Capital of Norway: Oslo โ Facts & 5-Question Quiz
The capital of Norway is Oslo. Norway sits in Europe, has a population of 5,474,360, and uses the NOK. Official languages include Norwegian.
Quick facts
- Capital: Oslo
- Continent: Europe
- Population: ~5,474,360
- Area: 385,207 kmยฒ
- Population density: 14.2 people per kmยฒ
- Official language: Norwegian
- Currency: NOK
- ISO code: NO
How big is Norway?
By population, Norway ranks 119th in the world, holding roughly 0.07% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 61st.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Norway has 14.2 people per square kilometre, which is about 4.2 times below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Europe, Norway is the 25th most populous country of 46.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Norway in population are Lebanon (5,489,739) and Finland (5,540,745).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Zimbabwe (390,757 kmยฒ) and Japan (377,975 kmยฒ).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Norwegian is listed as an official language of Norway alone, which is unusual โ most official languages are shared across borders.
Norway uses the NOK, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
How to remember Norway
Oslo sits at the very end of the long Oslofjord, an inlet of the sea in the south of the country. For the flag, remember that Norway's cross holds all three colours: a blue cross wrapped in white, on red.
The flag of Norway: red, white and dark blue
๐ณ๐ด The flag is a red flag with a dark blue Nordic cross outlined in white, shifted towards the flagpole. The colours recall Norway's past unions with Denmark (red and white) and Sweden (blue). The flag was adopted in 1821.
Region and neighbours
Norway is a long, narrow country in Northern Europe, on the western side of the Scandinavian Peninsula, with coasts on the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. It shares land borders with 3 countries: Sweden, Finland and Russia.
- Sweden ๐ธ๐ช โ capital Stockholm
- Finland ๐ซ๐ฎ โ capital Helsinki
- Russia ๐ท๐บ โ capital Moscow
Three facts about Norway
- The coastline of mainland Norway, including its fjords, is almost 29,000 km long. The Sognefjord, the longest and deepest in Norway, reaches 205 km inland.
- The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo every year.
- Norway is home to the midnight sun in summer, and to the northern lights.
Sources: Wikipedia: Norway, Wikipedia: Flag of Norway, Wikipedia: Oslo, Wikipedia: Sognefjord, CIA World Factbook.
Quiz yourself on Norway
- European capitals quiz โ match Norway to Oslo
- European flags quiz โ spot the Norway flag among its neighbours
Norway capital quiz
What is the capital of Norway ๐ณ๐ด?
- Amsterdam
- Helsinki
- Oslo
- Vilnius
Show answer
Oslo
What is the capital of Finland ๐ซ๐ฎ?
- Helsinki
- Podgorica
- Lisbon
- Sofia
Show answer
Helsinki
What is the capital of Slovakia ๐ธ๐ฐ?
- Vatican City
- Bratislava
- Stockholm
- Budapest
Show answer
Bratislava
What is the capital of Denmark ๐ฉ๐ฐ?
- Sarajevo
- Valletta
- London
- Copenhagen
Show answer
Copenhagen
What is the capital of Ireland ๐ฎ๐ช?
- Dublin
- Andorra la Vella
- Sarajevo
- Podgorica
Show answer
Dublin
Norway capital quiz tip
The capital of Norway is Oslo. Bergen, the second city, is the usual distractor.
Norway in Europe
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Russia, Germany, United Kingdom and France.
If you are learning capitals region by region โ far more effective than working alphabetically โ Europe is the block Norway belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Norway.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Norway?
The capital of Norway is Oslo.
What is the population of Norway?
About 5,474,360, making it the 119th most populous country in the world.
How big is Norway?
385,207 square kilometres, ranking 61st by land area, at a density of 14.2 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Norway use?
The NOK, which no other country uses.
What are the colours of the Norway flag?
The flag of Norway is a red flag with a dark blue Nordic cross outlined in white, shifted towards the flagpole. The colours recall Norway's past unions with Denmark (red and white) and Sweden (blue). The flag was adopted in 1821.
Which countries border Norway?
Norway shares land borders with Sweden, Finland and Russia.
How can I remember the capital of Norway?
Oslo sits at the very end of the long Oslofjord, an inlet of the sea in the south of the country. For the flag, remember that Norway's cross holds all three colours: a blue cross wrapped in white, on red.
More capitals to learn
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