Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav Tryggvason in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany. In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960's boosted Norway's economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of ethnic minorities, maintaining the country's extensive social safety net with an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness.

Norway's state-owned public radio and television broadcaster operates three nationwide television stations, three nationwide radio stations, and 16 regional radio stations. There are roughly a dozen privately-owned television stations broadcasting nationally. Additionally, there are 25 local TV stations available. Nearly 75% of households have access to multichannel cable or satellite TV systems. There are two privately-owned radio stations broadcast nationwide and another 240 stations operating locally.

There are approximately 200 newspapers in Norway. The most popular newspapers in Norway include Aftenposten, Verdens Gang (VG), and Dagbladet. There are some newspapers classified as national opinion papers, which are motivated by an ideology or a popular movement. These papers include the dailies Dagsavisen, Vårt Land, and Klassekampen. Norwegian financial newspapers include Dagens Naeringsliv and Finansavisen. Additionally, there are a handful of regional papers in Norway, including Bergens Tidende and Stavanger Aftenblad.