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Development cooperation

The Government takes an integrated approach to Norway’s foreign and development policy. Our development policy is designed to promote economic development, democratisation, implementation of human rights, good governance and measures that can lift

Human rights

The promotion of human rights and democratic principles is at the heart of Norwegian foreign policy. This policy is implemented both in international forums such as the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe, and at country level.

Oil and Gas

The petroleum industry is Norway's largest industry.

EU and energy

The EEA Agreement makes Norway an integral part of the EU's internal energy market. In addition, we cooperate with the EU on a wide range of topics.

Child Welfare

The primary duty of the child welfare services is to ensure that children and young people living under conditions that may harm their health and development will receive the necessary assistance when they need it, and to contribute to giving

The voluntary sector

Voluntary organizations contribute to competence, learning and inclusion and give people of all ages the opportunity to meet, get involved and be a part of a community. The government wants to ensure voluntary work good funding, great freedom and a

International operations

Participation in international operations is an important and integral part of Norway’s security and defence policy, and a steadily increasing number of armed forces personnel will in future have served overseas. Since 1947 around 100,000 Norwegian

Security policy

The primary objective of Norwegian security policy is to safeguard Norway’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political freedom of action. A broad set of political, military, diplomatic, economic and international legal instruments is used to

Film and media

The government aims to strengthen the Norwegian media and facilitate that all groups in society have a good media offer. Media is essential for freedom of expression and democracy. The need for credible, editor-controlled media of high quality is

The Maritime Industry

Lotteries and gaming

The Ministry of Culture and Equality has the overarching responsibility for the administration of gaming and lotteries in Norway. The Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority is the specialist administrative and supervisory body. The major gaming

Forestry

Forest industry is important to Norway. Active and profitable forestry and a competitive forest industry is of importance to settlement, employment and business development in large parts of the country. The potential for increased value creation is

Animals

All animals should have good animal welfare and be treated well. This applies to both food-producing animals and pets, including animals kept for leisure, hobbies, sports and service, as well as to wild animals. Fit and healthy animals are a

Biodiversity

Norway aims to manage the environment in a way that maintains the diversity of habitats and landscape types, and ensures viable populations of naturally occurring species, so that biological diversity can continue to evolve.

Public transport

The responsibility for local public transport services is split between the state, county councils and the municipal authorities. The state bears the overall responsibility for transport policy, stipulates framework conditions, finances key

The railways

The railways shall provide an environmentally friendly and attractive transport solution for both passengers and goods. Safety and fully operational services in rail traffic has high priority.

Electronic communication

There must be access to good and affordable teleservices nationwide. Efficient and sustainable competition in the electronic communications markets shall contribute to achieving this.

The Sami people

The state shall take steps to ensure that the Sami people can further develop and strengthen their own culture, their own language and their own business and industry and community life.

Political Parties

Registered political parties at national, county and municipal level, including the affiliated youth organisations at national and county level, may apply to the Ministry or to the County Governor for state grants. Grants are divided into vote

Direct and indirect taxes

Direct and indirect taxes are the main sources of revenue for central, local and regional government.