Europe/Norway

Norway, also known as the land of fjords, trolls, and Vikings, is a country in Northern Europe that is quite literally on top of the world. It’s most famous for its picture-perfect landscapes, delicious smoked salmon, and confusing names like Trondheim (which sounds like a dental procedure, but is actually a beautiful city).

History

Norway, like most countries in Europe, has a long and complicated history. Its earliest inhabitants were cavemen who were constantly chased by woolly mammoths. But things got way more interesting with the arrival of the Vikings in the 8th century. These fierce warriors sailed their longboats across the seas, raided other countries, and invented the world’s first helmet with horns. They even discovered America way before Columbus did (but apparently, they didn’t find it that interesting, so they went back to fishing).

Culture

Norwegian culture is centered around nature, music, and alcohol (in that order). The country is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth, like the Northern Lights, Trolltunga (a cliff that looks like the troll from Harry Potter), and the world’s largest cheese slicer.

But Norway’s true cultural identity is defined by its music. The country has produced some of the greatest musicians of all time, like Edvard Grieg, A-ha (the “Take on Me” guys), and Kygo (the DJ who puts the “tropical” in tropical house).

And let’s not forget about the alcohol. Norwegians love their booze, especially a drink called aquavit, which is basically just vodka flavored with caraway seeds. It’s not for everyone, but it does make for some interesting nights out.

Economy

Norway has one of the strongest economies in the world, thanks to its abundant natural resources (like oil, fish, and metal), thriving tourism industry, and impressive welfare system (which gives everyone a free reindeer every Christmas).

Fun fact: Norway even has its own currency, the krone, which translates to “crown” in English. So if you ever visit Norway and feel like a king, you’ll know why.

Conclusion

All in all, Norway is a fascinating country that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a music buff, or just really into aquavit, there’s no denying that Norway has a unique charm that sets it apart from the rest of Europe.

But if you ever find yourself lost in the Norwegian wilderness, just remember this handy survival tip: if you see a troll, don’t run. They move pretty slowly, and you’ll just end up tiring yourself out. Just offer them a slice of cheese and you’ll be fine.