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.

Karl Johans gate is the main street of the city of Oslo, Norway. The street was named in honor of King Charles III John, who was also King of Sweden as Charles XIV John. The wider western section was built during the 1840s as an avenue connecting the newly erected Norwegian Royal Palace with the rest of the city. In 1852, it was named Karl Johans gate in honor of the recently deceased king. Oslo, Norway, 2012.