Norway is one of the world's largest oil-exporting nations. It is also one of the most progressive countries in the world, according to the Global Gender Gap Index, the Global Peace Index, and the Human Development Index. Yet, despite its outstanding culture, important economy, and spectacular beauty, Norway remains unfamiliar to most Americans.

This thorough introduction to modern-day Norway and Norwegian culture shows the impact a small country can have on the world in terms of peace building, environmental issues, technological innovation, and more.

Culture and Customs of Norway provides an up-to-date view of Norway, showcasing a nation that is part of modern Europe, yet zealously maintains its own culture and identity. Providing the most current information on a broad range of topics—including cinema, literature, food, art, performing arts, and architecture—the book also places modern-day Norway in a historical context that makes it possible to understand how Norwegian culture came to be as it is today.

Readers will discover a nation that is a fascinating juxtaposition of advanced technology, especially in such fields as oil production and climate, and some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world. They will read about such famous writers, artists, and composers as Henrik Ibsen, Edvard Munch, and Edvard Grieg. And they will discover how Norway confronts the challenges of modern society without sacrificing its social-democratic philosophy of social justice and shared responsibility, both at home and globally.

• Photographs of art, architecture, nature, people, and more
• Includes a glossary of Norwegian-language words like lutefisk and nynorsk, that are useful for understanding Norwegian culture
• Presents a political map of Norway
• A chronology of important events from the Stone Age to the present
• An annotated bibliography of English-language resources