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The indigenous Sami people of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia have a rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life, including reindeer herding, handicrafts, and joik singing.
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Norway’s Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located on the Arctic island of Spitsbergen, serves as a global backup for seeds from around the world, safeguarding agricultural biodiversity in the event of a global catastrophe.
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Norway’s Lærdal Tunnel is the world’s longest road tunnel, stretching over 24.5 kilometers (15.2 miles) through solid rock beneath the mountains between Lærdal and Aurland.
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The country boasts one of the highest ratios of electric vehicles (EVs) per capita in the world, with incentives such as tax exemptions and toll-free roads encouraging widespread adoption of electric cars.
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Norway’s national dish, fårikål, is a hearty stew made with lamb or mutton, cabbage, potatoes, and peppercorns, traditionally enjoyed during the autumn months when cabbage is in season.
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The Norwegian tradition of “friluftsliv,” or open-air living, emphasizes spending time outdoors in nature for recreation, relaxation, and physical well-being, regardless of the weather.
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Norway’s Stave Churches, medieval wooden structures built during the Middle Ages, are architectural marvels known for their intricate carvings, dragon heads, and preserved medieval artwork.
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The country’s Jotunheimen National Park is home to Galdhøpiggen, the highest peak in Northern Europe, offering stunning alpine scenery, glaciers, and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road, known as “The Road to Nowhere,” is a scenic highway that winds its way along the rugged coastline, crossing several small islands and iconic bridges.
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Norway is home to one of the world’s oldest parliaments, the Althing, established in 930 AD in the Icelandic village of Thingvellir. It served as a gathering place for Icelandic chieftains to discuss laws and settle disputes.
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Norway’s Trollstigen (Troll’s Path) is a dramatic mountain road with hairpin bends and steep inclines, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, cliffs, and the surrounding landscape.
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The country’s traditional bunad costumes vary by region and are worn on special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and celebrations, representing Norway’s cultural diversity and heritage.
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Norway’s Arctic Circle city of Tromsø is known as the “Gateway to the Arctic” and is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights due to its clear skies and aurora borealis activity.
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The Lofoten Islands, located above the Arctic Circle, are renowned for their stunning scenery, traditional fishing villages, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and whale watching.
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Norway’s Sami Parliament, established in 1989, represents the interests of the Sami people and promotes their language, culture, and rights within Norwegian society.
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The country’s Hardangervidda National Park is Europe’s largest mountain plateau and is home to diverse wildlife such as reindeer, elk, and arctic foxes, as well as rare plant species.
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Norway’s coastline stretches for over 83,000 kilometers (51,600 miles) when including fjords, islands, and inlets, making it one of the longest coastlines in the world.
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The country’s traditional folk music, known as “spellemannsmusikk,” features instruments such as the Hardanger fiddle, accordion, and flute, and is often accompanied by lively dancing at celebrations and festivals.
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Norway’s Royal Palace in Oslo, built in the neoclassical style, serves as the official residence of the Norwegian monarch and is open to the public for guided tours and special events.
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The country’s national day, known as Constitution Day (Grunnlovsdagen), is celebrated on May 17th with parades, flag-waving, and traditional costumes called bunads, marking the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814.
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Despite its northerly location, Norway experiences the midnight sun phenomenon in the summer months, with 24 hours of daylight above the Arctic Circle, allowing for outdoor activities and festivals well into the night.