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Travelling by bus, taxi and boat has become more expensive, while flying has become relatively cheaper

Planes are the passenger transport type that have had the lowest price increase in the last ten years, according to figures from Statistics Norway.

Christmas gift trends: Less jewellery, and ethical gifts not gaining ground

Despite society’s increasing focus on the environment, the tradition of giving each other gifts for Christmas remains deeply embedded in our culture. It’s still rare to give ethical Christmas presents. Granted, jewellery is less likely to glitter under the Christmas tree, while food and drink have become more popular as gifts.

Slightly more poor people in Norway

Norway’s proportion of low-income families and households is growing year by year.

Crushing the myth of “poor Norway”

The conventional wisdom about Norway in 1900 is wrong: Norway was among the richest countries in Europe, not the poorest, one professor explains.

These four types of cancer are more likely to be detected in highly educated people

Norwegian women and men who are highly educated are more likely to be diagnosed with four types of cancer. More sunbathing and postponed childbirth may be part of the explanation. It may also be because people with more resources are more likely to go to the doctor when they suspect something’s wrong.

Norwegians are the world’s home renovation champs

Every year, Norwegians spend several billions of dollars on renovating their homes and cottages. But what do they spend their money on – and what makes them the world’s top home renovators?

A climate policy that oil companies can support

Instead of companies and consumers paying climate taxes, oil companies could cut production, according to Norwegian economists. In return, they would be paid more.

Circular economy offers new kind of consumerism

The world’s population is consuming more and more, as our numbers grow and people become more prosperous. But an increasing number of European countries want to change the way resources are consumed.

The least wealthy of Norwegian pensioners are worth millions

Even the humblest 20 percent of households of older Norwegians are good for about NOK 2 million each.

What would Norway be like without oil money?

What if there wasn't as much as an ounce of oil under the North Sea? Would Norway be one of Europe's poorest countries?

Behind every successful woman stands a strong man?

New research suggests that women entrepreneurs should find male allies to get the business ball rolling. At least if they want to increase their chances for investor support.

Few Norwegians drawn into new sharing economy

Many are familiar with the concept of the sharing economy and most have now heard of Airbnb and Uber. But to so far, few Norwegians have shared their homes, cars or other possessions.

Strict parents can get wasteful teenagers

Youth get good economic habits if their parents talk about savings and financial planning. Kids who perceive their parents as psychologically controlling can often be just as extravagant, hedonistic spenders as ones whose parents make few demands.

Stories from the unemployed

Some unemployed people alternate between complaining about their situations and claiming that they choose not to work.

Raising Norwegian university rankings

Norway’s leading universities trail behind those of its Nordic neighbours in international rankings. But bigger budgets alone will not lift them up the charts.

Oslo’s golden ghettos

Wealthy and well-educated citizens of Oslo clump continuously tighter together.

Workmates affect your sick leaves

Swedes have found that colleagues’ leaves of absence due to illnesses can impact the number of days you are off sick. But an experiment in Norway shows that absenteeism can be reduced when confidence in employees is coupled with controls.

Yards stay on scene by planning lean

To nudge ahead of Asian competitors, Norwegian shipyards overlap various stages – simultaneously designing vessels, acquiring materials and constructing the ships.

Football clubs generate jobs

A successful soccer team is advantageous for regional employment statistics.

Big stores enhance small ones

Lower prices and more jobs. The openings of giant retail establishments, or “big-box” stores as they are often called, have a surprisingly positive effect on a local economy.

Nations mustn’t become “Neverlands”

The kids are closing in on 30, but they still live at home with parents and are without jobs, spouses or children. Are the ranks of a Peter Pan Generation rising?

People have more faith in family firms

Consumers are more likely to perceive family-owned businesses as being socially responsible than publicly traded corporate giants.

Privatised vs. socialised health services

Depending on their leanings, politicians can portray privatisation as either a cure-all or the bane of Norwegian hospitals. Research doesn’t back either claim.

Immigrant workers undermine wage growth

Immigrant workers, mainly from other Nordic countries, have a negative effect on the pay checks of Norwegian employees. Workers with minimal skills and little experience are the most vulnerable.

Think in terms of time, not money

If you look at a budget, not as money but as work hours, it becomes obvious that spending lots of money isn’t the solution.