Norway is a parliamentary democracy, and Oslo is the seat of regjeringen (the Norwegian Government) and Stortinget (the Norwegian Parliament).
The Royal Palace is found at the end of the main street, Karl Johans gate. Oslo has been the capital of Norway since 1814, when Norway gained its independence from Denmark.
Many of Norway’s principal educational institutions, research facilities and businesses are based in Oslo, which is also the home of important cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, the Norwegian Opera and Ballet and the National Theatre.
Over half of the municipality of Oslo is covered by forests and parks, making Oslo a truly green city, where opportunities for outdoor recreation are always nearby.
Oslo’s climate is milder than its latitude might indicate. Summer temperatures often equal those of cities much further south, yet the winters are usually cold enough to make Oslo a great skiing destination.
The prestigious Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually on 10 December in Oslo City Hall.
Oslo hosted the 1952 Winter Olympics and the 1930, 1966 and 1982 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. In 2011 the best skiers in the world will again meet in at Holmenkollen, for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.