Despite its northerly location, Norway's lengthy coastline is kept free of ice by the warm Gulf Stream. Most of the country is mountainous, the spectacular landscape containing thousands of lakes and offshore islands.
Many people work in industry, including offshore oil and gas production, shipbuilding, and mining.
The discovery of oil and gas under the North Sea in 1969 transformed the Norwegian economy, turning the country into Europe's largest oil producer. Today Norway is self-sufficient in energy, and exports most of its oil and natural gas to the rest of Europe. Norway is the home of skiing. During the snowy winter months, the most efficient way for many Norwegians to travel is on skis. Annual ski festivals are popular events, as is the sport of cross-country skiing.