Norway1 FINAL.docx

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NORWAY- INTRODUCTION

Officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Scandinavian unitary constitutional monarchy

whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, theArctic archipelago of Svalbard, and the subantarctic Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of

385,252 square kilometers (148,747 sq mi) and a population of about 5 million. It is the second

least densely populated country in Europe. The country shares a long border with Sweden (1,619

km or 1,006 mi long), which is the longest uninterrupted border within both Europe and the

Schengen Area. Norway is also bordered by Finland and Russia to the north-east and the

Skagerrak Strait across from Denmark to the south. It shares maritime borders with Russia by the

Barents Sea; Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland by the Norwegian Sea; and Sweden,

Denmark, and the United Kingdom by the North Sea. Norway's extensive coastline, facing the

North Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea, is home to its famous fjords. The capital city and the

largest with the highest population at almost 1 million is Oslo.

Two centuries of Viking raids tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav

Tryggvason in AD 994. A period of civil war ended in the 13th century when Norway expanded

its control overseas to parts of Britain, Ireland, Iceland, and Greenland. Norwegian territorial

power peaked in 1265, but competition from the Hanseatic League and the spread of the Black

Death weakened the country. In 1380, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that

lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to

Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden went to war with Norway but agreed to let

Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising

nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a referendum in 1905 granting Norway

independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its

shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II but was nonetheless

occupied for five years by the Third Reich. In 1949, neutrality was abandoned, and Norway

became a founding member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late

1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway

rejected joining the European Union. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of

ethnic minorities, maintaining the country's extensive social safety net with an ageing

population, and preserving economic competitiveness.

King Harald V is Norway's head of state and Erna Solberg will be the prime minister from the

middle of October 2013, replacing Jens Stoltenberg. It has administrative subdivisions on two

levels known as counties (fylke) and municipalities (kommuner). The Smi people have a certain

amount of self-determination and influence over traditional territories through the Smi

Parliament and the Finnmark Act. Although having rejected European Union membership in two

referenda, Norway maintains close ties with the union and its member countries, as well as with

the United States. Norway participates with United Nations forces in international missions,


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notably in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Sudan, and Libya. Norway is a founding member of the United

Nations, NATO, the Council of Europe, and the Nordic Council; a member of the European

Economic Area, the WTO and the OECD; and is also a part of the Schengen Area.

Norway has extensive reserves of petroleum, natural gas, minerals, lumber, seafood, fresh water,

and hydropower. The country has the fourth-highest per capita income in the world. On a per-capita basis, it is the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas outside the Middle East, and

the petroleum industry accounts for around a quarter of the country's gross domestic product.

The country maintains a welfare model with universal health care, subsidised higher education,

and a comprehensive social security system. From 2001 to 2006, and then again from 2009 to

2012, Norway had the highest Human Development Index ranking in the world. From 2010 to

2012, Norway also topped the Legatum Prosperity Index. Also from 2010 to 2012, Norway had

the highest ranking on the Democracy Index. The OECD ranks Norway third in social mobility

and fourth on the 2013 Better Life Index Forbes rank Norway fourth in their list The World's

richest countries, which compares countries by GDP. Norway was the first independent country

to introduce women's suffrage in 1913.

GEOGRAPHY

Main articles: Geography of Norway and Geology of Norway

A satellite image of continental Norway in winter

Norway comprises the western part of Scandinavia in Northern Europe. The rugged coastline,

broken by huge fjords and thousands of islands, stretches 25,000 kilometers (16,000 mi) and

83,000 kilometers (52,000 mi) and include fjords and islands. Norway shares a 1,619-kilometre

(1,006 mi) land border with Sweden, 727 kilometers (452 mi) with Finland, and 196 kilometers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Satellite_image_of_Norway_in_February_2003.jpg


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(122 mi) with Russia to the east. To the north, west and south, Norway is bordered by the

Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the North Sea, and Skagerrak.

Norwegian lowland landscape near the Gaulosen branch of Trondheimfjord

Reine in Lofoten, Northern Norway

At 385,252 square kilometers (148,747 sq mi) (including Svalbard and Jan Mayen) (and 323,802

square kilometers (125,021 sq mi) without), much of the country is dominated by mountainous

or high terrain, with a great variety of natural features caused by prehistoric glaciers and variedtopography. The most noticeable of these are the fjords: deep grooves cut into the land flooded

by the sea following the end of the Ice Age. The longest is Sognefjordenat 204 kilometers (127

mi). Sognefjordenat is the world's second deepest fjord, and the world's longest.

Hornindalsvatnet is the deepest lake in all Europe. Frozen ground can be found all year in the

higher mountain areas and in the interior of Finnmark county. Numerous glaciers are found in

Norway.


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Norway lies between latitudes 57 and 81 N, and longitudes 4 and 32 E.

The land is mostly made of hard granite and gneiss rock, but slate, sandstone, and limestone are

also common, and the lowest elevations contain marine deposits. Because of the Gulf Stream and

prevailing westerlies, Norway experiences higher temperatures and more precipitation than

expected at such northern latitudes, especially along the coast. The mainland experiences fourdistinct seasons, with colder winters and less precipitation inland. The northernmost part has a

mostly maritime subarctic climate, while Svalbard has an Arctic tundra climate.

Because of the large latitudinal range of the country and the varied topography and climate,

Norway has a larger number of different habitats than almost any other European country. There

are approximately 60,000 species in Norway and adjacent waters (excluding bacteria and virus).

The Norwegian Shelf large marine ecosystem is considered highly productive.

CLIMATE

The southern and western parts of Norway experience more precipitation and have milder

winters than the south-eastern part. The lowlands around Oslo have the warmest and sunniest

summers but also cold weather and snow in wintertime (especially inland).

Because of Norway's high latitude, there are large seasonal variations in daylight. From late May

to late July, the sun never completely descends beneath the horizon in areas north of the Arctic

Circle (hence Norway's description as the "Land of the Midnight Sun"), and the rest of the

country experiences up to 20 hours of daylight per day. Conversely, from late November to late

January, the sun never rises above the horizon in the north, and daylight hours are very short in

the rest of the country.


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BIODIVERSITY

Lake Bondhus.

The total number of species include 16,000 species of insects (probably 4,000 more species yet

to be described), 20,000 species of algae, 1,800 species of lichen, 1,050 species of mosses, 2,800

species of vascular plants, up to 7,000 species of fungi, 450 species of birds (250 species nesting

in Norway), 90 species of mammals, 45 fresh-water species of fish, 150 salt-water species of

fish, 1,000 species of fresh-water invertebrates, and 3,500 species of salt-water invertebrates.

About 40,000 of these species have been described by science. The red list of 2010 encompasses

4,599 species.

Seventeen species are listed mainly because they are endangered on a global scale, such as the

European beaver, even if the population in Norway is not seen as endangered. The number of

threatened and near-threatened species equals to 3,682; it includes 418 fungi species, many of

which are closely associated with the small remaining areas of old-growth forests, 36 bird

species, and 16 species of mammals. In 2010, 2,398 species were listed as endangered or

vulnerable; of these were 1250 listed as vulnerable (VU), 871 as endangered (EN), and 276

species as critically endangered (CR), among which were the grey wolf, the Arctic fox (healthy

population on Svalbard) and the pool frog.

The largest predator in Norwegian waters is the sperm whale, and the largest fish is the basking

shark. The largest predator on land is the polar bear, while the brown bear is the largest predator

on the Norwegian mainland, where the common moose (also known as the "European Elk") is

the largest animal.


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ENVIRONMENT

Stunning and dramatic scenery and landscape is found throughout Norway. The west coast of

southern Norway and the coast of northern Norway present some of the most visually impressive

coastal sceneries in the world. National Geographic has listed the Norwegian fjords as the

world's top tourist attraction. The 2012 Environmental Performance Index put Norway in thirdplace, based on the environmental performance of the country's policies.

Rondeslottet in Rondane National Park, Eastern Norway

Feigefossen, Sogn og Fjordane

Muskox in the low alpine tundra at Dovrefjell


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Some of the larger islandsalong the coastline of northern Norway

Norway is mountainous, but there are also some flat areas like Jren,Toten, and rlandet

Loen, a small village on the Western coast of Norway


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POLITICS

Main articles: Politics of Norway and Law of Norway

Harald V, the King of Norway since 1991

According to the Constitution of Norway, which was adopted on 16 May 1814 and inspired by

the United States Declaration of Independence and French Revolution of 1776 and 1789,

respectively, Norway is a unitary constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of

government, wherein the King of Norway is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head

of government. Power is separated between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of

government, as defined by the Constitution, which serves as the country's supreme legal

document.

The Monarch officially retains executive power. However, following the introduction of a

parliamentary system of government, the duties of the Monarch have since become strictly

representative and ceremonial, such as the formal appointment and dismissal of the Prime

Minister and other ministers in the executive government. Accordingly, the Monarch is

commander-in-chief of the Norwegian armed forces, and serves as chief diplomatic official

abroad and a as symbol of unity.

In practice, it is the Prime Minister who is responsible for the exercise of executive powers.

Since his accession in 1991, Harald V of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-

Glcksburg has been King of Norway, the first since the 14th century who has actually been

born in the country.[64]Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, is the legal and rightful heir to the

throne and the Kingdom.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Harald_V_Norge.jpg


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The Storting is the Parliament of Norway.

Constitutionally, legislative power is vested with both the government and the Parliament of

Norway, but the latter is the supreme legislature and a unicameral body. A proposition can

become a law or an act by simple majority among the 169 representatives, who are elected on thebasis of proportional representation from 19 constituencies for four-year terms. 150 are elected

directly from the 19 constituencies and an additional 19 seats ("levelling seats") are allocated on

a nationwide basis to make the representation in parliament correspond better with the popular

vote.

As a result, there are currently 169 Members of Parliament altogether. There is also a 4%

election threshold to gain levelling seats in Parliament. As such, Norway is fundamentally

structured as a representative democracy. The Parliament of Norway, called the Stortinget

(meaning Grand Assembly), is where Members ratify treaties and can impeach members of the

government if their acts are declared unconstitutional, and as such have the power to removethem from office in case of an impeachment trial.

Jens Stoltenberg, the Prime Minister of Norway 2005-2013


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The position of Prime Minister, Norway's head of government, is allocated to the Member of

Parliament who can obtain the confidence of a majority in Parliament, usually the current leader

of the largest political party or more effectively through a coalition of parties, as a single party

normally does not have the support to form a government on its own. However, Norway has

often been ruled by minority governments.

The Prime Minister nominates the Cabinet, traditionally drawn from members of the same

political party in the Storting, to which they are responsible, and as such forms the executive

government and exercises power vested to them by the Constitution. To form a government,

however, more than half the membership of the Cabinet is required to belong to the Church of

Norway. Currently, this means at least ten out of the 19 ministries. This has caused controversy

regarding the continuing debate of separation of church and state in Norway. The current Prime

Minister is Jens Stoltenberg, the leader of the Norwegian Labour Party (AP).

Royal Palace of Norway in Oslo

Through the Council of State, a privy council presided over by the Monarch, the Prime Minister

and the Cabinet meet at the Royal Palace and formally consults the Monarch. Besides enacting

parliamentary bills, all government bills need the formal approval by the Monarch before and

after introduction to Parliament. Approval is also given by the Council to all of the Monarch's

actions as head of state. Although all government and parliamentary acts are decided beforehand,

the Privy Council is an example of another symbolic gesture the King obtains.

Members of the Storting are directly elected from party-lists proportional representation in

nineteen plural-member constituencies in a national multi-party system. Historically, both theNorwegian Labour Party and Conservative Party have played leading political roles, while the

former has remained in power since the 2005 election, in a Red-Green Coalition with the

Socialist Left Party and the Centre Party.

Since then, both the Conservative Party and the Progress Party have won a great number of seats

in the Parliament, but, since the 2009 general election, not sufficient enough to overthrow the


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coalition. This has been the result of poor co-operation between the opposition parties, including

the Liberal Party and the Christian Democratic Party. As such, Jens Stoltenberg, the leader of the

Labour Party, remains Prime Minister of Norway with the necessary majority attributed to the

alliance with the Socialist Left and Centre parties.

In national elections in September 2013, voters ended eight years of Labor rule. A coalition ofthe Conservative Party and the populist anti-immigration Progress Party was elected on promises

of tax cuts, more spending on infrastructure and education, better services and stricter rules on

immigration. The transition comes as Norway's economy is in good condition with low

unemployment. Center-right leader Erna Solberg will form a new government after Labor Prime

Minister Jens Stoltenberg admitted defeat. Solberg said her win was "a historic election victory

for the right-wing parties".

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

Norway, a unitary state, is divided into nineteen first-level administrative counties (fylker). The

counties are administrated through directly elected county assemblies who elect the County

Governor. Additionally, the King and government are represented in every county by a

fylkesmann, who effectively acts as a Governor. As such, the Government is directly represented

at a local level through the County Governors' offices. The counties are then sub-divided into

430 second-level municipalities (kommuner), which in turn are administrated by directly elected

municipal council, headed by a mayor and a small executive cabinet. The capital of Oslo is

considered both a county and a municipality. Norway also has two integral overseas territories,

Jan Mayen and Svalbard. There are three Antarctic and Subantarctic dependencies: BouvetIsland, Peter I Island and Queen Maud Land.

In addition, there are 96 settlements with city status in Norway. In most cases, the city borders

are coterminous with the borders of their respective municipalities. Often, Norwegian city

municipalities include large areas that are not built up; for example, Oslo municipality contains

large forests, located north and south-east of the city, and over half of Bergen municipality

consists of mountainous areas.


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A geopolitical map of Norway, showing the 19 fylker, the Svalbard (Spitsbergen) and Jan Mayen

islands, which are part of the Norwegian kingdom

The counties of Norway are:

County (fylke) Administrative centre Most populous municipality

stfold Sarpsborg Fredrikstad

Akershus Oslo Brum

Oslo City of Oslo Oslo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%98stfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%98stfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarpsborghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarpsborghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredrikstadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredrikstadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akershushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akershushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A6rumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A6rumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akershushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%98stfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akershushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%98stfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akershushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%98stfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akershushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%98stfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A6rumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akershushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredrikstadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarpsborghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%98stfold


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Hedmark Hamar Ringsaker

Oppland Lillehammer Gjvik

Buskerud Drammen Drammen

Vestfold Tnsberg Sandefjord

Telemark Skien Skien

Aust-Agder Arendal Arendal

Vest-Agder Kristiansand Kristiansand

Rogaland Stavanger Stavanger

Hordaland Bergen Bergen

Sogn og Fjordane Leikanger Frde

Mre og Romsdal Molde lesund

Sr-Trndelag Trondheim Trondheim
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andhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedmarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8r-Tr%C3%B8ndelaghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B8re_og_Romsdalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sogn_og_Fjordanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vest-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aust-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telemarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buskerudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opplandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedmarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8r-Tr%C3%B8ndelaghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B8re_og_Romsdalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sogn_og_Fjordanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vest-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aust-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telemarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buskerudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opplandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedmarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8r-Tr%C3%B8ndelaghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B8re_og_Romsdalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sogn_og_Fjordanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vest-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aust-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telemarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buskerudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opplandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedmarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8r-Tr%C3%B8ndelaghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B8re_og_Romsdalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sogn_og_Fjordanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vest-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aust-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telemarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buskerudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opplandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedmarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8r-Tr%C3%B8ndelaghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B8re_og_Romsdalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sogn_og_Fjordanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vest-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aust-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telemarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buskerudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opplandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedmarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8r-Tr%C3%B8ndelaghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B8re_og_Romsdalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sogn_og_Fjordanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vest-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aust-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telemarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buskerudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opplandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedmarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8r-Tr%C3%B8ndelaghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B8re_og_Romsdalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sogn_og_Fjordanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vest-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aust-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telemarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buskerudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opplandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedmarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trondheimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trondheimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8r-Tr%C3%B8ndelaghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%85lesundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moldehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B8re_og_Romsdalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%B8rdehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leikangerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sogn_og_Fjordanehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stavangerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stavangerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogalandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristiansandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristiansandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vest-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arendalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arendalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aust-Agderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skienhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skienhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telemarkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandefjordhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%B8nsberghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestfoldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drammenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drammenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buskerudhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gj%C3%B8vikhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillehammerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opplandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringsakerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedmark


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Nord-Trndelag Steinkjer Stjrdal

Nordland Bod Bod

Troms Troms Troms

Finnmark Vads Alta

ECONOMY

Graphical depiction of Norway's product exports in 28 colour-coded categories.
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GDP and GDP growth

Norwegians enjoy the second highest GDP per-capita (after Luxembourg) and fourth highest

GDP (PPP) per-capita in the world. Today, Norway ranks as the second wealthiest country in the

world in monetary value, with the largest capital reserve per capita of any nation. According to

the CIA World Factbook, Norway is a net external creditor of debt. Norway maintained first

place in the world in the UNDP Human Development Index (HDI) for six consecutive years

(20012006), and then reclaimed this position in 2009 and 2010. The standard of living in

Norway is among the highest in the world. Foreign Policy Magazine ranks Norway last in its

Failed States Index for 2009, judging Norway to be the world's most well-functioning and stable

country. Continued oil and gas exports coupled with a healthy economy and substantial

accumulated wealth lead to a conclusion that Norway will remain among the richest countries in

the world in the foreseeable future.

The Norwegian economy is an example of a mixed economy, a prosperous capitalist welfare

state featuring a combination of free market activity and large state ownership in certain key

sectors. The Norwegian welfare state makes public health care free (above a certain level), and

parents have 46 weeks paid parental leave. The income that the state receives from natural

resources includes a significant contribution from petroleum production and the substantial and

carefully managed income related to this sector. Norway has a very low unemployment rate,

currently 2.6%. 30% of the labour force are employed by the government, the highest in the

OECD. The hourly productivity levels, as well as average hourly wages in Norway are among

the highest in the world. The egalitarian values of the Norwegian society ensure that the wage

difference between the lowest paid worker and the CEO of most companies is much smaller thanin comparable western economies. This is also evident in Norway's low Gini coefficient. The

state has large ownership positions in key industrial sectors, such as the strategic petroleum

sector (Statoil and Aker Solutions), hydroelectric energy production (Statkraft), aluminum

production (Norsk Hydro), the largest Norwegian bank (DnB NOR), and telecommunication

provider (Telenor). Through these big companies, the government controls approximately 30%

of the stock values at the Oslo Stock Exchange. When non-listed companies are included, the


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state has even higher share in ownership (mainly from direct oil license ownership). Norway is a

major shipping nation and has the world's 6th largest merchant fleet, with 1,412 Norwegian-

owned merchant vessels.

Bryggen in Bergen is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Referendums in 1972 and 1994 indicated that the Norwegian people wished to remain outside

the European Union (EU). However, Norway, together with Iceland and Liechtenstein,

participates in the European Union's single market through the European Economic Area (EEA)

agreement. The EEA Treaty between the European Union countries and the EFTA countries

transposed into Norwegian law via "ES-loven" describes the procedures for implementing

European Union rules in Norway and the other EFTA countries. This makes Norway a highly

integrated member of most sectors of the EU internal market. However, some sectors, such as

agriculture, oil and fish, are not wholly covered by the EEA Treaty. Norway has also acceded to

the Schengen Agreement and several other intergovernmental agreements between the EU

member states.

Agriculture is a significant sector, in spite of the mountainous landscape (Flakstad)

The country is richly endowed with natural resources including petroleum, hydropower, fish,

forests, andminerals. Large reserves of petroleum and natural gas were discovered in the 1960s,

which led to a boom in the economy. Norway has obtained one of the highest standards of living
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in the world in part by having a large amount of natural resources compared to the size of the

population. In 2011, 28% of state revenues were generated from the petroleum industry.

RESOURCES

Export revenues from oil and gas have risen to almost 50% of total exports and constitute more

than 20% of the GDP. Norway is the fifth largest oil exporter and third largest gas exporter in the

world, but it is not a member of OPEC. To reduce overheating in the economy from oil revenues

and minimize uncertainty from volatility in oil price, and to provide a cushion for the effect of

ageing of the population, the Norwegian government in 1995 established the sovereign wealth

fund ("Government Pension Fund Global"), which would be funded with oil revenues,

including taxes, dividends, sales revenues and licensing fees.

Oil production has been central to the Norwegian economy since the 1970s, with a dominating

state ownership (Statfjord oil field)

The government controls its petroleum resources through a combination of state ownership in

major operators in the oil fields (with approximately 62% ownership in Statoil in 2007) and the

fully state-owned Petoro, which has a market value of about twice Statoil, and SDFI. Finally, the

government controls licensing of exploration and production of fields. The fund invests in

developed financial markets outside Norway. The budgetary rule ("Handlingsregelen") is to

spend no more than 4% of the fund each year (assumed to be the normal yield from the fund).

In March 2011, the Government Pension Fund controlled assets were valued at approximately

US$570 billion (equal to US$114,000 per capita) which is about 140% of Norway's current

GDP. It is the second-largest state-owned sovereign wealth fund, second only to the Abu DhabiInvestment Authority; Conservative estimates tell that the fund may reach US$800900 billion

by 2017. Projections indicate that the Norwegian pension fund may become the largest capital

fund in the world.[citation needed] The fund controls approximately 1.25% of all listed shares in

Europe and more than 1% of all the publicly traded shares in the world.[citation needed] The

Norwegian Central Bank operates investment offices in London, New York and Shanghai.

Guidelines implemented in 2007 allow the fund to invest up to 60% of the capital in shares
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(maximum of 40% prior), while the rest may be placed in bonds and real-estate. As the stock

markets tumbled in September 2008, the fund was able to buy more shares at low prices. In this

way, the losses incurred by the market turmoil were recuperated by November 2009.

Stockfish has been exported from Lofoten in Norway for at least 1,000 years

Other natural resource-based economies, such as Russia, are trying to learn from Norway by

establishing similar funds. The investment choices of the Norwegian fund are directed by ethical

guidelines; for example, the fund is not allowed to invest in companies that produce parts for

nuclear weapons. The highly transparent investment scheme is lauded by the international

community.

The future size of the fund is of course closely linked to the price of oil and to developments in

international financial markets. The Norwegian trade surplus for 2008 reached approximately

US$80 billion. With an enormous amount of cash invested in international financial markets,

Norway has financial muscles to avert many of the worst effects of the financial crisis that hitmost countries in the fall of 2008. As most western countries struggle with burgeoning foreign

debt, Norway remains a nation of stowed-away wealth, financial stability and economic power to

meet the challenges of the worldwide economic crisis. In spite of the crisis, Norway still runs a

9% state budget surplus, being the only western country to run a surplus in July 2009.

In 2000, the government sold one-third of the state-owned oil company Statoil in an IPO. The

next year, the main telecom supplier, Telenor, was listed on Oslo Stock Exchange. The state also

owns significant shares of Norway's largest bank, DnB NOR and the airline SAS. Since 2000,

economic growth has been rapid, pushing unemployment down to levels not seen since the early

1980s (unemployment in 2007: 1.3%). The international financial crisis has primarily affectedthe industrial sector, but unemployment has remained low and is at 3.3% (86 000 people) in

August 2011. Norway is among the least affected countries of the international economic

downturn. Neighboring Sweden is experiencing substantially higher actual and projected

unemployment numbers as a result of the ongoing recession, and in the 1st quarter of 2009 the

GNP of Norway surpassed Sweden's for the first time in history, despite a population numbering

about half of Sweden's.


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Norway is also the world's second largest exporter of fish (in value, after China) and the 6th

largest arms exporter in the world. Hydroelectric plants generate roughly 9899% of Norway's

electric power, more than any other country in the world.

OIL FIELDS

Since 1966, 5085 oil wells have been drilled (as of 2013)mostly in the North Sea. 3672 are

utviklingsbrnner (regular production). 1413 are letebrnner (drilling and surveillance), and

1405 of these have been terminated (avsluttet).

Oil fields not in production phase

Oil fields that have been discovered, without being put in a production phase include: Wisting

Centralcalculated size in 2013, 65-156 million barrels oil and 10-40 billion cubicft, utvinnbar

gas. And the Castberg Oil Field (Castberg-feltet)calculated size 540 millioner barrels oil, and2-7 billion cubic meters utvinnbar gas. Both oil fields are located in the Barents Sea.

TRANSPORT

Main articles: Transport in Norway, Rail transport in Norway, and List of airports in Norway

Due to the low population density, narrow shape and long coastlines, public transport in Norway

is less developed than in many European countries, especially outside the cities. As such,

Norway has old water transport traditions, but the Norwegian Ministry of Transport andCommunications has in recent yearsimplemented rail, road and air transport through numerous

subsidiaries to develop the country's infrastructure. Most recently there has been discussion of

the possibility of creating a new high-speed rail system between the nation's largest cities.

NSB type 73 at Oslo Central Station, the largest railway station in the country
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Norway's main railway network consists of 4,114 kilometres (2,556 mi) of standard gauge lines,

of which 242 kilometres (150 mi) is double track and 64 kilometres (40 mi) high-speed rail (210

km/h) while 62% is electrified at 15 kV 16 Hz AC. The railways transported 56,827,000

passengers 2,956 million passenger kilometres and 24,783,000 tonnes of cargo 3,414 million

tonne kilometres. The entire network is owned by the Norwegian National Rail Administration,

while all domestic passenger trains except the Airport Express Train are operated by Norges

Statsbaner (NSB). Several companies operate freight trains.

Investment in new infrastructure and maintenance is financed through the state budget, and

subsidies are provided for passenger train operations. NSB operates long-haul trains, including

night trains, regional services and four commuter train systems, around Oslo, Trondheim, Bergen

and Stavanger.

There are approximately 92,946 kilometres (57,754 mi) of road network in Norway, of which

72,033 kilometres (44,759 mi) are paved and 664 kilometres (413 mi) are motorway. There are

four tiers of road routes; national, county, municipal and private, with only the national roadsnumbered en route. The most important national routes are part of the European route scheme,

and the two most prominent are the E6 going north-south through the entire country, while E39

follows the West Coast. National and county roads are managed by the Norwegian Public Roads

Administration.

Of the 97 airports in Norway, 52 are public, and 46 are operated by the state-owned avinor.

Seven airports have more than one million passengers annually. 41,089,675 passengers passed

through Norwegian airports in 2007, of which 13,397,458 were international.

The central gateway by air to Norway is Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, located about 50 kilometres(31 mi) north of Oslo with departures to most European countries and some intercontinental

destinations. It is hub for the two major Norwegian airlines Scandinavian Airlines System and

Norwegian Air Shuttle, and for regional aircraft from Western Norway.

Historical population

Year Pop. %

1500 140,000

1665 440,000 +214.3%

1735 616,109 +40.0%

1801 883,603 +43.4%


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1855 1,490,047 +68.6%

1900 2,240,032 +50.3%

1950 3,278,546 +46.4%

2000 4,478,497 +36.6%

2010 4,858,199 +8.5%

2013 5,063,709 +4.2%

2060? 7,032,687 +38.9%

Source:Statistics Norway.[115][116]

EDUCATION

The main building of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology inTrondheim

Higher education in Norway is offered by a range of seven universities, five specialised colleges,

25 university colleges as well as a range of private colleges. Education follows the Bologna

Process involving Bachelor (3 years), Master (2 years) and PhD (3 years) degrees. Acceptance isoffered after finishing upper secondary school with general study competence.

Public education is virtually free, regardless of nationality, with an academic year with two

semesters, from August to December and from January to June. The ultimate responsibility for

the education lies with the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.

LANGUAGES

Distribution of Norwegian dialect groups: North Norwegian (yellow), Trndelag Norwegian

(navy blue), West Norwegian (orange) and East Norwegian (pale blue).

The North Germanic Norwegian language has two official written forms, Bokml and Nynorsk.

Both of them are recognized as official languages, in that they are both used in public

administration, in schools, churches, and media, and Bokml is the written language used by the

vast majority of about 8085%. Around 95% of the population speaks Norwegian as their native

language, although many speak dialects that may differ significantly from the written language.

All Norwegian dialects are inter-intelligible, although listeners with very limited exposure to
http://www.ssb.no/fob2001/nos_d316/http://www.ssb.no/fob2001/nos_d316/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway#cite_note-116http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway#cite_note-116http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway#cite_note-116http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway#cite_note-116http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway#cite_note-116http://www.ssb.no/fob2001/nos_d316/


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dialects other than their own may struggle to understand certain phrases and pronunciations in

some other dialects. Several Uralic Sami languages are spoken and written throughout the

country, especially in the north, by some members of the Sami people (estimates suggest about

one third of Norwegian Sami speak a Sami language). Speakers have a right to get education in

Sami language no matter where they are living and to receive communication from the

government in various Sami languages. The Kven minority historically spoke the Uralic Kven

language (considered a separate language in Norway, but generally perceived as a Finnish dialect

in Finland), but the majority of Kvens today have little or no knowledge of the language.

According to the Kainun institutti "The typical modern Kven is a Norwegian-speaking

Norwegian who knows his genealogy".[153] There is advocacy for making Norwegian Sign

Language an official Norwegian language.

In the 19th and 20th century, Norwegian language was subject to strong political and cultural

controversy, which led to the creation of Nynorsk in the 19th century and to the formation of

alternative spelling standards in the 20th century, notably the Riksml standard, which is more

conservative (that is, more similar to Danish) than Bokml.

Norwegian is similar to the other languages in Scandinavia, Swedish and Danish. All three

languages are mutually intelligible and can be, and commonly are, employed in communication

between inhabitants of the Scandinavian countries. As a result of the co-operation within the

Nordic Council, inhabitants of all Nordic countries, including Iceland and Finland, have the right

to communicate with the Norwegian authorities in their own language.

Any Norwegian student who is a child of immigrant parents is encouraged to learn the

Norwegian language. The Norwegian government offers language instructional courses for

immigrants wishing to obtain Norwegian citizenship. From 1 September 2008, an applicant forNorwegian citizenship must also give evidence of proficiency in either the Norwegian or Sami

language or give proof of having attended classes in Norwegian for 300 hours, or meet the

language requirements for university studies in Norway (which is met by being proficient in one

of the Scandinavian languages).

The main foreign language taught in Norwegian elementary school is English. The majority of

the population are fluent in English, especially those born after World War II. German, French

and Spanish are also commonly taught as a second or, more often, third language. Russian,

Japanese, Italian,Latin, and rarely Chinese (Mandarin) are available in some schools, mostly in

the cities. Traditionally, English, German and French were considered the main foreignlanguages in Norway. These languages, for instance, had been used on Norwegian passports until

the 1990s, and university students have a general right to use these languages when submitting

their theses.


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CULTURE

Traditional Norwegian farmer's costumes, known as folkedrakt, and modern costumes inspired

by those costumes, known as bunad, are widely used on special occasions.

The Norwegian farm culture continues to play a role in contemporary Norwegian culture. In the18th century, it brought about a strong romantic nationalistic movement, which is still visible in

the Norwegian language and media. In the 19th century, Norwegian culture blossomed as efforts

continued to achieve an independent identity in the areas of literature, art and music. This

continues today in the performing arts and as a result of government support for exhibitions,

cultural projects and artwork.

Norway has been, in many regards, an early adopter of women's rights, minority rights, and

LGBT rights. As early as 1884, 171 of the leading personalities of the day, among them five

Prime Ministers for the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, co-founded the Norwegian

Association for Women's Rights, and they successfully campaigned for women's right toeducation, women's suffrage, the right to work and other gender equality policies. From the

1970s, gender equality also came high on the state agenda with the establishment of a public

body to promote gender equality.

In 1990 Norway was the first country to recognize the ILO-convention 169 on indigenous

people. In regard to LGBT rights, Norway was the first country in the world to enact an anti-

discrimination law protecting the rights of gays and lesbians. In 1993 Norway became the second

country to legalize civil union partnerships for same-sex couples, and on 1 January 2009 Norway

became the sixth country to grant full marriage equality to same-sex couples.

Only in 1990 was the Norwegian constitution altered to grant absolute primogeniture to the

Norwegian throne, meaning that the eldest child, regardless of gender, takes precedence in the

line of succession. This was not done retroactively, meaning that even now the current successor

to the throne is not the eldest child to the King, but the eldest son. The Norwegian constitution

Article 6 states that "For those born before the year 1990 it shall...be the case that a male shall

take precedence over a female."

An ardent promoter of human rights, Norway is home to the annual Oslo Freedom Forum

conference, a gathering described by The Economist as "on its way to becoming a human-rights

equivalent of the Davos economic forum."

Separation of church and state happened significantly later in Norway than in most of Europe

and is not yet complete. It was recently furthered in 2012 when the Norwegian parliament voted

to grant the Church of Norway greater autonomy, a decision which was confirmed in a

constitutional amendment on 21 May 2012. Until 2012 parliamentary officials were required to

be members of the Lutheran Church and at least half of all ministers had to be a member of the

Christian State Church. Nevertheless, the Church of Norway remains the state's church and even


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after the changes all clergy remain state employees and the central and regional church

administrations remain a part of the state administration. The members of the Royal family also

must remain members of the Lutheran church.


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PEST ANALYSIS OF USA

INTRODUCTION

The American Revolution and the war for independence from Britain began with a small fight

between British troops and colonists on April 19,1775. The British troops left Boston,Massachusetts, planning to take weapons and ammunition from revolutionary colonists.

At Lexington, they met armed colonists who were called Minutemen because they could be

ready to fight in a minute. The Minutemen planned to protest silently and not shoot unless the

British shot first .The British ordered the Minutemen to leave. The colonists obeyed, but as they

left, someone fired a shot. The British troops attacked the Minutemen with guns and bayonets.

The Declaration of Independence told the world of a new nation and its beliefs about human

freedom.

It argued that political rights are basic human rights and are universal.

The Second Continental Congress accepted this document on July 4, 1776. The Fourth of July

became Independence Day in the United States

Flag History

On January 1, 1776, the Continental Army was reorganized in accordance with a Congressional

resolution which placed American forces under George Washington's control.

On that New Year's Day the Continental Army was laying siege to Boston which had been taken

over by the British Army. Washington ordered the Grand Union flag hoisted above his base atProspect Hill. It had 13 alternate red and white stripes and the British Union Jack in the upper

left-hand corner (the canton).

Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The

stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union.

The colours of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valour, White

symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice

Political

1. The United States is a federal constitutional republic, in which the President of the United

States is the head of state and head of the government, Congress and judiciary share powers

reserved to the national government, and the federal government shares sovereignty with the

state government.


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2. There are major differences between the political system of the United States and that of most

other developed democracies. These include greater power in the upper house of the legislature,

a wider scope of power held by the Supreme Court ,the separation of powers between the

legislature and the executive, and the dominance of only two main parties. Third parties have

less political influence in the United States than in other developed country democracies

1 .Democratic Party

2. Republican Party

3. Constitution Party

4. Green Party

5. Libertarian Party

6.Independent party

7.Socialist party

Campaign finance

Fundraising plays a large role in getting a candidate elected to public office. Withoutlarge sums money, a candidate has no chance of achieving his goal.


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Democrats depended on donations from organized labour while the Republicans relied onbusiness donations

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$15.04 trillion (2011 est.)

country comparison to the world: 2



GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2011 est.)


3% (2010 est.)

-3.5% (2009 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$48,100 (2011 est.)

country comparison to the world: 11 $47,800 (2010 est.)

$46,800 (2009 est.)

note:data are in 2011 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector :

agriculture: 1.2%

industry: 22.1%

services: 76.7% (2011 est.)

Labour force :


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153.4 million

country comparison to the world: 4 note:includes unemployed (2011 est. Labour force -by occupation:

farming, forestry, and fishing: 0.7% manufacturing, extraction, transportation, and crafts: 20.3%

managerial, professional, and technical: 37.3%

sales and office: 24.2%

other services: 17.6%

Unemployment rate:

9.1% (2011 est.)


9.6% (2010 est.)

current account balance :

-$599.9 billion (2011 est.)


$470.9 billion (2010 est.)

Exports:




Unemployment rate:

9.1% (2011 est.)


9.6% (2010 est.)

current account balance :


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-$599.9 billion (2011 est.)


$470.9 billion (2010 est.)

Exports:




Exports partners:

Canada 19.4%, Mexico 12.8%, China 7.2%, Japan 4.7% (2010)

Imports:


country comparison to the world:1


Imports - partners

China 19.5%, Canada 14.2%, Mexico 11.8%, Japan 6.3%, Germany 4.3% (2010)

Debtexternal :

$14.71 trillion (30 June 2011)


$13.98 trillion (30 June 2010)

MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY

1.REATLING

2.ENERGY

3.AGRICULTURE

4.MANUFACTURING
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2087rank.html?countryName=United%20States&countryCode=us&regionCode=noa&rank=1https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2087rank.html?countryName=United%20States&countryCode=us&regionCode=noa&rank=1https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2079rank.html?countryName=United%20States&countryCode=us&regionCode=noa&rank=2https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2079rank.html?countryName=United%20States&countryCode=us&regionCode=noa&rank=2https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2087rank.html?countryName=United%20States&countryCode=us&regionCode=noa&rank=1


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5.FINANCE

RETAIL SECTOR

The retail industry is the second largest industry in the U.S. (responsible for

approximately 12% of all US employment) with over $3.8 trillion in sales annually ($4.2trillion if food sales are included). Although the vast majority of all retail stores in the

U.S. (approximately 90%) are single-store businesses, however these single-store

businesses account for substantially less than half of all retail sales. Thus the majority of

the revenue in the retail industry is generated by companies that run retail "chains". The

biggest retailer in the world is Wal-Mart which generated over $344 billion in revenue in

its last fiscal year.

FINANCE SECTOR

The New York Stock Exchange is more than three times larger than any other stockexchange in the world. As of October 2008, the combined capitalization of all domestic

NYSE listed companies was US$10.1 trillion.New York City is the financial capital of

the world alongside London. NASDAQ is another American stock exchange and the

world's 3rd largest exchange after the New York Stock

Exchange and Japan's Tokyo Stock Exchange. However NASDAQ's trade value is largerthan Japan's TSE. NASDAQ is the largest electronic screen-based equity

securities trading market in the USA. With approximately 3,800 companies corporations,

it has more trading volume per hour than any other stock exchange

CHALLENGES IN FINANCE SECTOR

It's hard to know just how big the financial sector is because financial companies have

created many trillions dollars worth of various securities and derivatives of securities.

Morgan Stanley Investment Bank for example has $77 trillion in derivatives. Which ismore than five times the official US GDP

And Morgan Stanley is just one investment bank. Other banks also have many trillions of

dollars worth of derivatives.

The financial sector cannot be more than 100% of the US economy. But apparently their


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losses can be many times more than the US GDP. They have created an almost unlimited

amount of debt and financial obligations. Which must be honoured and repaid. Or else

the whole financial sector will go bankrupt.

SOCIAL ANALYSIS

Demographics of the United States Includes

Race/Ethnicity (2011)

White 72.4%

Black/African American 12.6%

Asian 4.8%

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.9%

Pacific Islander 0.2%

Other 6.2%

Two or more races2.9%

Hispanic/Latino (of any race) 16.3%

80% of the population aged five years and older spoke only English at home.

Spanish, spoken by 12% of the population at home, is the second most common languageand the most widely taught second language

RELIGION

1.CHRISTIAN-78.2%

2.MUSLIM-0.6%

3.HINDU-0.4%

4.BUDDHISM-0.7%

5.JUDASIM-2%

6.NO RELIGION-16.2%

TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS

AGRICULTURE


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R &D

BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS

TEXTILE

NUCLEAR WEAPONS

IFRASTRUCTURE

SPACE & RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY


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PESTEL ANALYSIS OF GERMANY

INTRODUCTION

Its very important that an organization considers its environment before beginning its

production, financial or marketing process. In fact, PESTAL analysis could be and needs to be

continuous function and feed all aspects of planning. The environment is made up from:Theinternal environment e.g. staff (or internal customers), office technology, wages and finance,

etc.The micro-environment e.g. our external customers, agents and distributors, suppliers, our

competitors, etc. The macro-environment e.g. Political (and legal) forces, Economic forces,Socio cultural forces, and Technological forces. These are known as PESTEL factors.

Germany, officially is the Federal Republic of Germany. The country consists of 16 states whilethe capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 sq km and has a largely

seasonal climate. With 81.8 million inhabitants, it is the most populous member state and thelargest economy in the European Union. It is one of the major political powers of the Europeancontinent and a technological leader in many fields. Germany was a founding member of theEuropean Community in 1957, which became the EU in 1993. It is part of the Schengen Areaand since 1999 a member of the euro zone. Germany is a member of the United Nations, NATO,the G8, the G20, the OECD and the Council of Europe, and took a non-permanent seat on theUN Security Council for the 20112012 term. It has the worlds fourth largest economy bynominal GDP and the fifth largest by purchasing power parity. It is the second largest exporterand third largest importer of goods. The country has developed a very high standard of living anda comprehensive system of social security. Germany has been the home of many influentialscientists and inventors, and is known for its cultural and political history.

POLITICAL FACTORS

Germany is a democratic republic. The German political system operates under a framework laidout in the 1949 constitutional document known as the Grundgesetz. Since 1949, the party systemhas been dominated by the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party of

Germany with all chancellors hitherto being member of either party The Government ofGermany consists of three significant wings, the legislature, the executive and the judiciaryrepresented by the Federal Parliament, the Federal Government and the Federal Constitutional

Court, respectively.The President is the formal executive head of the State elected for a term of

five years. He appoints the Federal Chancellor (Prime Minister) and his Cabinet. The Chancelloris the real head of the Government elected by a majority vote of the Bundestag. He is responsiblefor the implementation of the government policy. He can be removed from office only by anabsolute majority of the Bundestag coupled with an assured majority for the election of another


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candidate to the post.

The Constitution of The Federal Republic of Germany is derived from the Basic Law which

came into effect on May 23, 1949 after the consent of the USA, the UK and France to establishthe Federal Republic . It lays down the fundamental structure of the government and the valuesystem it should follow. It clearly defines the principles according to which the government isexpected to function. Apart from other important details, it describes the process and pattern ofelection to the supreme legislative organ, the Bundestag. It is the source of authority and thebasic guiding philosophy to all those who take upon the reigns of government. It is also a stampof justification of the freedom and rights of the German citizens.

ECONOMIC FACTORS

Germany is relatively poor in raw materials. Only lignite and potash salt are available ineconomically significant quantities. Power plants burning lignite are one of the main sources ofelectricity in Germany. Oil, natural gas and other resources are, for the most part, imported fromother countries. Germany imports about two thirds of its energy. The service sector contributesaround 70% of the total GDP, industry 29.1%, and agriculture 0.9%. Most of the countrysproducts are in engineering, especially in automobiles, machinery, metals, and chemical goods.Germany is the leading producer of wind turbines and solar power technology in the world. The


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largest annual international trade fairs and congresses are held in several German cities such asHanover, Frankfurt, and Berlin.

Of the worlds 500 largest stock market listed companies measured by revenue, the Fortune

Global 500, 37 are headquartered in Germany. In 2010 the ten largest were Volkswagen, Allianz,E.ON, Daimler, Siemens, Metro, Deutsche Telekom, Munich Re, BASF, and BMW. Other largeGerman companies include: Robert Bosch, ThyssenKrupp, and MAN (diversified industrials);Bayer and Merck (pharmaceuticals); Adidas and Puma (clothing and footwear); Commerz bankand Deutsche Bank (banking and finance); Aldi, Lidl and Edeka (retail); SAP (computersoftware); Infineon (semiconductors); Henkel (household and personal consumer products);Deutsche Post (logistics); and Hugo Boss (luxury goods). Well known global brands areMercedes Benz, BMW, Adidas, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, DHL, T-Mobile, Lufthansa, SAP,and Nivea. Between 1991 and 2010, 40 mergers & 301 acquisitions with an involvement ofGerman firms with a total known value of 2,422 bil. EUR have been announced. The largesttransactions since 1991 are: the acquisition of Mannesmann by Vodafone for 204.8 bil. EUR in

1999, the merger of Daimler-Benz with Chrysler to form DaimlerChrysler in 1998 valued at 36.3bil. EUR, Deutsche Telekom acquired Voice Stream Wireless Corp for 30.8 bil. EUR in 2000,the sale of T- Mobile USA Inc by Deutsche Telekom to AT&T Inc for 27.6 bil. EUR in 2011.

SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS

Germany has about 82 million inhabitants. It is by far the largest country in the EU in terms ofpopulation. Germany is a modern, cosmopolitan country. Its society is shaped by a plurality oflife styles and truly different ethno- cultural diversity. Forms of coexistence have become morevaried. Traditional gender roles have been dispensed with. Despite the social changes, the familyremains the most important social reference unit and young people have very close bonds withtheir parents


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Architecture: The varied styles, the precursors of Romanesque contributed to thearchitecturalstyles of Germany. The diverse architectural styles of the country is aresult of fragmentation ofthe country during centuries. Abbey Church of St. Michaels, Speyer Cathedral and the Cologne


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Cathedral are the major architectural sites that are the prototype of German architecture.

Music: One of the leading music markets in the world, Germany is home to some of the mostwell-known classical music composers, including Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian

Bach, Johannes Brahms, and Richard Wagner.Literature: German literature is world-famous and dates back to the Middle Ages. JohannWolfgang von Goetheand Friedrich Schiller, Thomas Mann, Bertolt Brecht, and Hermann Hesseare some of the most renowned German authors. Germany hosts the Frankfurt Book Fairannually; it is the biggest book fair in theworld.Sports: Germany has been represented in various international sporting events includingFormula One, FIFA World Cup, Summer Olympics, ice hockey, and tennis tournaments. One ofthe leading motor sports countries in the world, Germany is known for the manufacture of motorbrands such as BMW and Mercedes.German Art: Germany has produced some of the best pieces of art work and has a long traditionin visual arts. Hans Holbein the Younger, and Matthias Grunewald were the major Renaissance

artists. Print making, wooden gravings and Gothic art of the sixteenth century are some of themajor German innovations.


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TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS

Germany supports national science and technology at many levels. There are independentlaboratories, comprised of both the national laboratories and private research. In addition,German industry supports many important types of research and development, and the German

states, provide still more resources for scientific research. The Ministry for Science andTechnology, an organization coordinates and sets priorities for the entire national science andtechnology program for Germany. Finally, Germanys participation in the European Union alsohas a significant science and technology componentGermany provides funding, scientists, andlaboratories for broad European research and development. Germany has numerous universitiesand colleges offering courses in basic and applied sciences. The Natural History Museum inBerlin has geological,, mineralogical, zoological, and botanical components. The country hasnumerous specialized learned societies concerned with agriculture and veterinary science,medicine, the natural sciences, and technology.

Germanys greatest strength is its automobile industry. In the years to come, many emerging

technologies, from optical communication links to nanotech mate-rials, will find their way intocars. Technological innovation will be critical to creating the opportunities that will lead Germancarmakers and their suppliers out of their current trouble. In particular, German carmakers arebetting on computer-based assistance systems that could make driving safer and morecomfortable. Example: BMW is working on wireless networks for cars that will automatically setup connections among vehicles in order to exchange critical sensor information; a car that detectsa slippery stretch of pavement, for instance, could relay that information to other cars on thesame road. The goal is to create networks of intercommunicating cars that could someday form asort of automotive Internet. Researchers at the University of Stuttgart, in collaboration with otherGerman carmakers, are also designing and testing systems to assist drivers at intersections. Suchsystems might combine information from traffic lights or signs with onboard-sensor data aboutother vehicles and their speed or distance in order to get the drivers safely across.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Changes in the atmosphere and climate system are among the greatest environmental andpolitical challenges of the21st century. Climate change, which has largely been caused by humanactivity, is the global challenge. In the international arena, Germany is a forerunner in climateand energy policies and seeks to achieve ambitious mission-reduction goals. With the 2011decision to optout of nuclear energy and to decommission the last nuclear power station by 2022at the latest, Germany is sending out a signal that has been respected throughout the world.As a well-developed industrialized nation with a high population density, Germany finds itselfparticularly dependent on natural resources. Understanding these resources are limited and theimpact the continual drain extracting those resources has on the environment, Germanycontinues to take steps to ensure that not only are those resources available for meeting theireveryday needs, but that the countrys needs are met without leaving any long-term negativeimpact on the environment. Today, Germany has reached a high level of environmentalprotection. According to an Environmental Performance Review Programme of Germanyperformed a few years ago, Germany held a top position in environmental protection worldwide.


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PEST ANALYSIS OF AUSTRALIA

POLITICAL ANAYSIS OF AUSTRALIA

Australias liberal democracy is built around a constitutional monarchy and the British

Westminster system, but with the American federal structure grafted onto it.

Australia is a federal system, one in which the Constitution divides power between the national,

or federal, government and the States. As a result, the political and financial relationship

between the States and the Federal Government is an ongoing concern.

POLITICAL PARTIES

A political party is generally recognised as an organisation of like-minded people which aims to

develop policies and endorse candidates to contest elections with a view to forming

government.

Australias party system is dominated by two major groups,the Australian Labor Party and the

coalition parties, the Libera Party of australia and The Nationals.

Since 1922, Australian Federal Governments have been formed either by Labor or the Coalition.

ECONOMICAL ANAYSIS OF AUSTRALIA

AGRICULTURAL ASPECT:

Australian agricultural production helps provide food and clothing for a nation of over 20 million

people. In addition, Australia exports around 65% of its agricultural production. Australian agriculture

contributes around 3% to GDP and accounts for about 65% of water use and almost 60% of Australias

land area.

Industry structure and performance

Australias GDP in 200506 reached $922 billion, an increase of 2.8% on the previous year. The

GDP per person was more than $44,000.

A total of 10 million Australians are employed in industry. The greatest number worked in the

retail industry (1.5 million), followed by property and business services (1.2 million) and

manufacturing (1.1 million). Mining activity accounts for around 8% of Australia's gross domestic

product and has contributed over $500b directly to Australia's wealth during the past 20 years.

There are around 320,000 Australians employed in the industry, either directly or indirectly in

support industries.


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ECONOMICAL ANALYSIS OF AUSTRALIA

Tourism

International visitors consumed $21 billion in goods and services produced by the Australian

economy in 200506. This represents 11% of Australias exports of goods and services.

The top destinations for Australians travelling overseas for short periods during 2006 were New

Zealand, the United States of America, the UK, Thailand and China. Between 2005 and 2006,

short-term departures to Thailand increased 42%, while departures for Indonesia fell by 39%.

National accounts

Australias net worth continues to grow strongly, up 9.2% to more than $5,330 billion at 30 June

2006.

International accounts and trade

Import wasmore goods than we export in 200607, producing a $12.6 billion deficit. However,

the value of exports grew faster than that of imports, so the deficit was lower than in the

previous year ($15 billion). (Page 718)

Imports of cars increased by 10% or $1.2 billion in 200607, and goods vehicles by 21% ($900million).

SOCIAL ANALYSIS OF AUSTRALIA

Location:Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean

Capital:Canberra

Climate:generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north

Population:19,913,144

Religions:Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%, non-Christian 11%, other

12.6%

Languages in Australia:English is the primary language used in Australia.

Social analysis of Australia


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A Multi-Cultural Society:

The initial population of Australia was made up of Aborigines and people of British and Irish descent.

After World War II there was heavy migration from Europe, especially from Greece, Italy, Germany, the

Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Lebanon, and Turkey. This was in response to the Australian policy of

proactively trying to attract immigrants to boost the population and work force.In the last thirty years, Australia has liberalised its immigration policy and opened its borders to South

East Asia. This has caused a real shift in self-perception as Aussies begin to re-define themselves as a

multi-cultural and multi-faith society rather then the old homogenous,

TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF AUSTRALIA

Information and communication technology

Household access to the Internet has grown from 1.1 million households in 1998 to 4.7 million in 2005

06.

There were 6.7 million active Internet subscribers in Australia in September 2006, with more than 1.1

million using connections with speeds of 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps) or greater.

Research and innovation

Expenditure on research and development (R&D) in Australia reached more than $15.7 billion in 2004

05, up more than 19% on the figure two years previously.

Australian business accounted for the highest expenditure on R&D (54%), followed by higher education(27%).


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PEST ANALYSIS OF CANADA

CANADA SUBCONTINENT:

POLITICAL:

In Canada, there are 3 levels of government. Each level of government has different

responsibilities.

Federal government (the Government of Canada) - Responsible for things that affect the

whole country, such as citizenship and immigration, national defence and trade with other

countries.

Provincial and territorial governments (for example, the Province of Ontario) -

Responsible for such things as education, health care and highways.

Municipal (local) governments (cities, towns, and villages in Ontario) - Responsible for

firefighting, city streets and other local matters. If there is no local government, the province

provides services.

Federal Government

At the federal level, there are 3 parts of government:

Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, is Canada's formal head of state. The Governor General

represents the Queen in Canada and carries out the duties of head of state.

The House of Commons makes Canada's laws. Canadians elect representatives to the

House of Commons. These representatives are called Members of Parliament (MPs) and usually

belong to a political party. The political party that has the largest number of MPs forms the

government, and its leader becomes prime minister.

The prime minister is the head of government in Canada. The Prime Minister chooses

MPs to serve as ministers in the cabinet. There are ministers for citizenship and immigration,

justice and other subjects. The cabinet makes important decisions about government policy.

The Senate reviews laws that are proposed by the House of Commons. Senators comefrom across Canada. The prime minister chooses the senators.

You can read the Guide to the Canadian House of Commons for more information.

Provincial Government

At the provincial level:


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The Lieutenant Governor represents the Queen.

The Legislative Assembly makes law. In Ontario, elected representatives are called

Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs).

The political party that has the largest number of MPPs forms the government, and its leaderbecomes premier. The premier is the head of government in Ontario.

The premier leads the government and chooses MPPs to serve as ministers in the cabinet. The

cabinet sets government policy and introduces laws for the Legislative Assembly to consider.

Visit Civics 101 for more information about how the provincial government works. Watch

videos and interviews with politicians, ask an MPP your questions, use a budget simulator and

more.

Municipal (Local) Government

At the municipal level:

The Province of Ontario defines the structure, finances, and management of the local

governments of cities, towns and villages.

Residents of the municipality elect the mayor and council members to lead the local

government. Committees of councillors discuss budget, service and administrative issues that are

then passed on to the council for debate. Citizens, business owners and community groups can

present their concerns to councillors at committee meetings.

Municipalities may also be part of a larger county or regional government (for example,York Region).

For More Information

Service Ontario Centres - Provides a wide range of general government information and

application forms about all provincial ministries at one location. The website contains an

alphabetical contact list of all Service Ontario Centres in the province.

Statutes and Regulations of Ontario - This site provides a basic level of public access to

Ontario legislation.

Municipalities of Ontario - A list of links to official Web sites of Ontario municipalities.

Service CanadaProvides a wide range of Government of Canada programs and services

through their service locations, by telephone and online.

ECONOMY:


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The foundations of economic freedom in Canada remain strong and well-supported by solidprotection of property rights and an independent judiciary that enforces anti-corruption measureseffectively. While many large advanced economies have been struggling with the heavy burdenof government and fiscal constraints that result from years of unrestrained public spending,Canadas public finance management has been comparatively prudent, with efforts to downsize

government made on a continuing basis.

Canadas economy has been resilient, benefiting from a strong commitment to open-marketpolicies that facilitate global trade and investment flows. Efficient regulations are applied evenlyin most cases, encouraging dynamic entrepreneurial activity in the private sector. Steadyreduction of the standard corporate tax rate has also contributed to global competitiveness.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper won a second term in the 2011 parliamentary elections, and his

Conservative Party secured a solid majority. The opposition New Democratic Party also picked

up seats, particularly in the province of Quebec. Canadas federal democratic system provides

substantial autonomy to its 13 provinces and territories. Tensions between Anglo and French

Canadians have softened in recent years, but cultural protectionism in international and domestictrade is an ongoing threat. Canada is a party to the North American Free Trade Agreement and

Documents

Norway1 FINAL.docx