Norway is a privileged nation that lives in peace. However, Norway’s older generations know well enough what war means and one thousand years ago the Vikings plundered and occupied large parts of Europe.
It is Norway’s situation as one of the world’s richest countries, wrapped in security and safety, which makes the peace work possible.
In the last 50 years, over 50,000 Norwegian soldiers have been part of peacekeeping forces. Norwegian politicians have been among those trying to bring peace to the Middle East and Sri Lanka. Norway is also the country which gives the highest proportion of its gross national product in aid. The amount is still small in relation to what some bigger countries donate. Norway is a small country, but Norwegians are proud to be able to help.
In October each year the eyes of the world turn to Norway. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. This gives Norway a unique opportunity to put peace on the international agenda.
At the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo you can find out about all the prize winners and the father of the Peace Prize, Alfred Nobel. You can visit changing exhibitions and modern, technological installations about war, peace and resolving conflict.