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 Organization (NATO, 1949), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 1961), the Organization 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, First Nations 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 - 2024)
20,200
Australian visitors to Norway (resident returns - 2024)
27,440
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 and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP visited Norway in September and met with Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram .
2024 – Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram visited Australia in September to open the Kongsberg Mawson Lakes facility and met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Pat Conroy MP and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Tim Watts MP.
2024 – Norwegian State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik visited Australia in September and met with Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Tim Watts MP.
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 First Nations heritage and strengthen Australia’s relationship with Norway’s Sámi Community.
Economic diplomacy
In 2024, two-way goods and services trade between Australia and Norway was valued at $1.9 billion. Australia's major exports to Norway that year comprised of nickel ores and concentrates, education-related travel, transport services, recreational travel and confidential items of trade. Major imports from Norway comprised of transport services, recreational travel, and prof, tech and other business services.
The investment relationship is strong. In 2024, the stock of Norwegian investment in Australia was valued at $42.9 billion, while Australian investment in Norway was valued at $10.8 billion. Norwegian renewable energy and defence companies are making significant investments in Australia, including Kongsberg’s facilities.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Norway country economic factsheet [PDF 271 KB].
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.