Which European country has Oslo as its capital?

Norway is the European country whose capital is Oslo. Located at the head of the Oslofjord on Norway’s southern coast, Oslo is both the country’s political centre and its most populous city.

The city’s history reaches back to the Viking Age. It was founded around 1040 and became an important trading settlement under King Harald Hardrada in 1048. Oslo was made a capital around 1300 under King Haakon V, although its status and name changed during later unions with Denmark and Sweden.

A major fire destroyed the medieval city in 1624. King Christian IV ordered a new settlement built near Akershus Fortress, and it was named Christiania after him. The city gradually resumed the name Oslo, which became official in 1925. In 1948, Oslo merged with the surrounding municipality of Aker, greatly expanding its boundaries.

Oslo is home to Norway’s national government, parliament and royal institutions. A common mix-up is confusing Oslo with Bergen, Norway’s historic maritime city and former medieval capital.