This quiet beautiful thin strip of land is home to the famous air-finger tapping routine of "True, True, True", cold weather, salmon, a developed social system and a lot of money.

One of Europe's less known monarchies is perhaps better known by another set of queens: its ESC fan base, who garnish every contest with colourful costumes and an enviable ability to consume alcohol.

With two wins under its belt Norway has banished the image of constant loser of the 70' and 80's.

Facts
Capital: Oslo
Exports: oil, seafood, minerals, inflatable turtles
Ranking on the Global Peace Index: 1st
Famous Norwegians: Edvard Munch (Painter), Henrik Ibsen (Writer), Edvard Grieg (Music), Bend Over (Fan)

Previously when the Norwegian entry included an artist from the host country (namely Elisabeth Andreasson in 1985 and Fionnuala Sherry in 1995), they won the contest.

The Russian-rooted fiddler/singer/composer Alexander Rybak could indeed become their third winner, if to believe betting odds as well as fan polls.

We advise those sitting in the front rows in Moscow to beware; you might get the full wrath of Mr. Rybak's tongue.

� Norway hopes to keep on being strong - Fri 23 Jan

� Norway chooses: Helt fantastisk [Video] - Sun 22 Feb

� No euphoria in Norway [vids] - Sat 4 Feb

� Can you do better than Didrik? - Wed 30 Jun

� No more schlager - back to the unknowns? - Sat 4 Dec

� NRK promises more – and less - Wed 26 Oct

� Norway: Part one - Sat 19 Nov

� NRK completes MGP line-up (well, almost) - Fri 16 Dec

� NRK finally bares all - Wed 4 Jan

� Three qualify in Norway [vids] - Sat 21 Jan

� Results of the second semi-final in Norway [vids] - Sat 28 Jan

� Norway loves the Persian influences [vid] - Mon 13 Feb

� NRK confirm MGP 2013 hosts - Fri 14 Sep

� NRK plans last-minute reveal of MGP songs - Fri 7 Dec

� NRK presents first septet of songs - Wed 16 Jan

� Surprises in Norway as three qualify - Sun 20 Jan

� Tonight: Second Norwegian heat - Sat 26 Jan

� 3 more qualifiers in Norway - Sun 27 Jan

� Más finalistas en Noruega - Sun 3 Feb

� And yet another finalist in Norway - Mon 4 Feb

� Interview: Lucky Lips (Norway) - Thu 7 Feb

� NRK confirms changes to MGP - Thu 8 Aug

� Norway to choose song for Copenhagen on 15 March - Thu 5 Dec

� Europe in shock as Norway picks male ballad - Sat 15 Mar

� More record companies to boycott the contest? (updated) - Thu 12 Jun