Tagged: Norway

According to Petsinclude, the government of Norway is a parliamentary democracy with a unicameral legislature. Norway is divided into 19 counties and 431 municipalities, each with its own local government. The country is officially known as the Kingdom of Norway and is governed by its Constitution which was adopted in 1814. The government is headed by the Prime Minister, currently Erna Solberg, who serves as both head of state and head of government. The legislative branch consists of the Storting (Parliament) which consists of 169 members elected to four-year terms. This body is responsible for making laws and approving budgets for the country. The judicial branch consists of various levels of courts including a Supreme Court at the apex. Judges are appointed by the King or Queen on recommendation from Parliament and are responsible for interpreting and applying laws. Norway has local governments in municipalities where citizens can participate directly in decision-making on local issues such as education, public works, sanitation, and health services. The central government in Oslo has ultimate authority over all aspects of life in Norway but allows some autonomy to local governments to encourage citizen participation in decision-making processes. The Constitution guarantees citizens’ rights such as freedom from arbitrary arrest or exile; freedom from torture or cruel or degrading treatment or punishment; freedom from interference with privacy; freedom to express opinion freely; freedom to assemble peacefully without arms; freedom to form political parties; right to due process under law; right to vote in free elections; right to education; right to work and equal pay for equal work regardless of gender; right to health care services provided by the state; right to social security benefits provided by the state; right against discrimination based on sex, religion or ethnicity etc.; protection against exploitation at workplace etc. These freedoms are respected in practice and citizens have been able to exercise their rights without fear or discrimination from authorities. Norway enjoys strong and friendly foreign relations with many countries across the globe. Norway is a founding member of the United Nations, NATO, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the Council of Europe. Norway is also a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and participates in other international organizations such as the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Norway has traditionally enjoyed close ties with its Scandinavian neighbors Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Greenland. Norway is a member of several regional organizations such as the Nordic Council, which promotes cooperation between Nordic countries in areas such as culture, education, environment and economy. Norway also participates in several joint military exercises with its Scandinavian partners. Norway has strong ties to other European countries as well. It is a member of both the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Agreement which allows for free movement of people within Europe’s borders. Additionally, it enjoys close diplomatic relations with major EU members such as Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Norway maintains friendly relations with many non-European countries as well. It is an active participant in international efforts to promote peace and stability around the world such as UN peacekeeping missions. It has also participated in various economic development programs around the world including those sponsored by The World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF). The United States is one of Norway’s closest allies outside Europe. The two countries have had diplomatic relations since 1905 when they signed a treaty of friendship and commerce that still holds today. The US provides substantial economic aid to Norway which helps to support its economy through various programs such as USAID’s aid to developing nations program. Norway also has good diplomatic ties with Russia despite their sometimes tense relationship over issues related to security along their shared border in Northern Europe. Despite this tension, trade between Norway and Russia continues to be strong due largely to their shared interest in oil exploration in the Arctic region. Overall, Norway’s foreign policy focus on promoting international cooperation, global security, human rights, democracy, sustainable development, economic growth, global health initiatives, climate change mitigation efforts, energy security, trade liberalization, education initiatives etc. This approach has allowed it to maintain strong diplomatic relationships with other nations while at same time protecting its own national interests. See relationshipsplus for Norway defense and foreign policy.