Oslo - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No. - Dec 2022
Gender equality is high. It seems South Asians, Persians, Arabs are not well-integrated or looked upon’s’d even Latin Americans seem to find it tough. - May 2021
Not to a large degree. - Jan 2020
Norwegians are not explicitly racist but it is easy for one to see that they feel superior to people of immigrant backgrounds and want them to know their place in society. It was disappointing to see little diversity among the Embassy personnel and the Oslo International School faculty despite Oslo having the highest share of immigrants in the country of over 30%. - Dec 2016
Probably - Norwegians like to think of themselves as very tolerant, but they are not necessarily interested in other cultures, etc. - I think many people would dislike having someone with a non-European background next door to them. I had an Indian friend whose Norwegian neighbors always complained about her cooking smells. Tiny Jewish population, no general understanding of Judaism. Probably no gender prejudices - dads share (almost) equally in child care, which is great. - Dec 2015
While openly an accepting society welcoming of all races and religions, there can be an undercurrent against immigrants, especially those not choosing to integrate fully into society. - Jun 2015
Not really - Oslo is nearly 30% foreign born. There is occasionally some tension with immigrants assimilating into society, but the government tries really hard to integrate newcomers. There have been recent tensions with the Roma that are ongoing. Having said that, Norway is a bit closed and it can take some time to get to know Norwegians. Language is really important in this regard to break the ice, but still some view foreigners with suspicion. - May 2013
No - overall it is a very tolerant society. - Aug 2011
Norwegians are reserved and have preconceived notions about Eastern Europeans and non-Norwegians -- or even 2nd/3rd generation Norwegians. Americans are relatively popular, especially since Obama's election. - Jun 2009
