The various small kingdoms of Norway first united between 800 and 1050. During this time Norway's Vikings raided and occupied numerous parts of Europe, and at least one group, in 981, reached the eastern coast of north America.
Norway was under the rule of Denmark from 1523 until 1814, and Sweden from 1814 until 1905. It then became an independent monarchy in 1905.
The constitution dates from 1814. It provides for a hereditary constitutional monarchy. In the absence of a male heir to the throne, the king can indicate a successor, but the parliament can make its own choice. Executive power is with the king, together with the cabinet consisting of the prime-minister and at least 7 other ministers. The parliament (Storting) has 155 members, elected by proportional representation every 4 years.
