Norway–Sweden relations

Bilateral relations
Norway-Sweden relations
Map indicating locations of Norway and Sweden

Norway
Sweden
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Norway in StockholmEmbassy of Sweden in Oslo
Envoy
Ambassador Anne K. LundAmbassador Axel Wernhof

Norway and Sweden have a very long history together. They were both part of the Kalmar Union between 1397 and 1523, and a personal union between 1814 and 1905. The countries established diplomatic relations in 1905, after the dissolution of the union.

Sweden has an embassy in Oslo and 14 consulates, in Ålesund, Arendal, Bergen, Bodø, Hamar, Hammerfest, Kirkenes, Mandal, Moss, Narvik, Porsgrunn, Stavanger, Tromsø and Trondheim.[1] Norway has an embassy in Stockholm and three consulates, in Gothenburg, Malmö and Sundsvall.

Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe, Nordic Council and NATO.

Diaspora

There are around 44,773 Swedes living in Norway[2] and 41,062 Norwegians living in Sweden.[3]

International border

Crossing the border between Sweden and Norway is relatively simple. No passport is required due to the Nordic Passport Union and there are no physical border obstructions. However, since Norway is not part of the European Union customs controls can be made if traveling by car to prohibit smuggling. Foreign citizens requiring visa to either state are not allowed to cross the border legally without applying for visa again. There are no restrictions on non-felon Swedish and Norwegian people's rights to live in the neighbouring country.

NATO

While Norway was one of the founding members of NATO, Sweden has only been a member since 2024. In 2023, Sweden and Finland both sought membership as a consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While Finland's entry took place mid-2023, Sweden's entry was prolonged by multiple hurdles[4] but was finally approved early 2024 and officially joined on March 7, 2024.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Norway". Regeringskansliet. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  2. ^ Statistics Norway
  3. ^ https://www.scb.se/hitta-statistik/statistik-efter-amne/befolkning/befolkningens-sammansattning/befolkningsstatistik/pong/tabell-och-diagram/helarsstatistik--riket/folkmangd-efter-fodelseland-19002020/ [dead link]
  4. ^ "Sweden–NATO relations", Wikipedia, 2024-03-03, retrieved 2024-03-03
  5. ^ Berlinger, Joshua (2024-02-26). "Sweden clears final hurdle in bid to join NATO after Hungary approves accession". CNN. Retrieved 2024-03-22.