Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994; conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, Norway abandoned neutrality and became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of ethnic minorities, maintaining the country's extensive social safety net with an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness.
Norway is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
Source: CIA World Factbook
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Displaying 46 - 50 of 60Decree relative to waste sludge.
The Decree aims at preventing pollution caused by the discharge of sludge from water cleaning or discharge installations and lays down rules relative to the right to use of sludge for agricultural purposes. Use of sludge in general requires a permit from the municipal authorities. Producers or suppliers of sludge shall be responsible for the declaration of contents which shall be drawn up in accordance with provisions contained in Annex II. Section 10 prescribes limit values for heavy metals in sludge and section 11 lays down rules relative to use of sludge on land.
Decree relative to animal manure (No. 1093 of 1998).
This Decree of the Ministry of Environment formulates rules relative to the collection, use and storage of animal manure. These rules aim at preventing pollution of soil, air, and surface water and groundwater and at enhancing plant production. Section 5 contains standards for the spreading of manure based on GDE which is an animal manure unit. This standard is fixed for all types of husbandry animals. Section 6 grants power the County Chief to allow for spreading different as indicated in section 5. Section 7 concerns periods of fertilization during the year.
Decree relative to impact assessment pursuant to Chapter VII-a of the Act relative to planning and construction.
This Decree makes further provision for assessment on the environment, natural resources, and public health of operations covered by Act relative to planning and construction. Operations listed in Annex I shall always be accompanied by an impact assessment. Section 4 lists criteria for the application of the impact assessment requirement on operations listed in Annex II. One of the criteria is the potential harm an operation can do to a protected area.
Decree relative to handling of applications made under the Pollution Act (No. 1328 of 1983).
Provisions concern applications for permits made under sections 11 and 29 of the Pollution Act of 1981. They do not apply to applications which can be made also on the acts regulating surface waters or the Continental Shelf Act. The application for a permit shall include: name and address of applicant, planned activities for which a permit is sought, the property affected, foreseen pollution and its effects, planned measures for the limitation of pollution, and other interests which may be affected. Sections 3 and 4 provide for communication to authorities and publication.
Decree No. 8617 of 1971 relative to interventions in the natural environment of Svalbard and Jan Mayen.
The provisions of this Decree of the Ministry of Environment apply to all activities which comport a change in the natural environment or the landscape including drilling for oil and industrial activities. As a rule, plans for such activities shall be submitted for approval to Department at least 1 year before they are implemented (sect. 2). The Department may require modification of plans and appoint an inspector (sect. 3). The Department shall supervise activities and prevent pollution of natural resources. In accordance with provisions of section 9 the Department may withdraw approval.