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6.2.1 Norway: Geography, climate, vegetation




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This article is from the Nordic countries FAQ, by Antti Lahelma and Johan Olofsson, with numerous contributions by others.

6.2.1 Norway: Geography, climate, vegetation

Norway is located on the Scandinavian peninsula; its long, craggy
coast forms the western margin of the peninsula and fronts the
Atlantic Ocean (sometimes known as the Norwegian Sea) for most of the
country's length. To the southwest the North Sea separates Norway from
the British Isles, and directly to the south the Skagerrak separates
it from Denmark. In the east Norway shares an extensive border with
Sweden and for a shorter one with Finland and Russia in the north.

From north to south, Norway is about 1,770 km long, but for much of
the distance it is very narrow, exceeding 160km of breadth only in the
south. About one third of the country lies within the Arctic Circle,
where the sun shines 24 hours at the height of the summer.
Characteristic of the terrain are rugged mountains interrupted by
valleys that cut into the land. Along much of the coast cliffs drop
impressively to the sea, forming the fjords which are among the most
distinctive features of Norwegian geography. The longest and deepest
of them is the Sogne Fjord. About 150,000 offshore islands serve as a
barrier that helps to protect Norway's coast from Atlantic storms.
Among these, the Lofoten Islands are the largest and also a very
popular tourist attraction.

The climate is temperate, and the severity of winter along the coast
is moderated by southerly air currents brought in above the waters of
the North Atlantic Drift, which is warmed by the Gulf Stream. Summers
are relatively cool throughout the country; rainfall is high
everywhere, most of all on the coasts, of course. The rivers contain
abundant salmon and trout, which are among the country's most famous
exports. Spruce and pine are the most common trees in Norway's
forests, and deciduous trees, such as birch and ash, are common in the
lowlands. In the mountain regions, heather is abundant, as well as low
bushes that provide numerous delicious berries. Timber is one of the
foremost natural resources. In addition, Norway has tremendous
resources in its offshore oil and gas fields in the North Sea as well
as in the hydroelectric potential of the numerous rapids and
waterfalls. Iron and copper are also mined.

 

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