Equality & Social Model
Norway is regularly counted among the most equal countries in the world. Some notable facts:
- Norway introduced women's suffrage in 1913 as one of the first countries in Europe
- The parental leave is 49 weeks at full pay (or 59 weeks at 80%), with 15 weeks reserved for the father — "Pappapermisjon"
- Since 2003, boards of publicly traded companies must have at least 40% women
- Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009
The Norwegian social model is based on trust, equality, and a strong welfare state: free education (including university), universal healthcare, generous social benefits. Income differences are small — the CEO in Norway typically earns 10 times the average employee's salary (in the USA, it's 350 times).
Janteloven (The Law of Jante)
A cultural concept that strongly influences Norwegian behavior: "You shall not believe you are anything special." Boasting, showing off, and flaunting wealth are considered deeply inappropriate. Norwegians are modest, reserved, and egalitarian — even millionaires drive Volkswagens and stand in line. This can appear as coldness or aloofness to outsiders, but it is an expression of a deeply rooted culture of equality.
