Norway has a small economy compared to most European nations but they are still considered the most prosperous in the world.  They have a deep desire for fairness and equality.  More than half of the government's budget goes to finance social services and more money goes to build roads, schools, and hospitals.

Oil

       In 1969 Phillips Petroleum, a U.S. company discovered the Ekofisk oil fields off Norway's North Sea Coast.  By 1975 Norway made a great increase in their economy by exporting oil.  At the end of the 20th century the oil and gas market rapidly changed.  Prices went down and competition was worse than ever.  Therefore oil was only 15 percent of its gross national income (GNI).

Services

       Norway doesn't only have major government services, they also minor services such as real estate, business, insurance, transportation, tourism, and trade.  Norway's rugged terrain makes it hard and expensive to build roads and railroads.  Norway has helped this by establishing a network of railroads, roads, and waterways.  Most households have a car but many take the bus.  These buses connect the biggest cities.  Two thirds of the railway runs on electricity.  Norway has more than 40 airports, but many use the water ways to travel as well.  As a result of the improving transportation Norway has gotten more tourists. 

Industry

       Norway began to set up hydropower from the rivers and they set up many oil fields.  Norway also manufactures oil and chemical products, processed foods, wood, pulp, and paper.  Aluminum is made from bauxite and then they export it immediately.  Hydroelectricity is the main source of power in Norway and Norway is a main shipbuilding industry.

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing

       Very few of Norwegians work in agriculture.  The main foods grown are potatoes, fruits, and vegetables.  There is little meat and dairy.  Norway has a main industry in foresting.  They have birch, pine, and spruce trees.  Norway also ranks one of the world's leading fishing countries.  These are all reasons that Norway has such a rich, powerful, and growing economy.