Norway: A Geographic Wonderland
To host the Winter Olympics, it is imperative that the host city has a consistent winter climate. The city of Oslo, Norway has just that, as Norway resides in the Arctic Circle region of the world. Though the climate of Norway tends to be rainy on the west coast year-round, Oslo lies on the eastern coast of the country near Sweden, so rain would not be anticipated to interfere with the games (CIA, 2009). The terrain of Norway is glaciated and comprised with high plateaus and mountains, creating a majestic winter wonderland that would be ideal for skiing and other winter athletics (CIA, 2009). Amidst the mountains are fjords and fertile valleys, creating an even more picturesque landscape (CIA, 2009). The video below offers a glimpse of the magnificent landscape Norway offers.
Map provided by the CIA World Factbook, 2009
The total area of Norway is small, reaching a mere 323,802 square miles, or roughly the size of New Mexico in the United States (CIA, 2009). However, the small size of this nation is ideal for the Olympic games. The hustle and bustle of the games can be concentrated to Oslo itself, yet spectators and participants of the Olympic games will be able to easily navigate throughout the remainder of the country if they desire to discover what else Norway has to offer.
The country’s location is also ideal because of its lengthy coastline along the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans (CIA, 2009). This coastline makes for simplified entrance into the country during the Olympic games. For instance, the North Sea from the Atlantic Ocean flows straight into Oslo, allowing for easy transportation of objects and people into the Olympic site.
The country’s location is also ideal because of its lengthy coastline along the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans (CIA, 2009). This coastline makes for simplified entrance into the country during the Olympic games. For instance, the North Sea from the Atlantic Ocean flows straight into Oslo, allowing for easy transportation of objects and people into the Olympic site.
