The economy of Norway is a developed mixed economy with heavy state-ownership in strategic areas of the economy. Although sensitive to global business cycles, the economy of Norway has shown robust growth since the start of the industrial era. Shipping has long been a support of Norway's export sector, but much of Norway's economic growth has been fueled by an abundance of natural resources, including petroleum exploration and production, hydroelectric power, and fisheries. Agriculture and traditional heavy manufacturing have suffered relative decline compared to services and oil-related industries, and the public sector is among the largest in the world as a percentage of the overall gross domestic product. The country has a very high standard of living compared with other European countries, and a strongly integrated welfare system. Oslo, Norway, 2012
Street musician in Karl Johans gate. Oslo, Norway, 2012.
Norway’s population is 4.4 million and there are 1.4 homeless people per 1,000 inhabitants. Research in 1997 suggests that 6,200 people are registered as homeless, and although this figure has remained fairly constant in recent years it is a minimum calculation since it only includes people who have been in contact with organizations. Seventy-six per cent of the homeless are men, 24 per cent women. There are about 400 children living with homeless parents. Most homeless people (58 per cent) are to be found in Norway’s three largest cities; many have moved from towns and villages, many have arrived in the country as immigrants. Oslo has a population of 500,000 inhabitants of whom 2,500 are homeless. Oslo, Norway, 2012.
