Norway is a constitution monarchy with a parliamentary system of government.  The monarchy holds a strong position in Norway, and the present Monarchy, King Harald V, enjoys great popularity. Before Harald got the power Olav V, ruled the country but at his death, Harald V got the power in 1991.  The 165-member Parliament is elected under a system of proportional representation by universal adult suffrage for a four year term.  The first woman Prime Minister was elected in 1981, from then on there where many women positions in the parliament.  Mr. Kjell Magne Bondevik is the Norwegian Prime Minister and represents also " The Christian People's Party " (CPP).  The other main political parties include Labor Party, The Conservation Party, The Progress Party, The Socialist Left Party, The Centre Party, The Red Electoral Party, and The Liberty Party.

     Norway per capita income ranks among the worlds highest.  North Sea oil and gas fields are one of the cornerstones of the Norwegian economy.  Other major industries upon which Norway relies are fishery, pulp, paper, forestry, mining, manufacturing, and shipping.  Traditionally, however, the country is a fishing nation, with 90 percent of it's catch exported.  Whaling, a subject of controversy, has resumed despite an international ban.  Fish farming is a growth sector, with government assistance, and Norway is now the world's leading producer of salmon.