A Century of Norwegian Independence

During the 20th century, following its independence from Sweden, Norway changed from a poor, agricultural county to a model democracy possessing a vibrant economy with an engaged if somewhat reluctant international presence.

AS THE 20TH CENTURY DAWNED FOR NORWAY, the population barely topped two million inhabitants. Life expectancy was at an all-time high at 48.7 years for men and 51.2 years for women. The lone university, the Royal Fredrik University in Kristiania (Oslo), had a faculty of 81, educating 1,400 students. Agriculture dominated the economy, yielding three times the amount of income brought in by shipping, fishing and timber. More than 800,000 Norwegians earned their living, directly or indirectly, from the country's agriculture, twice the number engaged in Norway's nascent industries. …