Background:
Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the
adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversion
of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In
1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that was to last
for more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the
cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution.
Sweden then invaded 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 1905
referendum granting Norway independence. Norway remained neutral in
World War I and proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War
II. Nevertheless, it was not able to avoid a five-year occupation by
Nazi Germany (1940-1945). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and
Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent
waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The
current focus is on containing spending on the extensive welfare
system and planning for the time when petroleum reserves are
depleted. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected
joining the EU.