Norway

Oslo, Norway. 

Today I visited Norway, the 80th nation I have visited.

Norway is part of Scandinavia that includes Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, also known as the Nordic countries. The Nordic countries were always separate entities because for ages, they were part of Denmark or Sweden. 

Finland and Norway are very recent creations. Finland achieved independence from Russia in 1917 and Norway separated from Sweden in in 1905.

Scandinavians are linked by similar languages, ethnic roots, and history. All are wealthy, nearly homogenous social welfare states, and are predominantly protestant, although less than 5% attention church regularly. They share the same cross design on their flags using different colors.  All are monarchies with the exception of Finland.

Norway still refuses to join the European Union and is the richest of the group due to its North Sea oil fields. Probably the most well known Norwegian is, Alfred Nobel who created the peace prize. Of note, different Nobel prize awards are given out in 2 different countries, both in Norway and in Sweden, because at the time the award was created, the two countries were one.

Today our cruise ship docked in Oslo, the smallest of the Nordic capitals with a rich history and breathtaking beauty. It is surrounded by forests and mountains and is located on a fjord. 

Oslo, Norway Visits Today:

Visits to the museum with best preserved viking ships found in the world, ski jump museum (site of 1952 Olympic competition), and the worlds largest outdoor sculpture park. Also, the building where the Nobel peace prize is awarded and Edward Munch (The Scream"), art museum.