The Human Truth Foundation

Norway

http://www.humantruth.info/norway.html

By Vexen Crabtree 2013

#humanism #ireland #norway #scandinavia

Norway
Kingdom of Norway
StatusIndependent State
Social and Moral IndexThe Best (#1)
CapitalOslo
Land Area 304 250km21
LocationEurope, Scandinavia
Population5.3m2
Life Expectancy83.23yrs (2017)3
GNI$64 660 (2017)4
ISO3166-1 CodesNO, NOR, 5785
Internet Domain.no6
CurrencyKrone (NOK)7
Telephone+478

1. Overview

#christianity #denmark #germany #sweden

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.

CIA's The World Factbook (2013)9

Book CoverNorway is a once-in-a-lifetime destination and the essence of its appeal is remarkably simple: this is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The drama of Norway´s natural world is difficult to overstate. Impossibly steep-sided fjords of extraordinary beauty cut gashes from a jagged coastline deep into the interior. The fjords´ fame is wholly merited, but this is also a land of glaciers, grand and glorious, snaking down from icefields that rank among Europe´s largest. Elsewhere, the mountainous terrain of Norway´s interior resembles the ramparts of so many natural fortresses, and yields to rocky coastal islands that rise improbably from the waters like apparitions. And then, of course, there´s the primeval appeal of the Arctic…

The counterpoint to so much natural beauty is found in the country´s vibrant cultural life, which celebrates local traditions and draws in the best from around the world. Norwegian cities are cosmopolitan and brimfull of architecture that showcases the famous Scandinavian flair for design through the ages. At the same time, a busy calendar of festivals, many of international renown, are worth planning your trip around.

"The World" by Lonely Planet (2014)10

2. Norway National and Social Development

#economics #human_development #wealth

UN HDI (2021)11
Pos.Higher is better
Value11
1Switzerland0.962
2Norway0.961
3Iceland0.959
4Hong Kong0.952
5Australia0.951
6Denmark0.948
7Sweden0.947
8Ireland0.945
9Germany0.942
10Netherlands0.941
11Finland0.940
12Singapore0.939
Europe Avg0.87
World Avg0.72
q=191.
Gross National Income Per-Capita (2021)11
Pos.Higher is better
PPP $11
1Liechtenstein$146 830
2Singapore$90 919
3Qatar$87 134
4Luxembourg$84 649
5Ireland$76 169
6Switzerland$66 933
7USA$64 765
8Norway$64 660
9Brunei$64 490
10Hong Kong$62 607
11UAE$62 574
12Denmark$60 365
Europe Avg$40 512
World Avg$20 136
q=193.
Social & Moral
Development Index
12
Pos.Lower is better
Avg Rank12
1Norway25.2
2Denmark26.1
3Taiwan26.6
4Sweden27.6
5Finland28.0
6Netherlands28.6
7New Zealand30.3
8Austria30.4
9Germany30.4
10Canada31.5
11Switzerland32.3
12Iceland32.5
Europe Avg46.9
World Avg70.6
q=195.

The United Nations produces an annual Human Development Report which includes the Human Development Index. The factors taken into account include life expectancy, education and schooling and Gross National Income (GNI) amongst many others..

The Social and Moral Development Index concentrates on moral issues and human rights, violence, public health, equality, tolerance, freedom and effectiveness in climate change mitigation and environmentalism, and on some technological issues. A country scores higher for achieving well in those areas, and for sustaining that achievement in the long term. Those countries towards the top of this index can truly said to be setting good examples and leading humankind onwards into a bright, humane, and free future. See: Which are the Best Countries in the World? The Social and Moral Development Index.

3. Norway's Demographics and Migration

#birth_control #demographics #health #immigration #life_expectancy #longevity #migration #overpopulation #population

Population:

Norway's population is predicted to rise to 5.574 million by 2030. This rise is despite a low fertility rate, meaning, that this country is helping to alleviate problems with growing population in neighbouring countries by accepting immigrants, very likely as a requirement of maintaining an active workforce. This country has a fertility rate of 1.95. The fertility rate is, in simple terms, the average amount of children that each woman has. The higher the figure, the quicker the population is growing, although, to calculate the rate you also need to take into account morbidity, i.e., the rate at which people die. If people live healthy and long lives and morbidity is low, then, 2.0 approximates to the replacement rate, which would keep the population stable. If all countries had such a fertility rate, population growth would end. The actual replacement rate in most developed countries is around 2.1.

Population2
Pos.2018
Population2
1China1.4b
2India1.4b
3USA327.1m
...
114Denmark5.8m
115Finland5.5m
116Slovakia5.5m
117Norway5.3m
118Congo, (Brazzaville)5.2m
119Costa Rica5.0m
120Palestine4.9m
121Oman4.8m
World Avg39.0m
q=195.
Life Expectancy
Higher is better
11
Pos.2021
Years11
1Monaco85.9
2Hong Kong85.5
3Japan84.8
4Australia84.5
5Switzerland84.0
6Malta83.8
7S. Korea83.7
8Liechtenstein83.3
9Norway83.2
10Spain83.0
11Sweden83.0
12Italy82.9
World Avg71.28
q=195.
Fertility Rate
2.0 is best
13
Pos.201313
1N. Korea2.00
2Brunei1.99
3St Vincent & Grenadines2.01
4France1.99
5Turkey2.04
6Australia1.96
7Uruguay2.05
8Norway1.95
9Myanmar (Burma)1.95
10Indonesia2.07
11Sweden1.93
12Tunisia1.93
World Avg2.81
q=180.
Old-Age Dependency Ratio
Lower is better
14
Pos.2016
Per 10014
1Uganda04.3
2Mali04.5
3Chad04.7
...
145Australia31.3
146Slovakia31.6
147Albania31.8
148Norway32.2
149Iceland32.5
150Serbia32.7
151Hungary32.9
152Romania33.6
World Avg18.3
q=185.

Migration:

Immigrants15
Pos.2017
%15
1UAE88.4%
2Kuwait75.5%
3Qatar65.2%
...
32Bahamas15.6%
33Maldives15.4%
34USA15.3%
35Norway15.1%
36Germany14.8%
37Estonia14.7%
38Gabon13.8%
39St Kitts & Nevis13.7%
World Avg9.4%
q=195.
Emigrants16
Pos.2010
%16
1Dominica104.8%
2Palestine68.4%
3Samoa67.3%
...
124Syria4.2%
125Burundi4.2%
126Panama4.0%
127Norway3.8%
128Bahrain3.7%
129Gambia3.7%
130Chile3.7%
131Peru3.7%
World Avg11.5%
q=192.

4. Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance

#equality #freedom #gender_equality #human_rights #morals #norway #politics #prejudice #tolerance

Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance (2020)17
Pos.Lower is better
Avg Rank17
1Sweden9.2
2Norway14.7
3Denmark14.7
4Netherlands15.8
5New Zealand17.5
6Iceland20.1
7Canada21.2
8Austria22.5
9Luxembourg23.9
10Finland23.9
Europe Avg50.3
World Avg87.7
q=199.
When it comes to ensuring human rights and freedom, Norway leads the world, setting excellent examples. Norway comes in the best 20 in supporting press freedom18 (one of the best in Europe), the rate of gender bias (from 7 indicators)19 (amongst the lowest in Europe), opposing gender inequality20, freethought21, LGBT equality22, supporting personal, civil & economic freedoms23, its success in fighting anti-semitic prejudice24 and in speed of uptake of HR treaties25. And finally, it does better than average in its nominal commitment to Human Rights26 and in commentary in Human Rights Watch reports27 (but low for Europe). Since 2009, gay couples in Norway have been able to marry and adopt children despite resistance from members of the Christian Democratic Party and the Lutheran-affiliated Church28. Human Rights Watch's 2018 report states that Norway's support of women's rights at home and internationally has been notable29.

For tables, charts and commentary, see:

5. Norway's Health

#alcohol #birth_control #demographics #health #life_expectancy #longevity #mental_health #Norway #obesity #overpopulation #parenting #population #smoking #suicide #vaccines

Compared to Europe (2020)30
Pos.Lower is better
Avg Rank30
1Monaco13.0
2Norway61.0
3Finland65.3
4Switzerland65.6
5Italy67.5
6Spain69.6
7Portugal72.3
8Luxembourg72.9
9Denmark74.3
10Germany74.4
11Austria74.5
12Sweden75.6
13Iceland76.9
Europe Avg82.5
q=46.
Health (2020)30
Pos.Lower is better
Avg Rank30
1Monaco13.0
2Hong Kong18.3
3Maldives41.0
...
7Sri Lanka52.9
8Bhutan55.1
9China60.4
10Norway61.0
11Brunei62.6
12Malaysia62.8
13Oman62.9
14Mauritius64.5
World Avg93.5
q=196.

The countries with the best overall approach to public health, in terms of both public policy and individual lifestyle choices, are Monaco, Hong Kong and The Maldives31. These countries are worth emulating. And, although often through no fault of the average citizen, the worst countries are The Marshall Islands, S. Sudan and Palau31.

The data sets used to calculate points for each country are its average life expectancy, its alcohol consumption rate, its fertility rate, its smoking rate, its suicide rate, its food aid and health contributions and WHO compliance, the prevalence of overweight adults, its adolescent birth rate and its immunizations take-up. The regions with the best average results per country are Scandinavia, Asia and The Mediterranean31, whereas the worst are Micronesia, Australasia and Africa31.

For more, see:

Health:

Norway does relatively well in encouraging good health, compared to many other countries. Norway comes in the best 20 for its food aid and health contributions and WHO compliance32, its average life expectancy11 and in its adolescent birth rate20. It does better than average in terms of its fertility rate13 (but high for Europe), its immunizations take-up33 and in its smoking rate34 (amongst the lowest in Europe). Norway still has work to do. Norway does worse than average when it comes to its suicide rate35 and in its alcohol consumption rate36 (still low for Europe). The prevalence of overweight adults has increased by 14% between 1976 and 2016. Life expectancy in Norway improved by +6.4yrs in the 30 years from 1990, less than the global average of +7.9yrs.

Life Expectancy
Higher is better
11
Pos.2021
Years11
1Monaco85.9
2Hong Kong85.5
3Japan84.8
4Australia84.5
5Switzerland84.0
6Malta83.8
7S. Korea83.7
8Liechtenstein83.3
9Norway83.2
10Spain83.0
11Sweden83.0
12Italy82.9
Europe Avg78.36
World Avg71.28
q=195.
Alcohol Consumption
Lower is better
36
Pos.2016
Per Capita36
1Bangladesh0.0
2Kuwait0.0
3Libya0.0
...
110Albania7.5
111Burundi7.5
112Italy7.5
113Norway7.5
114Kazakhstan7.7
115Congo, (Brazzaville)7.8
116Brazil7.8
117Panama7.9
Europe Avg10.3
World Avg6.2
q=189.
Fertility Rate
2.0 is best
13
Pos.201313
1N. Korea2.00
2Brunei1.99
3St Vincent & Grenadines2.01
4France1.99
5Turkey2.04
6Australia1.96
7Uruguay2.05
8Norway1.95
9Myanmar (Burma)1.95
10Indonesia2.07
11Sweden1.93
12Tunisia1.93
Europe Avg1.61
World Avg2.81
q=180.
Smoking Rates
Lower is better
34
Pos.201434
1Guinea 15
2Solomon Islands 26
3Kiribati 28
...
86Tajikistan 533
87S. Africa 537
88Iceland 551
89Norway 556
90Gabon 559
91Venezuela 565
92Uzbekistan 573
93Oman 577
Europe Avg1 648
World Avg 819
q=182.
Suicide Rate35
Pos.2013
Per 100k35
1Haiti0
2Grenada0
3Egypt0.1
...
56Iceland23.5
57New Zealand23.6
58Ireland23.7
59Norway23.8
60Denmark23.9
61Germany23.9
62Cuba24.5
63Romania24.5
Europe Avg26.99
World Avg20.93
q=91.
Food Aid, Health Contributions & WHO Compliance
Lower is better
32
Pos.2017
Rank32
1Sweden1
2Ireland2
3Denmark3
4UK4
5Norway5
6Switzerland6
7Germany7
8Canada8
9Netherlands9
10USA10
11Luxembourg11
12Finland12
Europe Avg47.4
World Avg82.0
q=163.
Overweight Adults
Lower is better37
Pos.2016
%37
1Vietnam18.3
2India19.7
3Bangladesh20.0
...
120Finland57.9
121Macedonia58.1
122Nicaragua58.2
123Norway58.3
124Poland58.3
125Ukraine58.4
126Cuba58.5
127Italy58.5
Europe Avg58.5
World Avg49.0
q=191.

Children's Health:

Adolescent Birth Rate
Lower is better
20
Pos.2015
Per 100020
1N. Korea0.5
2S. Korea1.6
3Switzerland2.9
...
9Japan4.1
10Cyprus5.0
11Sweden5.7
12Norway5.9
13Luxembourg5.9
14Italy6.0
15Iceland6.1
16Libya6.2
Europe Avg14.6
World Avg47.9
q=185.
Infant Immunizations 2011-2015
Higher is better
33
Pos.2015
Avg %33
1Hungary99.0
2China99.0
3Uzbekistan98.9
...
74Singapore94.6
75UK94.6
76Solomon Islands94.5
77Norway94.3
78Bolivia94.2
79UAE94.0
80Bangladesh94.0
81Tanzania94.0
Europe Avg92.7
World Avg88.3
q=194.

6. Norway's Modernity and Learning

#education #english #intelligence #maths #modernity #religion #religiosity #research #science #secularisation #technology #the_internet

Compared to Europe (2020)38
Pos.Lower is better
Avg Rank38
1Finland8.4
2Switzerland15.1
3Estonia15.8
...
8Germany18.6
9Iceland19.6
10Austria19.6
11Norway21.0
12Slovenia21.3
13UK21.5
14Ireland21.7
15Faroe Islands24.0
16Hungary24.2
Europe Avg41.2
q=49.
Modernity & Learning (2020)38
Pos.Lower is better
Avg Rank38
1Finland8.4
2Taiwan10.0
3Switzerland15.1
...
11Australia19.2
12Iceland19.6
13Austria19.6
14Norway21.0
15Slovenia21.3
16UK21.5
17Canada21.6
18Ireland21.7
World Avg83.2
q=205.

Modernity and Education:

In the 1990s, Norway was one of only ten countries to increase its expected duration of education by over 3 years, although it reduced slightly in the 2000s. 39

Research & Development
Higher is better
Pos.2016
% RDP PPP
1S. Korea4.2940
2Israel4.1140
3Japan3.5840
...
17Czechia2.0040
18Netherlands1.9740
19Iceland1.8940
20Norway1.7040
21UK1.7040
22Canada1.6140
23Ireland1.5240
24Estonia1.4340
Europe Avg1.32
World Avg0.84
q=126.
Secondary Education
Higher is better
41
Pos.201841
1Luxembourg100.0%
2Estonia100.0%
3Austria100.0%
...
23Croatia95.7%
24Azerbaijan95.6%
25USA95.6%
26Norway95.4%
27S. Korea95.2%
28Bulgaria95.1%
29Lithuania94.9%
30Ukraine94.6%
Europe Avg88.3%
World Avg63.0%
q=169.
Length of Schooling
Higher is better
42
Pos.2021
Years42
1Australia21.1
2New Zealand20.3
3Greece20.0
...
10Netherlands18.7
11Grenada18.7
12Turkey18.3
13Norway18.2
14Spain17.9
15Argentina17.9
16Slovenia17.7
17UK17.3
Europe Avg16.1
World Avg13.5
q=193.
Intellectual Endeavours
Lower is better
32
Pos.2017
Rank32
1Ukraine1
2Czechia2
3Hungary3
...
46Belarus46
47Moldova47
48Montenegro48
49Norway49
50Fiji50
51Dominica51
52Malaysia52
53Russia53
Europe Avg31.3
World Avg82.0
q=163.
Maths, Science & Reading
Higher is better
43
Pos.2015
Score43
1Singapore1655
2Hong Kong1598
3Japan1586
...
14Netherlands1524
15Switzerland1519
16New Zealand1517
17Norway1513
18Denmark1513
19Poland1511
20Belgium1508
21Vietnam1507
Europe Avg1417
World Avg1389
q=70.
Religiosity
Lower is better
44
Pos.2018
%44
1China3
2Estonia6
3Czechia7
...
20Australia18
21Vietnam18
22Bulgaria19
23Norway19
24Netherlands20
25Italy21
26Belarus21
27Ireland22
Europe Avg25.8
World Avg54.3
q=106.
IQ
Higher is better45
Pos.200645
1Hong Kong108
2Singapore108
3S. Korea106
...
9Switzerland101
10Mongolia101
11Netherlands100
12Norway100
13Austria100
14UK100
15New Zealand99
16Poland99
Europe Avg96.6
World Avg85.6
q=138.

Technology and Information:

Internet Users
Higher is better
46
Pos.201646
1Iceland100%
2Faroe Islands99%
3Norway98%
4Bermuda97%
5Andorra97%
6Denmark96%
7Liechtenstein96%
8Luxembourg95%
9Netherlands94%
10Sweden93%
11Monaco93%
12UK93%
Europe Avg76.7%
World Avg48.1%
q=201.
IPv6 Uptake
Higher is better
47
Pos.2017
Ratio47
1Belgium55.4
2Germany41.8
3Switzerland35.1
...
15Ecuador18.2
16Estonia17.6
17Malaysia16.5
18Norway14.7
19Australia14.6
20Trinidad & Tobago14.5
21Finland14.1
22Brazil13.9
Europe Avg8.11
World Avg3.82
q=176.

7. National Culture

#charity #corruption #happiness #morals #politics

Norway has one of the best records on keeping corruption low.

World Giving Index
Higher is better
48
Pos.2022
%48
1Indonesia68.0
2Kenya61.0
3USA59.0
...
33Singapore45.0
34Macedonia45.0
35Venezuela45.0
36Norway45.0
37Austria45.0
38Sri Lanka44.0
39Ethiopia44.0
40Bosnia & Herzegovina44.0
Europe Avg39.0
World Avg39.6
q=125.
Corruption
Higher is better
49
Pos.2022
Points49
1Denmark90.0
2Finland87.0
3New Zealand87.0
4Norway84.0
5Singapore83.0
6Sweden83.0
7Switzerland82.0
8Netherlands80.0
9Germany79.0
10Ireland77.0
11Luxembourg77.0
12Hong Kong76.0
Europe Avg57.61
World Avg42.98
q=180.
Happiness
Higher is better
50
Pos.2018
Score50
1Finland7.6
2Norway7.6
3Denmark7.6
4Iceland7.5
5Switzerland7.5
6Netherlands7.4
7Canada7.3
8New Zealand7.3
9Sweden7.3
10Australia7.3
11Israel7.2
12Austria7.1
Europe Avg6.06
World Avg5.38
q=156.
Creativity & Culture
Lower is better
32
Pos.2017
Rank32
1Belgium1
2Netherlands2
3Estonia3
...
19Hungary19
20Slovakia20
21Poland21
22Norway22
23Lithuania23
24St Lucia24
25Canada25
26Italy26
Europe Avg35.0
World Avg82.0
q=163.
Open Trading, Aid & Development
Lower is better
32
Pos.2017
Rank32
1Ireland1
2Denmark2
3Sweden3
4Netherlands4
5Switzerland5
6Serbia6
7Belgium7
8Norway8
9Finland9
10Croatia10
11Georgia11
12Philippines12
Europe Avg42.6
World Avg82.0
q=163.

8. Peace Versus Instability

#extremism #human_development #peace #politics #religious_violence #terrorism

Global Peace Index
Lower is better
51
Pos.2023
Score51
1Iceland1.12
2Denmark1.31
3Ireland1.31
...
21Qatar1.52
22Australia1.53
23Mauritius1.55
24Norway1.55
25Estonia1.56
26Slovakia1.58
27Latvia1.58
28Sweden1.63
Europe Avg1.70
World Avg2.07
q=163.
Peacekeeping & Security
Lower is better
32
Pos.2017
Rank32
1Samoa1
2S. Africa2
3Tunisia3
...
48UK48
49Timor-Leste (E. Timor)49
50Ireland50
51Norway51
52Finland52
53France53
54Australia54
55Italy55
Europe Avg84.6
World Avg82.0
q=163.
Refugees & UN Treaties
Lower is better
32
Pos.2017
Rank32
1Austria1
2Germany2
3Netherlands3
4Sweden4
5Malta5
6Australia6
7Norway7
8Finland8
9Denmark9
10Switzerland10
11Canada11
12UK12
Europe Avg37.8
World Avg82.0
q=163.
Impact of Terrorism
Lower is better
52
Pos.2019
Score52
1Togo0.00
2Mongolia0.00
3Swaziland0.00
...
20Guyana0.04
21UAE0.05
22Slovakia0.06
23Norway0.08
24Lesotho0.10
25Liberia0.11
26Moldova0.12
27Serbia0.12
Europe Avg1.62
World Avg2.78
q=150.

9. The Natural Environment

#biodiversity #climate_change #deforestation #over-exploitation #the_environment

Forest Area Change 1990-2015
Higher is better
53
Pos.2015
%53
1Iceland+205.6
2Bahrain+144.4
3Uruguay+131.3
...
97Bahamas00.0
98Barbados00.0
99St Kitts & Nevis00.0
100Norway-00.2
101Papua New Guinea-00.2
102Canada-00.3
103Jordan-00.6
104Suriname-00.6
Europe Avg+15.0
World Avg+02.8
q=184.
Environmental Performance
Higher is better
54
Pos.201854
1Switzerland87.4
2France84.0
3Denmark81.6
...
11Iceland78.6
12Spain78.4
13Germany78.4
14Norway77.5
15Belgium77.4
16Italy77.0
17New Zealand76.0
18Netherlands75.5
Europe Avg69.6
World Avg56.4
q=180.
Energy to GDP Efficiency
Higher is better55
Pos.201455
1Hong Kong26.32
2Sri Lanka20.00
3Panama17.86
...
42Paraguay10.53
43Chile10.42
44Lithuania10.42
45Norway10.42
46Japan10.20
47Brazil10.10
48Algeria10.00
49Macedonia10.00
Europe Avg09.80
World Avg09.29
q=119.
Convention on Biological Diversity
Earlier is better
Pos.0
Signed
1China1993 Dec 29
2Guinea1993 Dec 29
3Cook Islands1993 Dec 29
...
24Bahamas1993 Dec 29
25St Lucia1993 Dec 29
26Tunisia1993 Dec 29
27Norway1993 Dec 29
28Zambia1993 Dec 29
29Australia1993 Dec 29
30Peru1993 Dec 29
31Philippines1994 Jan 06
Europe Avg1899 Dec 30
World Avg1899 Dec 30
q=197.
Rational Beliefs on the Environment
Higher is better56
Pos.2011
%56
1Argentina78.3%
2Greece77.6%
3Brazil77.1%
...
125UK22.6%
126Malawi22.0%
127UAE20.8%
128Norway20.5%
129Botswana20.4%
130USA19.7%
131Kuwait19.6%
132Zimbabwe19.6%
Europe Avg33.6%
World Avg39.9%
q=145.

10. Economic Inequality and Poverty

#capitalism #economics #health #inequality #life_expectancy #social_development

Inequality in Life Expectancy
Lower is better57
Pos.201957
1Iceland2.40
2Singapore2.50
3Hong Kong2.50
4Sweden2.90
5Slovenia2.90
6Japan2.90
7Finland3.00
8Czechia3.00
9Norway3.00
10S. Korea3.00
11Spain3.00
12Netherlands3.10
Europe Avg4.86
World Avg14.59
q=184.
Income Inequality (Gini Coefficient)
Lower is better58
Pos.2017
%58
1Ukraine25.0
2Belarus25.4
3Slovenia25.4
...
7Finland27.1
8Kyrgyzstan27.3
9Kazakhstan27.5
10Norway27.5
11Algeria27.6
12Belgium27.7
13Iceland27.8
14Denmark28.2
Europe Avg31.5
World Avg38.1
q=152.

11. Religion and Beliefs

#belief #buddhism #christianity #god #hinduism #islam #judaism #religion #religiosity #secularisation

Religiosity (2018)44
Pos.Lower is better
%44
1China3
2Estonia6
3Czechia7
...
20Australia18
21Vietnam18
22Bulgaria19
23Norway19
24Netherlands20
25Italy21
26Belarus21
27Ireland22
28Kazakhstan22
29Spain22
30Slovakia23
31Ukraine23
32Canada27
33Uzbekistan29
34Uruguay29
35Poland30
World Avg54.3
q=106.
Disbelief In God (2007)59
Pos.Higher is better
%59
1Vietnam81
2Japan65
3Sweden64
...
13Slovenia35
14Bulgaria34
15Hungary32
16Norway31
17S. Korea30
18Finland28
19Russia27
20Australia25
21Taiwan24
22New Zealand22
23Canada22
24Latvia20
25Ukraine20
26Mongolia20
27Austria18
28Slovakia17
World Avg9.9
q=137.

Data from the Pew Forum, a professional polling outfit, states that in 2010 the religious makeup of this country was as follows in the table below60:

Christian84.7%
Muslim3.7%
Hindu0.5%
Buddhist0.6%
Folk Religion0.1%
Jewish0.1%
Unaffiliated10.1%

By adding up the Pew Forum data for the major monotheistic religions we can see that these make up 88.5% of the population. Yet there are simply too many who disbelieve in God for this to be true (31%). This is due to the so-called 'Census Effect', whereby many put down a religion for cultural reasons rather than because it reflects their beliefs. In highly Christian countries, as many as half of those who say they're a Christian lack any connection to a Church, and do not hold Christian beliefs (such as believing in God!).

It appears that when asked "What religion are you" many give pollsters the 'correct' answer despite how they actually feel, and despite what they actually believe. Although 89.7% of the populace say they belong to a religion, only 19% say that they are religious when the question is phrased as "Is religion an important part of your daily life?".

For more on this phenomenon, see:

The CIA World Factbook has slightly different data, and states: Church of Norway (Evangelical Lutheran - official) 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%, other Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)61.

The International Humanist and Ethical Union produced a report in 2012 entitled "Freedom of Thought" (2012)62, in which they document bias and prejudice at the national level that is based on religion, belief and/or lack of belief. Their entry for Norway states:

The constitution and other laws and policies protect freedom of religion or belief. However, the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC), the state church, enjoys some benefits not available to other religious and humanist groups, even though 2012 saw a move towards greater separation between state and church. The state supports the church financially. Other religion or belief communities may register with the government to receive state financial support, which is provided to all registered life-stance groups in proportion to their formally registered membership. The largest such group after the state church is the Norwegian Humanist Association, a non-religious life-stance organization with around 80,000 members.

The Christian Knowledge and Religious and Ethical Information (CKREE) course for grades 1 through 10 (generally ages 6 to 16) reviews world religions and philosophy while promoting tolerance and respect for all religious beliefs. Citing the country's Christian history (and the stated importance of Christianity to society), the CKREE course devotes an extensive amount of time to studying Christianity, but the course includes discussion of other religions. This course is mandatory; there are no exceptions for children of other religious groups, or Humanists or other non-religious students. Students may be exempted from participating in or performing specific religious acts, such as church services or prayer.

"Freedom of Thought" by IHEU (2012)63

In government, Norweigan law requires "that a certain number of Cabinet members must be Lutherans [but] people have performed these roles and conformed when it has been known that they were not in fact believers"64 (the same happens in Ireland. It's clearly time to remove all religion-specific legislation, and move Norway fully forward into the modern era, where all citizens are treated the same, regardless of their beliefs.64)

Links:

There isn't much information in the database for Norway, most likely because it is either a part of another country (i.e., a territory or possession) and therefore most international statistics are counted for the country as a whole, or, this is such an exotic place that little data exists about it.