In a public opinion survey conducted by Norstat for NRK, Norwegians were asked what they value most—particularly in the context of potential military threats.
Participants rated various aspects of life in Norway on a scale from 1 to 5, indicating what they would be willing to defend in the event of a conflict. The survey provides insight into what truly matters to Norwegians.
First Place: Democracy and Freedom of Speech
At the very top of the values list were democracy and freedom of speech, both rated an average of 4.8 points. These fundamental principles are what Norwegians consider most important. Third place went to a strong rule of law (4.7), highlighting that a sense of justice and legal security forms a key foundation of Norwegian society.
Trust and Nature – Almost Equally Important
Slightly lower, but still very high, were nature and social trust—each receiving 4.6 points. Nature, with its fjords, mountains, and forests, is more than just a backdrop for daily life; it is a central part of Norwegian national identity. The survey also shows that trust, both in institutions and other people, is one of the pillars of the Norwegian social model.
Photo: Carl Cerstrand / Unsplash
Equality and Welfare Matter
Norwegians also highly value equality (4.4), public welfare services (4.4), and overall national wealth (4.2). This reflects a strong sense of social justice and pride in the achievements of the welfare state.
Where People Want to Live
Residents also value population distribution across the country (4.1). Interestingly, the importance of this issue varies regionally. It matters most to Norwegians in the north (4.5), while residents of Oslo consider it less important (3.9). This shows how many Norwegians care about balanced territorial development.
Symbols Are Less Important Than Principles
Contrary to common assumptions, the Norwegian royal family does not rank highly in the hierarchy of values. Scoring 3.3 points, it was near the bottom of the list—just above taxes and the tradition of summer cabins (hytter).
Lifestyle? More of a Background Factor
At the bottom of the list were informal lifestyle (3.9), going on hikes (3.7), and the “hytte” cabin culture (2.8). While popular, these are seen as supplements rather than key components of Norwegian identity.
Photo: lili kovac / Unsplash
Norway – a Country of Values, Not Just Views
The survey paints a picture of a society whose identity is based not so much on symbols or lifestyle but on firm values: freedom, democracy, law, and mutual trust. Norwegians value political, social, and environmental principles most, placing importance on justice, trust, and environmental protection. Public welfare and the financial situation of the state and citizens were also rated highly, reflecting overall satisfaction with Norway’s economic and social system. Lower scores were given to more symbolic elements or lifestyle-related aspects.
Survey Results:
- Democracy: 4.8/5
- Freedom of Speech: 4.8/5
- Strong Rule of Law: 4.7/5
- Norwegian Nature: 4.6/5
- High Level of Trust: 4.6/5
- Equality: 4.4/5
- Public Welfare: 4.4/5
- Norway’s Wealth: 4.2/5
- Agriculture: 4.2/5
- Societal Wealth: 4.2/5
- Low Social Inequality: 4.1/5
- Population Across the Country: 4.1/5
- Informal Lifestyle: 3.9/5
- Hiking: 3.7/5
- Environmental Awareness & Climate Policy: 3.6/5
- Multicultural Society: 3.4/5
- Royal Family: 3.3/5
- Current Tax Level: 3.1/5
- Cabin Culture (hytte): 2.8/5