Best of Norway

For many years Norway was invaded by Denmark and Sweden and did not attain independence until 1905. Having struggled through years of occupation is probably the reason behind Norwegian’s sense of community and efforts to function as one. Their political views and economic system differ from the individualist values possessed by other developed countries. Everybody has a right to access free education and health care services. The profits from oil resources are equally distributed amount all citizens. Taxes and minimum wages are high but fairly retrieved by their standard of living. 80% of the people are owners of their homes and only 20% are renting. The country wisely manages their profits, allowing the use of only 4% of it annually to guarantee the retirement funds of its citizens. Norway has the largest pension fund in the world. Journalists exercise their freedom of speech and play an important role in bringing issues to light and public knowledge. The progressive politics of this nation are the closest we have found to a real socialist society along our journey.