🇳🇴Norway Political Stability: 87/100
Norway scores 87 out of 100 on the Political Stability Index, rated "Very Stable" based on World Bank 2023 Worldwide Governance Indicators across six governance dimensions.
Composite score is the unweighted average of six governance dimensions, each measured on a 0-100 percentile scale.
Norway is located in Northern Europe, occupying the western and northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It features a rugged coastline with numerous fjords and islands, and is bordered by Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The country has a diverse terrain dominated by mountains and high-altitude plateaus, with significant natural features shaped by glaciers. Norway experiences four distinct seasons, with milder coastal climates and colder inland areas, and is known for its dramatic landscapes and natural phenomena like the midnight sun and northern lights.
Norway has a population of approximately 5.4 million people, with a high standard of living and a strong emphasis on social welfare. The country is known for its progressive policies and high levels of gender equality. The official language is Norwegian, and the population is predominantly Christian, with a significant portion identifying as Lutheran.
Governance Indicators
Governance Profile: Norway
World Bank governance: rule of law 92nd percentile, corruption control 96th percentile, political stability 62nd percentile.
Norway's strongest governance dimension is Voice & Accountability at 96/100, placing it in the top quartile globally. This indicates relatively strong citizen participation in selecting government, along with freedom of expression, association, and a free media.
The weakest dimension is Political Stability at 62/100. Political instability concerns may affect the overall security environment and long-term predictability.
A notable 34-point gap between Voice & Accountability and Political Stability reveals uneven governance. Some institutions function well while others lag significantly. Travelers should be aware that the quality of government services and protections may vary depending on the context.
For travelers, Norway's strong governance indicators translate to reliable public services, transparent regulations, and effective rule of law. Visitors can expect well-maintained infrastructure, responsive emergency services, and clear legal protections.
The U.S. State Department currently rates Norway as Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). This aligns with a governance profile that, while not without challenges, provides a baseline of institutional functioning.
EU Governance Comparison
Top governance performers in EU based on the corruption composite ranking (weighted: 60% corruption control, 25% rule of law, 15% government effectiveness).
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| 🇩🇰Denmark | 96.6 |
| 🇫🇮Finland | 95.2 |
| 🇳🇴Norway | 93.9 |
| 🇨🇭Switzerland | 93.8 |
| 🇱🇺Luxembourg | 92.9 |
Common Questions About Norway's Political Stability
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More Norway Data
Safety ratings, regional breakdown, and entry requirements.
Free — 98/100 on the Freedom House index.
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