The Guardian praises Norway:
But in the space of just
seven days Norway has notched up two achievements that should attract
the attention and respect of all but the most prejudiced.
The
first was to be declared the best place in the world to live in a
survey by the United Nations. This accolade is no flash in the pan.
Norway has come first in this 177-nation survey for the past five
years, since it ousted Canada from top spot in 2001. More importantly,
it reflects Norway’s enviable ability to sustain the elusive
combination of economic prosperity (3.75% growth expected this year)
with a strong welfare state and a clean environment.
Well, yes, although I do find it a little odd that there is no mention of oil. I’ve heard that fully 20% of GDP comes from oil…and didn’t the oil price double this year? Might that have something to do with the growth? And the clean environment bit…..Exxon gets blamed for the CO2 emissions of the oil it sells….shouldn’t Norway be too?
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