Norway is a world beating country. And that now includes Eurovision. All providing mind blowing facts.
“Norway has been last on so many times. You really deserve it.”
Lill Lindfors, presenting the winning trophy to the winners, Eurovision 1985
Prior to their 1985 success, Norway received nul points in Eurovision in 1963, 1978 and 1981. They came last in 1969, 1974 and 1976. They were first country to receive the dreaded nul points under the current scoring system, introduced in 1975. Since their first win in 1985, Norway have gone to win in 1995 and 2009. Indeed, their 2009 win - performed by Alexander Rybak - receiving a record breaking 387 points (until then).
After years of nul points or finishing last, Norway won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1985 - with Bobbysock performing La det swinge.
Norway has the highest proportion of electric cars, with nearly 90% of new car sales being fully electric in 2024. More than half of all cars in Norway are electric. Since almost all of Norway’s electricity comes from renewable sources, the country’s cars are some of world’s cleanest. Ironically, Norway is an oil rich state - with little fossil fuel dependence - when it come to ground transportation.
The two sovereign wealth funds offer Norway world beating prosperity and assets. The funds have been developed from oil and gas revenue, translating to over US$340,000 per Norwegian citizen. The country almost has more money than its government and citizens know what to do with.
There are more than 20 roads tunnels over 5 km long. They include the Lærdal Tunnel (24.5 km); Ryfylke Tunnel (14.5 km), Gudvanga Tunnel (11.4 km) and Toven Tunnel (10.6 km). Work is underway on the 27 km Rogfast road tunnel which is expected to open in 2033.
For anyone looking to quit drinking, then Norway has something else in common with the other oil rich state of Saudi Arabia. In Norway, alcohol is impossibly expensive to buy. In Saudi Arabia, alcohol is impossible to buy.