orwegian and there are small Lapp and Finnish-speaking minorities. Literacy rates are defined in the population of age 15 and over that can read and write. The total population is 99% literate (www.ssb.no.)
             Norway is one of the richest countries in the world calculated by GNP per capita or purchasing parity which is $24,700 (www.odci.gov.) Norway thrives on welfare capitalism. The economy consists of a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the petroleum sector (through large-scale state enterprises), and extensively subsidizes agriculture, fishing, and areas with sparse resources. Norway maintains an extensive welfare system that helps increase public sector expenditures to more than 50% of GDP and results in one of the highest average tax levels in the world. The unemployment rate in the year-end of 1997 was 2.6%. The inflation rate was low at 2.3% is 1998 (www.ssb.no.)
             Norway is a major shipping nation, with a high dependence on international trade and exporter of raw materials and semi-processed goods. The country is richly endowed with natural resources and is highly dependent on its oil production and international oil prices. Only Saudi Arabia exports more oil than Norway. Oslo opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994. Economic growth in 1999 should drop to about 1%. Despite their high per capita income and generous welfare benefits, Norwegians worry about that time in the 21st century when the oil and gas run out (www.odin.dep.no.)
             Norway is a constitutional monarchy which means that the constitution decrees that the country shall be ruled by a monarch. The king and his family have no real political power but are an important symbol and mean a great deal to the people. Harald V came to the throne after the death of his father Olav V in 1991. King Harald is married to Queen Sonja and they have two children, Crown Prince ...