Norway

The population of Norway is approximately 5.7M (2024).

The capital of Norway is Oslo.

Norway's GDP per capita is $90.5K (2024).

Life expectancy in Norway is 83.16 years (2024).

Norway covers 386,224 km² (149,122 sq mi).

Norway is sparsely populated, averaging 15 people per km², below the global average of 60.

Norway's population is growing steadily at 0.9% per year, in line with global averages.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Norway falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $90.5K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Norway reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

Norway has 3 official languages: Norwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, Sami.

Norway uses the Norwegian krone (kr) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Norway are May, June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show that Norway has a GDP per capita of $90,464, which is one of the highest in the world. This value places the nation at rank 10 globally, rank 7 within Europe, and rank 3 in Northern Europe. The economy remains supported by strong petroleum and gas exports along with a robust growth rate of 2.1%.

Approximately 99% of the Norwegian population uses the internet, reflecting the nation's highly advanced digital infrastructure. This places Norway at rank 8 of 212 globally for the percentage of internet users. Such high connectivity supports the country's modern economy and ensures widespread access to digital public services and education.

Norway is characterized by its dramatic 25,148 km (15,626 mi) coastline and its highest peak, Galdhopiggen, which stands at 2,469 m (8,100 ft). The country covers a total area of 386,224 km² (149,122 sq mi) and shares land borders with Finland, Sweden, and Russia. Its landscape is dominated by rugged mountains and glacial fjords.

The unemployment rate in Norway is currently 4.6%, according to the latest available data. This figure places the nation at rank 108 of 186 globally when sorted from the lowest unemployment rate to the highest. Despite global economic shifts, Norway maintains a stable labor market supported by its diverse natural resources and strong government fiscal policy.

The estimated 2026 population of Norway is 5,678,639. This figure is a projection based on the latest official 2024 data, which recorded 5,572,279 people. The population continues to grow at an annual rate of approximately 0.95%, primarily due to steady international migration into the country's major urban centers.

Norway currently ranks global 118 of 215 countries in terms of total population. Regionally, it is the 24th largest country in Europe and the 5th largest in Northern Europe. These rankings reflect Norway's status as a smaller but highly developed nation with a population size comparable to its Nordic neighbors.

Norway is not crowded, with an estimated 2026 population density of 15.6 people per km² (40.4 people per sq mi). It ranks 199th globally for density, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Most of the population is concentrated in coastal cities and the south.

Norway's population is currently growing at an annual rate of 0.95%. While the natural birth rate is low, the country experiences significant net migration that keeps the overall population trend positive. This growth has remained consistent over the last several decades as the nation attracts labor from across the globe.

The current fertility rate in Norway is 1.45 births per woman. This is below the replacement level of 2.1, a trend that is common across most of Europe. Despite various government initiatives to support families and encourage higher birth rates, the rate has remained at historical lows in recent years.

Approximately 83.3% of Norway's population lives in urban areas. This high urbanization rank of 49th globally reflects a society where most people reside in cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. The rugged geography of the interior means that the vast majority of residents cluster in developed coastal regions.