During the early years of the Christian era, a number of small tribal kingdoms emerged. Prolonged peace finally came to Norway in the 14th century under a new code of legal practice and it was at this time that the country began to develop economically. Denmark and Norway also did in the 18th century. It gives broad powers to the king, but the council of ministers, headed by the prime minister, generally exercises this power as king in council. The 155 members of the Storting, or parliament, are elected for a fixed term of four years by all Norwegians 20 years of age or older.
Election is by a form of proportional representation.
The major political parties are the Labor party, the largest singly party, and the Conservative party. A debate about high taxes and rising inflation caused the labor party to lose ground to center-right groups. Local administration is on the basis of 19 countries or provinces and the cities of Bergen and Oslo. Norway is closely related with the other Scandinavian countries in an informal alliance. This extra income makes it possible for Norway to balance its budget this year.