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Main article: History of Norway
The Viking period ( 9th to 11th centuries) was one of national unification and expansion. The Norwegian royal line died out in 1387, and the country entered a period of union with Denmark, since 1450 bound by treaty. This marked the start of what in light of national romanticism in the 19th century by some was called the "400-year night" — the weaker part in a union with Denmark. After Denmark-Norway sided with Napoleon in the Napoleonic Wars, Norway was ceded to the king of Sweden in 1814. Norway declared its independence, adopted its own constitution and elected the Danish prince Christian Fredrik as its king on 17 May 1814. After disputes which almost erupted into a small-scale war with Sweden, Norway was forced by means of negotiation into a personal union, but kept its constitution and independent institutions, except for the foreign service. Despite this last point, Norway still retained its vast trade fleet under own flag during the union.
Growing Norwegian cultural unrest during the 19th century spawned the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905. The Norwegian government offered the throne of Norway to Danish Prince Carl. After a plebiscite confirming the monarchy, the Parliament unanimously elected him king. He took the name of Haakon VII, after the medieval kings of independent Norway.
Norway was a nonbelligerent during World War I, a neutrality it was able to maintain mainly due to the modern state and size of its naval fleet. Norway also attempted a claim for neutrality during World War II, but was invaded by German forces in 1940 ( Operation Weserübung) - however, it is interesting to note that documents uncovered in later time has revealed plans made by the Allies to invade Norway, in order to control its strategically important Atlantic coast. Armed resistance in Norway went on for up to two months in some regions, but the king and government continued the fight from exile in Britain. Leader of the (at the time) rather popular nazi party Nasjonal Samling - Vidkun Quisling seized power, and was approved by the German occupants shortly after. Despite this, the real power was wielded by the leader of the German authority in the country, Josef Terboven. Parts of Northern Norway were captured by the Red Army in 1944, but peacefully returned to Norwegian control after the war. The Germans in Norway surrendered 8 May 1945. The occupation during World War II made Norwegians generally more skeptical of the concept of neutrality. They turned instead to collective security. Norway was one of the signers of the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949 and was a founding member of the United Nations, holding its first secretary general. Norway has twice voted against joining the European Union (in 1972 and 1994), but is associated with it via the European Economic Area. Also, the EU-debate still rages on to this day with roughly 50% support on either side.
Main article: Politics of Norway
Norway is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The Royal House is a branch of the princely family of Glücksburg, originally from Schleswig-Holstein in Germany. [2] The functions of the King are mainly ceremonial, but he has influence as the symbol of national unity. Although the constitution of 1814 grants important executive powers to the king, these are almost always exercised by the Council of State in the name of the King (King's Council). The Council of State or cabinet consists of a Prime Minister and his council, appointed by the King. Since 1884, parliamentarism has ensured that the cabinet must have the support of the parliament, so the appointment by the King is a formality.
The 165 members of the unicameral Norwegian parliament, the Storting (Norwegian: Stortinget), are elected from the 19 counties for 4-year terms according to a system of proportional representation. After elections, the Storting divides into two chambers, the Odelsting and the Lagting, which meet separately or jointly depending on the legislative issue under consideration.
The regular courts include the Supreme Court or Høyesterett (17 permanent judges and a president), courts of appeal, district courts and conciliation councils. Judges attached to regular courts are appointed by the King in council after nomination by the Ministry of Justice. The special High Court of the Realm hears impeachment cases.
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