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Norway Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Norway's history.
MANSELL—TIME & LIFE PICTURES/GETTY IMAGES
800 A.D. - 1050 A.D.
During the Viking age, seafarers set out to conquer other lands. In 985, Erik the Red leads settlers to Greenland.995
King Olav establishes Christianity as the region's main religion.1350
Bubonic plague, called the Black Death, kills more than half of the population.1397
Under the Kalmar Union, Norway, Sweden and Denmark agree to share a monarch. The union lasts until 1523, when Sweden becomes independent.1536
Norway is proclaimed a Danish province.1814
Denmark gives up Norway to Sweden. Although ruled by a Swedish king, Norwegians adopt a constitution and elect a king. After a 14-day war, Norway accepts Sweden's king, but keeps its constitution.
GETTY IMAGES
1905
Norway proclaims its independence from Sweden. Prince Carl of Denmark becomes king.1940:
German forces invade neutral Norway. They occupy Norway until the end of the World War II, in 1945.1949
Norway joins the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a military alliance of nations.1960s
Oil and gas are discovered in waters near Norway, boosting the country's economy.1972
Norwegians vote against joining the European Union. They reject the EU again in 1994.
DAVID RUBINGER—TIME & LIFE PICTURES/GETTY IMAGES