TOPIC

/ location

Norway

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Norway. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Oslo

Head of State

King Harald V

Head of Government

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre

Neil, a 1,000kg elephant seal, moves through a public area in Tasmania on Saturday. Photo: Sam Volker Photography/AP

Australia

Australian officials tell fans to give Neil the seal some flipping space

Neil, the only male elephant seal to visit Tasmania in years, has commanded an enthralled TikTok following of 1.4 million.

3 Jul 2026 - 12:52PM

Science

Energy expert Yang Tao returns from Norway to China University of Petroleum

1 Jul 2026 - 5:17AMvideocam

Malaysia

Malaysia narrows hunt for replacement missiles after Norway axes contract

29 Jun 2026 - 6:00PM

Malaysia

Malaysia demands US$257 million from Norwegian firm over axed missile deal

The country says it is asking Norway to mediate between the two parties so that the company can settle the claims.

26 Jun 2026 - 3:17PM

Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile is displayed at the Australian International Airshow in Avalon, Australia, in March last year. Photo: Reuters

Erling Haaland

Meet Norway striker Erling Haaland’s girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen

The pair met when they both played football at the youth academy of their hometown, Bryne, Norway, and welcomed a son in 2024.

22 Jun 2026 - 6:00PM

Animals

Iceland resumes whale hunt amid protest

It is one of the only three countries – alongside Japan and Norway – that still openly permit whaling.

21 Jun 2026 - 12:31AMvideocam

Artificial intelligence

Norway enacts near AI ban for junior school pupils, curbs use for older children

The move follows a 2024 ban on smartphones after Norway recorded a broad decline in education test ‌scores.

20 Jun 2026 - 2:55PM

An illustration of artificial intelligence. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere announced a near ban on the ⁠use of generative ⁠AI tools by elementary ⁠school pupils on Friday. Photo: Shutterstock

China-Africa relations

More and more Africans want to learn Chinese. But who will teach them?

African nations are adding Chinese to their national curricula, but the roll-out is hampered by a lack of qualified teachers.

19 Jun 2026 - 4:56PMvideocam

Royalty

Norway’s crown princess has ‘successful’ lung transplant

Palace confirms the 52-year-old royal is recovering in an Oslo hospital, weeks after doctors said she joined the waiting list for a new lung.

17 Jun 2026 - 6:04PM

Royalty

Norwegian crown princess’ son to be jailed 4 years for rape, domestic violence

One alleged rape took place in ‌the basement ‌of the crown prince’s family home, the court heard.

15 Jun 2026 - 7:35PM

Marius Borg Hoiby looks at his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, at a dinner in Oslo on June 16, 2022. Photo: AP

Art

Britain’s David Hockney, a giant of contemporary art, dies aged 88

A major artist of the 20th and 21st centuries, he continued painting, experimenting and exhibiting right up until his death.

13 Jun 2026 - 1:54AM

Artist David Hockney poses for a picture at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in April 2018. Photo: TNS

Sexual harassment and assault

Days before rape verdict, court grants release of Norway crown princess’ son

Facing 40 charges including rape, Marius Borg Hoiby wins a release order after pleading to see his ailing mother, but prosecutors appeal.

9 Jun 2026 - 11:27AM

Nordic nations

Norway crown princess awaits lung transplant

There had been a ‘dramatic deterioration’ in her health in recent months, giving her only around a year left to ⁠live without a transplant.

5 Jun 2026 - 9:35PM

Malaysia

‘Norway caused the problem’: Malaysia chases scrapped missile deal refund

Defence Minister Khaled said the government was exploring alternatives from other countries, including Italy, France and South Korea.

2 Jun 2026 - 3:00PM

Visitors gather next to a display of a Naval Strike Missile made by Kongsberg at the 2014 Euronaval show in France. Photo: AP

Malaysia

Malaysia blasts ‘conspicuously muted’ response over axed Norway missile deal

Defence Minister Khaled told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Oslo’s move was ‘destructive’ to the credibility of the rules-based global order.

31 May 2026 - 6:23PMvideocam

Malaysia

‘Tiger without fangs’: Malaysia navy faces turbulence over Norway’s missile ban

While Malaysia considers alternatives from ‘three to four countries’, analysts say an advanced missile system is crucial for its navy.

28 May 2026 - 5:48PM

Nordic nations

Norway to join France’s nuclear umbrella, in move away from US reliance

European countries are seeking to strengthen their defence capabilities ⁠amid doubts about US commitments and tensions with Russia.

28 May 2026 - 6:50AM

SCMP Highlights

Singapore’s tense drone trials, Thailand targets bad tourists: 7 Asia highlights

From Singapore’s weaponised drone trials to Thailand targeting bad tourists, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

26 May 2026 - 2:12PM

Chinese tourists at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Visitors from China are the biggest contributor to Thailand’s tourism sector. Photo: AFP

Cannes Film Festival

‘Fjord’ by Romania’s Mungiu wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

The film stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as a couple who have their children taken from them by child services for spanking them.

24 May 2026 - 9:03AM

Defence

Bordering Russia, Norway adopts ‘total defence’ mode, focuses on civil readiness

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre warned earlier this year that ‘war could once again come to Norway’.

23 May 2026 - 3:52PM

SCMP Highlights

Xi hosts Putin over tea; rare earth find in northeast China: 7 highlights

From the Iran conflict rattling Chinese investors to Li Ka-shing’s charitable support, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

22 May 2026 - 12:34PM

A rare earth mine at Bayan Obo, in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region of China, seen in 2011. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Malaysia

US denies role in Norway’s cancelled missile sale to Malaysia

Washington said it supported the deal after the row raised questions over US influence on weapons with American-made parts.

21 May 2026 - 3:11PMvideocam

Visitors gather next to a display of an NSM Naval Strike Missile made by Norwegian company Kongsberg, at the Euronaval show, in Le Bourget, France in 2014. Photo: AP

Malaysia

Did US restrictions sink Malaysia’s US$147 million Norway missile deal?

Analysts say US-controlled parts may have been a factor in Norway’s revoked export licences, underscoring risks for Asian defence buyers.

21 May 2026 - 3:24PM

Animals

Norway reports Europe’s first case of bird flu in a polar bear

The H5N5 variant was also found in a walrus found about 1,000km from the North Pole, and is thought to be the likely cause of death.

20 May 2026 - 1:40AMvideocam

European cinema

Review | Fjord: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve anchor ice-cold child welfare drama

Fjord, set in a remote Norwegian village with stunning backdrops, explores a religious couple’s clash with Norway’s Child Protection Services.

19 May 2026 - 4:45PM

Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan play a married couple with five children in the film Fjord, directed by Cristian Mungiu. Jonathan Ciprian Breazu (far left) and Vanessa Ceban (right) co-star.

India

India links up with UAE, Europe on Modi’s grand tour

Seizing on the UAE’s Opec exit and a new EU trade pact, India’s PM looks to lock-in long-term energy supply and economic dividends.

18 May 2026 - 6:21PM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre, left) is welcomed by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (centre, right) in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Photo: UAE Presidential Court/Reuters

Mainland China

Norway arrests Chinese national for alleged spying

Court orders suspect be remanded in custody for four weeks, in the second high-profile case this month.

18 May 2026 - 10:38AM

Malaysia

Malaysia weighs legal action after Norway blocks missile exports

The missiles are central to Malaysia’s troubled littoral combat ship programme as Putrajaya says it will seek an explanation from Oslo.

14 May 2026 - 10:36AM

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW

Norway

Australian officials tell fans to give Neil the seal some flipping space

Neil, the only male elephant seal to visit Tasmania in years, has commanded an enthralled TikTok following of 1.4 million.

Energy expert Yang Tao returns from Norway to China University of Petroleum

Malaysia narrows hunt for replacement missiles after Norway axes contract

Malaysia demands US$257 million from Norwegian firm over axed missile deal

The country says it is asking Norway to mediate between the two parties so that the company can settle the claims.

Meet Norway striker Erling Haaland’s girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen

The pair met when they both played football at the youth academy of their hometown, Bryne, Norway, and welcomed a son in 2024.

Iceland resumes whale hunt amid protest

It is one of the only three countries – alongside Japan and Norway – that still openly permit whaling.

Norway enacts near AI ban for junior school pupils, curbs use for older children

The move follows a 2024 ban on smartphones after Norway recorded a broad decline in education test ‌scores.

More and more Africans want to learn Chinese. But who will teach them?

African nations are adding Chinese to their national curricula, but the roll-out is hampered by a lack of qualified teachers.

Norway’s crown princess has ‘successful’ lung transplant

Palace confirms the 52-year-old royal is recovering in an Oslo hospital, weeks after doctors said she joined the waiting list for a new lung.

Norwegian crown princess’ son to be jailed 4 years for rape, domestic violence

One alleged rape took place in ‌the basement ‌of the crown prince’s family home, the court heard.

Britain’s David Hockney, a giant of contemporary art, dies aged 88

A major artist of the 20th and 21st centuries, he continued painting, experimenting and exhibiting right up until his death.

Days before rape verdict, court grants release of Norway crown princess’ son

Facing 40 charges including rape, Marius Borg Hoiby wins a release order after pleading to see his ailing mother, but prosecutors appeal.

Norway crown princess awaits lung transplant

There had been a ‘dramatic deterioration’ in her health in recent months, giving her only around a year left to ⁠live without a transplant.

‘Norway caused the problem’: Malaysia chases scrapped missile deal refund

Defence Minister Khaled said the government was exploring alternatives from other countries, including Italy, France and South Korea.

Malaysia blasts ‘conspicuously muted’ response over axed Norway missile deal

Defence Minister Khaled told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Oslo’s move was ‘destructive’ to the credibility of the rules-based global order.

‘Tiger without fangs’: Malaysia navy faces turbulence over Norway’s missile ban

While Malaysia considers alternatives from ‘three to four countries’, analysts say an advanced missile system is crucial for its navy.

Norway to join France’s nuclear umbrella, in move away from US reliance

European countries are seeking to strengthen their defence capabilities ⁠amid doubts about US commitments and tensions with Russia.

Singapore’s tense drone trials, Thailand targets bad tourists: 7 Asia highlights

From Singapore’s weaponised drone trials to Thailand targeting bad tourists, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

‘Fjord’ by Romania’s Mungiu wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

The film stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as a couple who have their children taken from them by child services for spanking them.

Bordering Russia, Norway adopts ‘total defence’ mode, focuses on civil readiness

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre warned earlier this year that ‘war could once again come to Norway’.

Xi hosts Putin over tea; rare earth find in northeast China: 7 highlights

From the Iran conflict rattling Chinese investors to Li Ka-shing’s charitable support, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

US denies role in Norway’s cancelled missile sale to Malaysia

Washington said it supported the deal after the row raised questions over US influence on weapons with American-made parts.

Did US restrictions sink Malaysia’s US$147 million Norway missile deal?

Analysts say US-controlled parts may have been a factor in Norway’s revoked export licences, underscoring risks for Asian defence buyers.

Norway reports Europe’s first case of bird flu in a polar bear

The H5N5 variant was also found in a walrus found about 1,000km from the North Pole, and is thought to be the likely cause of death.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Review | Fjord: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve anchor ice-cold child welfare drama

Fjord, set in a remote Norwegian village with stunning backdrops, explores a religious couple’s clash with Norway’s Child Protection Services.

India links up with UAE, Europe on Modi’s grand tour

Seizing on the UAE’s Opec exit and a new EU trade pact, India’s PM looks to lock-in long-term energy supply and economic dividends.

Norway arrests Chinese national for alleged spying

Court orders suspect be remanded in custody for four weeks, in the second high-profile case this month.

Malaysia weighs legal action after Norway blocks missile exports

The missiles are central to Malaysia’s troubled littoral combat ship programme as Putrajaya says it will seek an explanation from Oslo.

Review | Fjord: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve anchor ice-cold child welfare drama