So you have finally made up your mind to move to Norway. You have arranged for accommodation, packed your bags and said your goodbyes. You are now wondering what type of people you will find in your new home. I have good news for you, Norwegians are very welcoming people, and the country has hundreds of thousands of immigrants from all over the world. This makes Norway a great place to live and meet new people from all over the world and with all kinds of cultures.

Norway has a population of about 4,7 million. Most of these people are concentrated in the urban areas where all the fun is! However there is great infrastructure in the rural areas as well. You can get an internet connection almost anywhere in Norway, from the seashore to high up in the mountains.

There are large communities of immigrants in Norway. They come from all corners of the globe. The total population of immigrants in Norway is estimated at 410,000. Of these, Oslo alone has 130,000.

You will have no trouble fitting into the society if you are ready to mingle with people from anywhere. Your paper delivery guy may be from the United States, the local bank manager Uganda and the bartender from Sweden! It is one big melting pot.

The levels of social inequality in Norway are lower than in other countries. Norway has one of the most efficient welfare states in the world. Norwegian values of caring for each other are seen in action in the way the state caters for those who, for one reason or another, cannot care for themselves. There is a sense of pride among Norwegians that in their country no one is left in the cold. Strong public education and public health care systems ensure that everyone has fairly equal opportunities in life.

Norwegian society attaches great value to humility. Bragging about ones achievements is not encouraged. This is slowly changing with the younger generation being more outgoing and spending more openly. The Norwegian culture emphasizes the intrinsic value of the human being, no matter what his occupation or his financial status may be. It is normal in Norway to address both the man on the street and your boss by their first names. Norwegian society also prides itself in its honesty and sincerity. This may explain why some foreigners may think Norwegians are naïve.

* source Norwegian Statistic Agency

Norwegians love to drink coffee, read papers, and keep to themselves. This has made them be described as shy. However, under the coating of shyness is a bursting flow of warmth and friendliness. Make friends and after you have got to know them better, you will realize they are not really shy people. The average Norwegian loves being in touch with Mother Nature. Norwegians spend lots of time, both in winter and in summer, in the great outdoors. Seaside walks, mountain or forest hikes all form a vital part of the Norwegian experience. Outdoor excursions are an important method of meditation and a way of bonding with family or friends. Many families own cabins in the woods for excursions during holidays and weekends. Schools also arrange for the children to go outdoors for example skiing days. If you are a couch potato, going to Norway may teach you how to have great healthy fun outdoors. Just make a few Norwegian friends and do what they do!

There is no way a whole group of people can be described in just a few words but all in all you will have fun and meet lots of fun loving, thoughtful people with diverse backgrounds in Norway.

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