Norway is a leading producer of aluminum, magnesium, Ferro-alloys and chemicals. It is one of the major suppliers of crude oil and natural gas to Western Europe.
A combination of hydropower and extensive forests has created a thriving pulp, paper and lumber industry. Norwegian skills and know-how in energy development are in great demand all over the world.
Norway's merchant fleet ranks among the world's largest and the seas around the coastline yield a harvest of fish that formed Norway's earliest export industry.
The exceptionally harsh weather conditions in the North Sea have placed Norwegian oil companies in the vanguard when it comes to new technology for deep-water exploration and exploitation. The rich oil resources have also made Norway a rather wealthy country. The standard of living is high and the average GNP per capita is one of the highest in the world.
