces.

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Economic development

Norway resumed whaling with low quotas in 1993, despite protests from environmental organizations. Norway is a firm believer in sustainable development of its natural resources, and considers a quota of approximately 500 whales a year out of about 120,000 whales reasonable.

Related Topics:
Whaling - 1993 - Environmental organizations

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Social policy

Norway has advanced in its standard of living beyond many of its European counterparts, in large part to its affluent economy. As a result, for the last several years the United Nations has ranked Norway as having the highest standard of living in the world. This ranking is based on average levels of education and income, combined with expected length of life.

Related Topics:
Standard of living - Europe - United Nations - Expected length of life

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In addition, because of cultural and political freedoms extended to women (in addition to income equality and consumption), Norway is considered the best place in the world for women. http://www.management-issues.com/display_page.asp?section=research&id=2144 http://www.norway.com/publish.asp?id=118

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Cultural development