Back to Results
Upward Mover
Downward Mover
No Mover
New Entry
Re Entry
13

Norway

score

69.60

In 2018
Compare Country Remove Country
Digital Logo Digital
NOR
15
Enterprise Logo Enterprise
13
Education Logo Education
21
Culture Logo Culture
16
Engagement Logo Engagement
17
Government Logo Government
3
Polling Logo Polling
14

2019 Overview

In reclaiming the 12th position, Norway’s secret to its measured success has been incremental improvements. The most significant steps have come in education, with Norway moving up the ranks by an impressive seven places. Universities in Norway remain tuition-free for all and government spending in education – the highest as a percentage of GDP globally – is proving a worthwhile investment. Elsewhere, Norway’s rankings have remained consistent. Continued commitment to social welfare and equal wealth distribution continue to provide an oft-cited model society across Europe, and the Government Pension Fund of Norway’s decision to disinvest from fossil fuels adds green credentials to Norway’s international reputation.

Strengths

Perennially topping the Human Development Index, high life expectancy, quality education and high GDP per capita sustain Norway’s place among the world’s Soft Power 30 elite. Consistent GDP growth and a place in the Top 10 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Rankings also translated into a strong score in the Enterprise sub-index.

Weaknesses

Falls in the Engagement and Digital sub-indices suggest the country could do more to expand its global diplomatic network digitally and on the ground. Norway is the happiest country in the world, and its breath-taking Fjords should see it do better in the Culture sub-index, following a disappointing 19th place this year.

Portland Recommends

Building from a strong base, investing in digital and traditional diplomacy could allow Norway to better leverage its assets. With the increasing popularity of ‘Scandi’ culture, Norway can do more to tap into the trend more assertively alongside its neighbouring competitors: Sweden and Denmark.

Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Japan Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Russian Federation Singapore South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom United States
Back