Political overview
Norway is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy with legislative powers vested in a unicameral parliament (the Storting). The Storting is made up of 169 members directly elected for four-year terms through a proportional representation voting system. Parliamentary elections are mandatory every four years.
Foreign policy
Climate change, sustainable oceans and the environment are central issues in Norway's foreign policy.
Norway is a founding member of the United Nations (1945), the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO, 1949), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 1961), the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE, 1973) and the World Trade Organization (WTO, 1995).
Norway is not a member of the European Union (EU) but is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Through the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, Norway, the EU and the other EFTA countries form the European single market.
Bilateral relations
Australia and the Kingdom of Norway established diplomatic ties in 1947 and share a commitment to agreed international rules and norms, human rights, good governance, gender equality, Indigenous issues, sustainable development, clean energy, and liberalised trade.
Australia and Norway cooperate closely in multilateral fora to advance trade liberalisation and international peace and security, including the women, peace and security agenda, gender equality, democratic values, and protecting human rights. Australia works closely with Norway on Antarctic and oceans issues.
Fast Facts
- Norwegian visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals - 2023) – 17,990
- Australian visitors to Norway (resident returns - 2023) – 20,990
- Resident Australian population born in Norway (2021 census) – 3,702
- Australian residents of Norwegian descent (2021 census) – 31,934
High level engagement
- 2024 – Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Richard Marles MP visited Norway in September
- 2024 – Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram visited Australia in September
- 2022 – Australian Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the NATO Summit in Madrid in June.
Agreements and arrangements
- Social Security (2007)
- Double Taxation Agreement (2007)
- Medical Treatment for Temporary Visitors (2004)
A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts is available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
The Australian Embassy in Copenhagen has diplomatic accreditation to Norway.
The Australian Embassy in Copenhagen actively promotes in Norway Australia’s commitment to liberal democratic values, multilateralism, and respect for human rights. Activities include supporting cultural and research exchanges.
The Embassy also promotes Australian culture, creativity, and artistic excellence. Activities include events supporting Australian artists, films, and sport, as well as events which showcase our Indigenous heritage and strengthen Australia’s relationship with Norway’s Sámi Community.
Economic diplomacy
In 2023, two-way goods and services trade between Australia and Norway was valued at $1.6 billion. Australia's major exports to Norway that year comprised of education-related travel, transport services, recreational travel and confidential items of trade. Major imports from Norway comprised of transport services, ships, boats and floating structures, recreational travel and fish.
The investment relationship is strong. In 2023, the stock of Norwegian investment in Australia was valued at $33 billion, while Australian investment in Norway was valued at $10 billion. Norwegian renewable energy and defence companies are making significant investments in Australia.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Norway country economic factsheet [PDF].
Business
Austrade’s Stockholm Office is responsible for business in Norway. Australia seeks opportunities to promote Australian business and raise awareness of the benefits of increased trade and investment between Australia and Norway.
Australian Embassy
The Australian Embassy in Copenhagen holds diplomatic accreditation to Norway.
Travel
See Smartraveller for information on travelling to Norway.