Norway provides Scandinavia with it’s outermost Western boundary, sharing borders with both Sweden and Finland as it wraps comfortably around it’s sister nations. Well known for fjords that take the breath from even the most travel-hardened tourist in the South of the country and the bizarre sanctity offered by the vast emptiness of the North, Norway is a popular destination with people from all walks of life. The contrasting styles of the major towns and cities throw up a plethora of unique architectural and historical backgrounds that the inhabitants and visitors enjoy on a constant basis, and the natural beauty of Norway with its unique wildlife and natural phenomena keeps everyone – be they local or otherwise – coming back for more.

Norway is a country steeped in history, with its most (in)famous sons coming in the shape of the Vikings, who looted, pillaged and colonised their way through Europe from the 9th century onwards, even reaching so far as Greenland and North America. The traditional belief in Norse gods dwindled as the influence of Christianity spread through the region, and by the 11th century the country was unified under one set of beliefs. Whilst generally staying out of trouble for the next few hundred years (bar an attempted invasion of England, natch), the Norwegian people developed an insular and neutral attitude when it came to outside affairs – this was an attitude that helped the country to form one of the least disputed governmental forms of Medieval times, with a number of successful and popular kings holding the throne for many years. General peace and stability reigned in Norway until 1349 when the Black Death hit the country, wiping out more than half the population and leaving survivors in a perpetual famine for generations. Weakened by this tragic occurrence, Norway entered into a union with Denmark and Sweden, and whilst the Swedish part of the union did not last a huge amount of time, the Danish influence was present for around 400 years, taking away the independence that Norway had enjoyed for most of its life. This union with Denmark ended with the coming of the Napoleonic Wars, but left Norway in yet another union – this time back with Sweden. During this period, from 1814 to 1905, Norwegians re-asserted themselves as an independent nation – re-discovering the Norwegian language, seeing an upturn in the economic situation of the country and encouraging the National Romantic movement, which saw many great cultural works created in the latter half of the 19th century. From true independence in 1905 until the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 Norway had preached neutrality in all world affairs, but the economic and physical battering taken through World War II was too much, as well as occupation by the Nazis, and by 1945 Norway became one of the founding members of the United Nations. By 1949 it had also joined NATO. Modern history has seen Norway become a successful and respected peace ambassador for times of conflict, aiding in the negotiated ceasefires for both the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Sri Lankan civil war, amongst other things. Modern Norway is a vibrant and forward thinking nation with a stable economy and high standard of living. Whilst the general mood of the people still holds a certain mood of insularity, with referendums voting against joining the EU on two separate occasions, Norway still remains a very friendly and interesting country for anyone wishing to visit or invest.

Just like its Scandinavian neighbours, Norway has long been a popular holiday spot for tourists and backpackers. With a strong economy, high standards of living and friendly people it certainly isn’t a country to be overlooked – if you can afford it, that is. Bargains in the property sector will be hard to come by, but are possible – the most likely route, however, would be investment in high cost, guaranteed growth properties.The standards of healthcare in Norway are very good and a reciprocal agreement with the UK means British nationals are entitled to free treatment for accidents and free ambulance rides on production of a British passport – other charges may still apply, however. Health insurance is still recommended in case emergency evacuation is necessary.

Mobile phone coverage stretches across the whole country, though obviously quality of service cannot be guaranteed in more rural areas. Landlines are widely available and lines are of an excellent standard. Internet cafes are also widespread in urban areas, with internet access available in most libraries.