Norway, independent from Sweden, has developed a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

For over 400 years, Norway was part of the Kalmar union with Denmark and Sweden. Following the Napoleonic Wars, Norway entered into a personal union with Sweden. This arrangement, lasting almost 100 years, allowed Sweden to maintain authority over the territory, while Norway kept its new constitution and independent institutions.

Political System

The Kingdom of Norway is considered a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Oslo. The country originally obtained its independence from Sweden on June 7, 1905 when Norway dissolved their personal union. Sweden agreed to repeal the union on October 26, 1905. The national holiday is Constitution Day, celebrated on May 17.

Norway’s current constitution was originally adopted on May 17, 1814, and has been amended many times. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Kingdom of Norway consists of 19 counties (fylker):

• Akershus
• Aust-Agder
• Buskerud
• Finnmark
• Hedmark
• Hordaland
• More og Romsdal
• Nordland
• Nord-Trondelag
• Oppland
• Oslo
• Ostfold
• Rogaland
• Sogn og Fjordane
• Sor-Trondelag
• Telemark
• Troms
• Vest-Agder
• Vestfold

Executive Branch

King Harald V is Norway’s chief of state, assuming the position on January 17, 1991. The king’s heir apparent is his son, Crown Prince Haakon Magnus, born on July 20, 1973.

The head of government is the Prime Minister. This person is typically the leader of the majority party or coalition, appointed by the monarch with the approval of Parliament. Jens Stoltenberg, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on October 17, 2005.

The State Council is the governmental cabinet. All cabinet ministers are appointed by the monarch with Parliamentary approval. The current ministers are:

• Agriculture and Food - Terje Riis-Johansen
• Children and Equality - Manuela Ramin-Osmundsen
• Culture and Church Affairs - Trond Giske
• Defense - Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen
• Education - Bard Vegar Solhjell
• Environment - Erik Solheim
• Environment and Development Cooperation - Erik Solheim
• Finance - Kristin Halvorsen
• Fisheries and Coastal Affairs - Helga Pedersen
• Foreign Affairs - Jonas Gahr Store
• Government Administration and Reform - Heidi Grande Roys
• Health and Care Services - Sylvia Brustad
• Justice and the Police - Knut Storberget
• Labor and Social Inclusion - Bjarne Hakon Hanssen
• Local Government and Regional Development - Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa
• Petroleum and Energy - Aslaug Haga
• Research and Higher Education - Tora Aasland
• Trade and Industry - Dag Terje Andersen
• Transport and Communications - Liv Signe Navarsete

Legislative Branch

The Norwegian Parliament (Storting) is a unicameral body consisting of 169 officials. Members are elected by popular vote via proportional representation to four year terms. In 2009, the number of seats will be decreased to 165.

The current structure of Parliament, by political party is (number of seats):

• Labor Party - 61
• Progress Party - 38
• Conservative Party - 23
• Socialist Left Party - 15
• Christian People's Party - 11
• Center Party - 11
• Liberal Party - 10

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court (Hoyesterett). Justices are appointed by the monarch.

Legal System

The Norwegian legal system is a mixture of civil law, customary law, and common law traditions. The country has accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction with reservations.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

Government.no - Information from the Government and the Ministries Official Website.