Since everyone deserves an annual vacation, the government reasons, it should pay for temporary workers to milk the cows so that farmers can get away. Welfare is not bashed here but celebrated by politicians of all stripes. Rather, it raised pensions and advocated cash payments to parents caring for infants. Norway serves up an amazing menu of entitlements. Disabled people receive specially equipped cars and wheelchairs to get around.
University education is free.
Maternity leave stretches for 42 weeks at full pay. Sick leave can last a year at full salary. What makes such generosity possible is North Sea petroleum. Norway is the world's No. 2 exporter of crude oil and No. 3 exporter of natural gas.