Norway Is a Single Unitary Country, Not a Collection of Countries

Clarifying Norway's Political Structure

Norway is a unitary sovereign state in Northern Europe. It is not a federation or union of multiple "countries."

Administrative Divisions

Norway is divided into 11 counties (fylker) (as of 2024), which are further subdivided into 356 municipalities (kommuner). These are administrative units, not sovereign entities.

Overseas Territories

Norway administers three uninhabited dependent territories in the polar regions:

• Bouvet Island (South Atlantic)
• Peter I Island (Antarctica)
• Queen Maud Land (Antarctica claim)

It also shares sovereignty over Svalbard under the Svalbard Treaty, though Norwegian law applies.