Norway vs United States
Norway has a population of 5.6M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 60.7 times more populous than Norway. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 59.5 times larger than Norway's ($483.6B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 24.7 times larger than Norway's 386,224 km². Life expectancy in Norway stands at 83.1 years, 4.7 years higher than United States's 78.4 years.
NorwayUnited States| Population | -98.4%5.6M | +5965.9%340.1M |
| Area | -95.9%386,224 km² | +2366.2%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | -98.3%$483.6B | +5845.3%$28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | +2.7%$86,785.433 | -2.6%$84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | +6.0%83.1 yrs | -5.7%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -65.5%1.9 | +189.5%5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +10.5%4.6% | -9.5%4.2% |
| Capital | Oslo | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Norwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, Sami | English |
| Currencies | NOK (kr) | USD ($) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
United States is 60.7 times more populous than Norway, with 340.1M residents compared to 5.6M. Norway is a nation of 5.6M people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Norway averages 15 people per km² (sparse), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). United States has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Norway.
Economy Comparison
Norway is classified as a high-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 59.5 times larger than Norway's ($483.6B). Norway's GDP per capita of $86,785.433 is 210% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Norway are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in United States.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Norway is 83.1 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 4.7 years. Norway (83.1 years) is 11.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years. At 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, United States's infant mortality is 189% higher than Norway's 1.9.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 24.7 times larger by land area than Norway (386,224 km²). Norway shares borders with 3 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Norway spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Norway lies in Europe, while United States is located in North America. Norway is categorized within the Europe region (Northern Europe), whereas United States belongs to Americas (North America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Norway and United States is in population: Norway's 5.6M compared to United States's 340.1M represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Norway and United States is in GDP: Norway's $483.6B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Norway and United States is in land area: Norway's 386,224 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Norway's high-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Norway has a GDP per capita of $86,785.433, which is 1.0x that of United States ($84,534.041). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Norway is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
United States is 2.5x more densely populated than Norway (36 vs 15 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Norway's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Norway live an average of 4.7 years longer than those of United States (83.1 vs 78.4 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
United States's economy grew at 2.8% compared to Norway's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United States has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Norway or United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Norway's 5.6M. United States is 60.7 times more populous than Norway.
Which country has a higher GDP, Norway or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Norway's $483.6B. United States's economy is 59.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Norway and United States?
Norway has a higher life expectancy at 83.1 years, compared to United States's 78.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.7 years. Norway's life expectancy is 11.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Norway or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Norway's 386,224 km². United States is 24.7 times larger than Norway.
What languages are spoken in Norway and United States?
Norway recognizes the following languages: Norwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, Sami. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Norway or United States?
United States has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Norway's 3.1%. United States's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Norway's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.