Faculty of Computing, Health & Science
NORWAY BRIEFING NOTES
The Faculty Office of the Faculty of Computing, Health & Science is pleased to provide you with this information. Comments or changes may be advised to 6304 3453
INFORMATION SOURCES
The following Background, Historical, Political, Economic and General Information has been sourced and combined, from the following Web Sites:
Reference:
Austrade Web Online - www.austrade.gov.au Aust. Dept of Foreign Affairs - www.dfat.gov.au www.worldinformation.com www.countryreports.org
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\02c8fdeb-9f68-4795-9754-7109a066247b.doc
Last updated 16/01/2008
2
BACKGROUND Despite its neutrality, Norway was not able to avoid occupation by Germany in World War II. 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. 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 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. The Kingdom of Norway occupies the western half of the Scandinavian peninsula. A rugged, mountainous country, it covers an area of 385,155 square kilometres including Svalbard (Spitzbergen) and Jan Mayen territories, and has a population of 4.57 million. Norway is a constitutional monarchy with legislative powers vested in the Storting (parliament). The Head of State is H.M. King Harald V, who acceded to the throne in 1991. The Storting is made up of 165 members directly elected for four-year terms by proportional representation. When the Storting considers legislation it divides itself into two chambers – the Lagting (25% of the members) and the Odelsting (75% of the members) by internal election. Parliamentary elections are mandatory every four years at specific dates
POLITICAL OVERVIEW Norway is a constitutional monarchy with legislative powers vested in the Storting (parliament). The Head of State is H.M. King Harald V, who acceded to the throne in 1991. The Storting is made up of 165 members directly elected for four-year terms by proportional representation. When the Storting considers legislation it divides itself into two chambers – the Lagting (25 per cent of the members) and the Odelsting (75 per cent of the members) by internal election. Parliamentary elections are mandatory every four years at specific dates. On 12 September 2005, a Centre-Left coalition (Labour, Socialist Left, and Centre Parties) was elected into government. The Government is lead by Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and is the first majority government in Norway for 20 years. The coalition won 87 seats in the 169 member Storting (Parliament). The Labour Party, which has dominated the political scene in Norway since the 1930s, continues to be the largest party in the Parliament with 36 per cent of the seats. The next Storting elections are due in 2009. A proposal to amend the constitution to allow the Storting to function as a completely unicameral parliament was introduced in 2004 and was passed by the Storting in February 2007. It will take effect following the 2009 elections. BILATERAL RELATIONS Overall, Australia and Norway enjoy friendly bilateral relations and share similar views on a wide range of international issues, including the environment, disarmament and human rights. As one of the three European Antarctic claimants, Norway is an important interlocutor for Australia on Antarctic issues. The Australian Government's actions in relation to the Norwegian ship MV Tampa, which sought Australian assistance for evacuees in the Indian Ocean in August/September 2001, caused strong condemnation in the Norwegian press, but long term damage to Australia's image will likely be limited, and bilateral relations continue to be cooperative.
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\02c8fdeb-9f68-4795-9754-7109a066247b.doc
Last updated 16/01/2008
3
Major Australian merchandise exports to Norway (A$125 million in 2006) include aluminium, alcoholic beverages, and mechanical equipment. Imports from Norway in 2006 were worth A$219 million and included paper products, telecommunications equipment, arms and ammunition, and machinery. These figures do not include, however, the very strong services trade between Norway and Australia in the education sector. In April 2002 the Australian Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs the Hon Mr Philip Ruddock, MP visited Norway, meeting, among others, with members of the Saami (indigenous) Parliament. A bilateral agreement allowing for working holiday visas for people aged under 30 came into effect in August 2001, and is proving a popular means for young Australians and Norwegians to experience each other's country. On 28 March 2003 Australia and Norway signed a reciprocal Health Agreement. Negotiations continue on a bilateral Social Security Agreement. Two-way trade in services was valued at A$422 million in 2006 In 2006 there were 2,660 Norwegian students in Australia, of whom just over 2,000 were undertaking higher education courses. Australia is still one of the top destinations for Norwegian students overseas; however the number of Norwegian students studying in Australia has declined from a peak of 4,888 in 2002. This trend has been due to a Norwegian preference for students to remain in Norway to undertake higher education courses. Norway has a significant level of investment in Australia - A$2.2 billion – and in that year Norway was the 26th largest destination for Australian investment, with A$1.07 billion invested, predominately in the mining sector. Norway and Australia share common expertise in various industrial sectors, including oil and gas, mining, chemicals, and marine and shipping. This indicates a receptive market for Australian technology and expertise in these sectors. There are a number of significant Norwegian companies with direct investments in Australia. ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Norway has a small, open economy with a floating exchange rate. The June 2006 IMF Article IV Consultation Report on Norway noted that Norway's sound macroeconomic policy framework has underpinned the country's strong economic performance in recent years. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)'s Human Development Index which measures quality of life based on longevity, education levels and GNP, rated Norway as highest in the world in these areas in 2006, followed by Iceland and Australia. According to Norway’s 2007 budget, recent strong economic performance has been driven by increasing oil and gas prices, low interest rates and an increase in private consumption. Norway's emergence as a major oil and gas producer in the mid-1970s transformed its economy. Norway's per capita income is now one of the highest in the world due to the large influx of investment capital into its North Sea oil and gas fields and its substantial oil revenues. The petroleum sector contributes over half Norway’s total export revenue. Norway has approximately half of the remaining reserves of oil and gas in Europe and is the thirdbiggest oil exporter, behind Saudi Arabia and Russia. It covers 15 per cent of Europe's gas consumption and, within a few years, is expected to increase gas exports dramatically to account for 30 per cent of European gas imports.
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\02c8fdeb-9f68-4795-9754-7109a066247b.doc
Last updated 16/01/2008
4
In 2006, the petroleum sector accounted for approximately 52 per cent of exports and 25 per cent of GDP. High oil prices have increased government revenue from taxes on oil and gas exports which are channelled into the Government Petroleum Fund and invested in overseas equity and bond markets (including in Australia). The Fund absorbs changes in oil prices, which would otherwise affect the mainland economy, and earns a return on its investments in international markets to preserve Norway's oil wealth for future generations when oil reserves are depleted. Since 2002, the Norwegian Government has injected more than 4 per cent of the funds’ real return into the budget every year. The Fund currently has holdings of equities in over 100 Australian companies. According to OECD analysis, the economy of mainland Norway has been growing above potential for almost three years. Growth is projected to decline somewhat during 2007 in response to a slowing in petroleum sector investment. Norway's monetary policy aim is to achieve low and stable inflation, of close to 2.5 per cent, as a means of stabilising the economy - and hence exchange rates - in the long term. Inflation climbed from 1.6 per cent in 2005 to 2.5 per cent in 2006, and is forecast (EIU) to fall again to 1.75 per cent in 2007. Apart from the risk of overheating the economy in 2007, the Norwegian Government's main long-term challenge is regarded as the financing of pension obligations for its aging population. GDP growth is forecast to fall slightly to 2.8 per cent in 2007, from 2.9 per cent in 2006. Employment levels remain high in Norway. Unemployment is relatively low by international standards – being around 4.6 per cent in 2005, 3.5 per cent in 2006 with a drop to 3.25 per cent predicted for 2007. The government aims to make Norway a "pioneering nation" in environmental matters by investing in renewable energy sources; removing CO2 from gas-fired power emissions; making a major state investment in the system for sequestered CO2 gas; and by allowing further exploration in the Barents Sea for the next four years while protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Norway is a member of the Carbon sequestration Leadership Forum which aims to improve carbon capture and storage technologies through coordinated research and development. Norway has committed to cut emissions of greenhouse gases by the equivalent of 30 per cent of its emissions by 2020, and to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 100 per cent of its own emissions by 2050, thus making Norway ‘carbon neutral’.
VISITOR INFORMATION Entry / Visas Passports are not required by nationals of countries which are signatories of the Schengen Accords, which includes most EU member states. Visas are not required by Australia passport holders, nationals of most European countries and USA. The visa requirement for Slovak citizens which was introduced in 1999 was lifted again in August 2000. Health Mandatory precautions None
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\02c8fdeb-9f68-4795-9754-7109a066247b.doc
Last updated 16/01/2008
5
Advisable precautions There are reciprocal health agreements with most other west European countries that cover hospital treatment. The cost of other treatment may be partially reimbursed under the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (NIS) but receipts must be presented to the national insurance office of the district where treatment was given before the visitor departs. Airports National airline: Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), jointly owned with Sweden and Denmark. Main airport: Oslo has two main airports, Fornebu (8km from the city centre) and Gardermoen (50km outside Olso). Airport tax: There is no airport departure tax. Efficient services operated by SAS, Braathens SAFE and others, linking Alta, Ålesund, Andenes, Bardufoss, Bergen, Billund, Bodø, Evenes, Farsund, Haugesund, Kirkenes, Kristiansand, Kristiansund, Lakselv, Molde, Oslo, Røros, Sandefjord, Skien, Stavanger, Svalbard, Tromsø and Trondheim. Getting around in Norway Road: The only routes are from Sweden or Finland in the north. Certain roads in the mountainous areas could be closed in winter and spring. It is necessary to check with the authorities prior to departure. Main highways between Oslo and other major cities are kept open all year around. Rail: There are daily train connections from Stockholm to Oslo and Trondheim. There are also train connections between Oslo and Gothenburg, Copenhagen and Helsingborg. Norway has a good, though somewhat limited, national rail system. All railway lines are operated by the Norwegian State Railways (Norges Statsbaner or NSB). From Oslo the main lines go to Stavanger, Bergen, Åndalsnes, Bodø and Sweden. Water: Frequent ferry services to Denmark, the UK and Germany. Also road and rail access from Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Regular efficient motor ship services visiting all major ports. Also numerous local ferry, hydrofoil and catamaran services. Main ports: Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen and Larvik. Taxis: Available in most cities. Can be obtained at ranks or by telephone (Oslo 388-090, Bergen 900-990, Stavanger 526-040). Telephone numbers of taxi stands are listed in the directory under 'Drosjer'. Meters are compulsory. It is not expected that the tip will be more than the small change. Buses/trams: Cities and towns in Norway are served by public buses with frequent services. Metro: Olso's metro system is the T-bane. Ferry: Ferries from Oslo to Bygdøy leave from Rådhusbrygge, while ferries to the island in Oslofjord leave from Vippetangen. Car hire: Available from airports and major towns. Studded or winter tyres are recommended during winter. There are strict laws against drinking and driving and wearing seatbelts is compulsory.
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\02c8fdeb-9f68-4795-9754-7109a066247b.doc
Last updated 16/01/2008
6
Climate Influenced by the Atlantic Gulf Stream and westerly winds, the climate is much warmer than that of other countries on the same latitude. The temperature varies little from north to south, but there is a big contrast between the inland and coastal regions. In winter, while the interior freezes hard, most fjords and harbours remain ice-free. The average annual temperature is 8 degrees Celsius (C) along the west coast, and -2 degrees C in the northern-most county, Finnmark. The lowest recorded temperature is -51 degrees C. January and February are the coldest months, while July and August are the warmest. The average annual precipitation is 1,960 mm in Bergen and 740mm in Oslo. Northern Norway is popularly known as the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'. In Finnmark the midnight sun is visible from 14 May to 29 July, and the period of darkness lasts from 18 November to 24 January. Clothing Clothing to suit the climate is vital because of the extremes; heavy coats, warm boots, gloves and ear protection are required in winter and light clothing in summer. Normal European business attire, otherwise dress is generally casual. Language Norwegian has two main dialects: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Lappish is spoken by the Sami population in the north. English is widely understood and spoken, especially in urban areas. Ethnic make-up Most Norwegians are of Nordic, Alpine and Baltic origin. In addition there are about 30,000 Lapps (Sami). The Sami population predominantly lives in the north of the country, although there are substantial Sami communities in larger cities. The Sami people, many of whom live a traditional nomadic life herding reindeer in the north, are also found in significant numbers in Sweden and Finland. Religions More than 90 per cent of all Norwegians belong to the Church of Norway, an Evangelical Lutheran denomination. There are also small Roman Catholic, Jewish and Muslim communities. Working hours Banking 0815-1530 (Mon - Fri), 0815-1700 (Thursday). Business 0900-1600 (Mon - Fri). Government 0830 - 1600 (Mon - Fri). Shops 0900-1700 (Mon- Wed), 0900-1900 (Thursday), 0830-1300 (Saturday) Many shops are increasingly introducing longer opening hours, and some are open on Sundays. Tipping A service charge of 15 per cent is included in hotel bills, but tipping is also expected It is not expected that the taxi tip will be more than the small change.
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\02c8fdeb-9f68-4795-9754-7109a066247b.doc
Last updated 16/01/2008
7
Time Zones When it is 12 noon in Perth, it is 6am in Norway during the summer and 5am during the winter. Currency Norwegian krone (NOK) Local and foreign currency up to Nkr25,000 in banknotes and coins. Above this amount must be declared at customs. Electricity 220V AC. Customs and Etiquette Punctuality is expected Shake hands on meeting. Business lunches are rare. The main meal of the day is generally taken at home at 1700 hours, though people will expect to eat later if invited out HOTELS A 10% service charge and 5% tax is added to all hotel bills. FCHS I & C Staff have stayed at the following: Hotel Bondeheimen Rosenkrantz'gate 8 OSLO Ph: 47 2321 4100 / Fax: 47 2321 4101 (Bus leaves from outside Gardermoln Airport. Ask driver for the Hotel Bondeheimen stop). SAS Atlantic Olav v's gt 3 STAVANGER Ph: 5176 1000 / Fax: 5176 1001 CONTACTS Australian Embassy Dampfaergevej 26, 2nd floor 2100 Copenhagen East Tel.: + 45 70 26 36 76 Fax: + 45 70 26 36 86 Email: Australian.embassy@mail.dk Australian Consulate General Jernbanetorget 2 Oslo Norway Ph: 47 2247 9170 / Fax: 47 2242 2683
Reference:
Austrade Web Online - www.austrade.gov.au Aust. Dept of Foreign Affairs - www.dfat.gov.au www.worldinformation.com www.nutc.com.au www.countryreports.org/alphanationtext.htm
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\02c8fdeb-9f68-4795-9754-7109a066247b.doc
Last updated 16/01/2008
8