Freedom of Speech in Norway

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On the most recent list Reporters Without Boarders released in 2010, Norway was listed as tied for the number one spot for the country with the most freedom of speech (Press Freedom Index 2010). Since Reporters Without Borders has been compiling a list of the countries, ranking them from one to one hundred seventy-eight, for countries with the best freedom of speech; Norway has been tied for first in all years since 2002. It was only in 2006 that Norway lost its number one ranking and fell to being tied for the number sixth spot. Regardless of its fall to the number sixth place in 2006 (Press Freedom Index 2010), according to the information Reporters Without Borders has collected, Norway is one of the best countries in the world for freedom of expression. Looking at the demographics of the country, what other countries perceive Norway as, and why and how Norway became one of the countries with the best freedom of speech it’s easy to see why Norway has such a great ranking with Reporters Without Borders. The Norwegian constitution was laid down on May 17th, 1814. The first amendment states, “Norway is “a free, independent, inadvisable, and inalienable Realm” (The Constitution - Complete Text). Since the creation of this constitution Norway has led itself into being one of the freest places in the world.

A country that lacks diversity within its people that live there can allow for a more peaceful community. A country that has a lot of diversity could create tension between the people of that country therefore, freedom of speech may have to be limited because of more crime occurring because of too much freedom. Looking at the demographics of Norway is an excellent insight into their top ranking freedom of speech the country allows...

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...Norway all work for allowing Norwegian citizens to have a wide range of speech that other countries don’t or can’t allow.

Works Cited

"The Constitution - Complete Text." Forsiden - Stortinget.no. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. .

"Freedom of Expression Foundation, Oslo." Fritt Ord. Web. 11 Dec. 2011.

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"Norway." U.S. Department of State. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. .

"Norway Demographics Profile 2011." Index Mundi - Country Facts. Web. 11 Dec. 2011. .

"Press Freedom Index 2010." Reporters Without Borders. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. .

Skarstein, Vigdis. There Shall Be Freedom of Expression. Print.

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