NORWAY

For the most part, Norway's democratic institutions are very strong, setting standards for other nations.

The electoral process is fair, and civil rights are well protected. Private media ownership has concentrated in recent years, but a wide spectrum of views is represented.

A small but growing concern focuses on government corruption in specific areas such as building permits.

Norway's "flexicurity" labor market model has, together with an oil-driven economic boom, brought unemployment under control.

Enterprise policy has been less consistent, aiming at improving competitiveness, but sometimes achieving the opposite.

Consumer taxes are high, but widely accepted. Tax-financed public services contribute to making Norway a low-inequality society.

An oil revenue fund helps ensure long-term budgetary stability.

Norway is a relatively equitable society. Government expenditure to prevent poverty exceeds the OECD average.

High-quality public health care is universally available, but its cost efficiency is low. Pension reforms have strengthened work incentives, and oil revenues keep the system sustainable.

Family policy is focused heavily toward gender equality, including in political and business leadership settings.

Norway's governments are committed to international cooperation. Foreign aid and contributions to world peace are core elements of security policy.

Integration policies are well funded. However, immigration remains a difficult issue for this traditionally homogeneous society, with complaints about discrimination frequent.

Environmental standards, with a few exceptions, are very high in Norway. Other issues of sustainability are more mixed.

R&D spending is relatively minimal. Research is government-led, and lacks a strong orientation toward enterprises or innovation.

Levels of educational attainment are high, but science test scores and the share of science degrees granted are both relatively low.

Strategic planning, with significant input from experts and social groups, is a core element of government decision-making.

The Office of Prime Minister plays an important role in coordinating government policy. Recent coalition governments have avoided voicing internal disagreements in the press.

Regulatory impact assessments are common, and often comprehensive.

Coalition governments have been very successful in implementing objectives, allowing for diverging internal opinions.

During the review period, all government-sponsored bills were adopted in parliament.

No second parliamentary chamber or constitutional court exists to offer a veto threat. The monarch's consent to bills is only formally required.

After a long period of stability, Norway has recently sought to improve its governing institutions by adapting to international norms.

Though not an EU member, the country usually adopts EU legislation and participates in EU policy coordination efforts.

The country takes part in a variety of international conventions and forums.

Self-monitoring operates on a continuous, informal level, rather than through formal mechanisms.

This results in frequent modifications aimed at improving strategic capacity, such as changes in ministerial portfolios.

Citizens are well-informed about government policies, aided by a media that focuses strongly on political issues.

The parliament's oversight powers are fairly strong, with an active and trusted Ombudsman.

Parties and associations make reasonable proposals. Associations are given careful attention by the government and the opposition parties.