what kind of life in Norway?

Answer 1

I'm not at all sure what you're really asking about.
But if you want to know general facts about Norway, that will then indirectly tell you something about life there, you can check out this website:
http://education.yahoo.com/reference/factbook/no/;_ylt=Autppqp1AgqA1sR5Y.prDC.3ecYF
But anyway, it's a very rich country, so most people have all they need in materialistic terms, people are also generally quite healthy and enjoy the outdoors a great deal. They receive many benefits from the government (paid via their taxes) - benefits like free healthcare, free libraries, cheap childcare etc etc. Though it's normal to entertain friends in private homes, there's also an active nightlife in most towns, with restaurants, discos, cinemas etc. Everything is very expensive though. In short, life there is quite similar to life in most western countries, perhaps slightly more peaceful, slightly more out-doorsy, slightly more expensive :-)

Answer 2

I think Elisa is exaggerating here, considering that Norway recently was found to be one of the happiest places in the world. Of course it's difficult to measure happiness and I remember a survey some years ago said that Nigerians were the happiest. I've lived abroad myself, and had girlfriends from various countries and I frankly don't see the big difference as far as everyday mood goes. And I wouldn't make too much about politeness. The English have more polite phrases, and yet they may be quite sarcastic at your expense. Turks will shake hands with random baffled Norwegians on their streets, but they will also drag you kicking and screaming into their shops. Maybe we're too silent, and we're not always good at starting conversations with strangers unless we drink, but that's not the same as being impolite. In the end politeness is relative and what is friendly in one country may be nagging in Norway, and we may be considered rude and abrupt elsewhere. That's just a fact of life. The thing about drinking is true, and yet the Finns drink more and are apparently happier according to the survey. There are indeed too many on welfare, and this was a nifty way to rid ourselves from unemployment which I remember was still an issue when I grew up. People who are on benefits here would other places either be forced to work or they would be unemployed. Imho work is good for you and I'd prefer to see more people in work myself, but a lot of people are on benefits simply because they can and they've fooled themselves into thinking that this is somehow a good thing in the long run. There is too much whining here. Many Norwegians are spoiled with the oil and they want more and more from the state. And also they don't want to pump up the oil. Just spend the money. As for the thing about Kindergarten, that's a classic Conservative grudge. I respect that they may have other ideals, but imho it's good for kids to socialize earlier and not least for the women who are able to work these extra years and will get better pensions. But whatever you think about this, it's not forced upon you. You can stay at home if you like - if you prefer less money and more time with the kids.

Answer 3

The beer is REALLY expensive.