Norway’s international image ‘strong and stable’

The 2014 results of the international image and reputation survey the Anholt-GfK Nation Brands Index were released today. Norway is ranked 13^th of 50 countries that have global influence.  

‘Norway has a positive international image. International relations are based on trust, and the fact that we have a good image helps to make Norwegian companies and organisations attractive partners. It also means that other countries listen to our views on international issues, perhaps more so than you would expect, given the size of our country,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. 

The Anholt-GfK study has measured Norway’s image in the areas of exports, governance, culture, people, tourism and immigration/investment. The study describes Norway’s international image as stable and resilient, despite the major upheavals in world politics in recent years.  

Norway’s highest score is in the area of governance, while it has made most progress on the indicators measuring its attractiveness as a country to live in and invest in, and for international companies establishing operations abroad. Norway has a well-established reputation for its beautiful natural environment, but the overall score is pulled down by the fact that its cultural heritage and history seem to be less well known.  

According to the study, Norwegians are perceived as hard-working, honest and skilful. Norway is seen as an exciting and fascinating country, and the study emphasises that this could be used to strengthen its position in the fields of tourism and culture. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende at an UN meeting in New York 19 September 2014. (Photo: Frode O. Andersen, MFA)

‘This assessment of Norway’s international image and reputation provides important input to the work being carried out by the Foreign Service to promote Norway and Norwegian interests abroad,’ said Mr Brende. 

For this year’s Nation Brands Index, approximately 22 000 people in 24 countries were interviewed. In the 2007 survey, Norway was ranked 14^th. This year’s 13^th place gives Norway the same ranking as it had in the 2008 survey.

• Read the report.