Capital of Norway: Oslo
The capital of Norway is Oslo. Norway sits in Europe, has a population of 5,474,360, and uses the NOK. Official languages include Norwegian.
Quick facts
- Capital: Oslo
- Continent: Europe
- Population: ~5,474,360
- Area: 385,207 km²
- Population density: 14.2 people per km²
- Official language: Norwegian
- Currency: NOK
- ISO code: NO
How big is Norway?
By population, Norway ranks 119th in the world, holding roughly 0.07% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 61st.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Norway has 14.2 people per square kilometre, which is about 4.2 times below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Europe, Norway is the 25th most populous country of 46.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Norway in population are Lebanon (5,489,739) and Finland (5,540,745).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Zimbabwe (390,757 km²) and Japan (377,975 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Norwegian is listed as an official language of Norway alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Norway uses the NOK, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Norway in Europe
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Russia, Germany, United Kingdom and France.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Europe is the block Norway belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Norway and a page on the flag of Norway.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Norway?
The capital of Norway is Oslo.
What is the population of Norway?
About 5,474,360, making it the 119th most populous country in the world.
How big is Norway?
385,207 square kilometres, ranking 61st by land area, at a density of 14.2 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Norway use?
The NOK, which no other country uses.