571138 - 500 Kroner NORWAY 2008 P.51e

NORWAY

Norway is one of the Scandinavian countries from where the Vikings from the 9th century launched raids on the English, French and Dutch coasts. Around 900, Harald "with beautiful hair" became king of present-day Norway. In 1380, Norway is united with Denmark. In 1814 Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden. In 1905, Norway became independent and the people chose a constitutional monarchy with Carl of Denmark (Haakon VII) as king. Neutral during the First World War, Norway was invaded by German troops in 1940 and was not liberated until June 1945. The discovery and exploitation of oil fields in the North Sea constituted an important source of income for the country. and guarantees it great independence, particularly in relation to the European Union.