Norway is a Scandinavian, Nordic and European country, and contrary to popular belief not the capital of Sweden.
Many parallels can be drawn between Norway and The Hillbillies, as Norway was a rather poor and fairly underdeveloped country until they struck oil in 1973. Many of the characteristics of Norway and Norwegians will remind you of the typical "new money" stereotype. Norway is, however, still reputed "the last communist state of europe", with complicated, and in-depth control by the government in many facets of society and life in general.
Dry Facts:
Population 2010: 4.858.200
Ethnic groups: 89.4% Norwegian/Sami, 10.6% other
Government: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy (aka stuck in the dark ages)
Currency: Norwegian Krone
Language: Norwegian x 2 (Nynorsk & Bokmål)
If you're gonna live anywhere in Norway, Bergen is a better place than most. Allthough, a winter of choking in bad air has made me wonder how good it really is for you).
Bergen is the second biggest city in Norway, and a Hanstastad, which means it was a trading and harbor city in the old days. This has given it some absolutely amazing architecture and a rich history. Can you. for example, guess where the black plague entered Norway (which killed more than half of the Norwegian population and is the reason why the country was under Danish and Swedish rule for years).
The people of Bergen are odd-balls, which you're likely to notice for yourself reading through the blog. They're offensive, and relatively open, as Norwegians are scared shitless of people and interaction with strangers. They do have a kindness to them, and a sense of community and localist patriotism which makes them far more charming than e.g. the population of Oslo. And, just to be clear, the city is beautiful and very cosy.
Dry facts:
Population 2009: 252 000
Non-norwegians 2009: 26 489
Now there's just one more thing you need to know: The Bergen Song
Wanna go to Bergen, wanna go to bergen right away.
Vil til Bergen, vil til Bergen med det samme.
There I feel like a fish in the water.
Der har eg det som fisken i vannet.
Wet and cold, and Munkfish everywhere.
Vått og kaldt. Og breiflabb over alt.
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