What is the capital of Norway?
Oslo lies at the head of the Oslofjord, surrounded on three sides by green hills and forests.
Oslo is the capital and seat of government of Norway, a role it has held since 1814. Norway itself has an estimated population of 5,610,870 (2025).
Oslo is also the largest city in Norway, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.
Oslo at a glance
| City population | 724,290 (2025) |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan area | 1,588,457 (2025) |
| Country | 🇳🇴 Norway |
| Founded | 1040 |
| Capital since | 1814 |
| Largest city in Norway | Oslo |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| Currency | Norwegian krone (NOK) |
About Oslo
Oslo was founded around 1040 and established as a trading town in 1048; after a fire in 1624 it was rebuilt and renamed Christiania, reverting to Oslo in 1925.
Oslo has been the capital of Norway since 1814, Oslo, then called Christiania, became the capital of Norway in 1814, having been a royal seat since the Middle Ages.
Oslo is Norway's largest city and its economic and governmental centre.
It was known as Christiania, later Kristiania, from 1624 until the name Oslo was restored in 1925.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Oslo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Norway?
Is Oslo the largest city in Norway?
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Where is Oslo located?
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Capitals of neighbouring countries
See the full profile of Norway on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.