World’s tallest living man unveils world’s largest gingerbread man cookie in Norway

Tallest man unveils largest cookie in Norway

Norway: Kidnapped journalist, interpreter released in Afghanistan

Norway: Kidnapped journalist freed in Afghanistan

Norway’s foreign minister says sharp focus must be placed on improving Afghan government

Norway official: Afghan government must improve

Norway joins Canada in seeking WTO help in settling trade dispute over EU seal hunt ban

Norway seeks WTO help in disputed EU seal hunt ban

Norwegian oil company Statoil sells shares in US Gulf of Mexico holdings to China’s CNOOC

Statoil partners with China in Gulf of Mexico

Rival Somali pirates, militias fight for custody of British couple, say commander, elder

Rival Somali groups fight over British couple

EU force: Suspected Somali pirates exchange fire with Norwegian navy off African coast

Suspected Somali pirates clash with Norwegian navy

19-year-old Norway student wins Monopoly World Championship in Las Vegas; takes home $20,580

LAS VEGAS — A lucky swap and some eager building propelled a 19-year-old Norwegian student to the top of board game fame and sent three would-be tycoons to the poor house at the Monopoly World Championship in Las Vegas.

Scan the neighbors in Scandinavia: Who’d release private tax data? A Norwegian would

OSLO — It’s the moment nosy Norwegian neighbors have been waiting for — the release of official records showing the annual income and overall wealth of nearly every taxpayer in the Scandinavian country.

EU officials warn cod is closer to disappearing from key European fishing grounds

BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive body is calling for sharp cuts in the amount of cod fishermen can catch next year, pointing to estimates that the fish is close to extinction in some major fishing areas around Europe.

80’s pop sensation a-ha to call it quits after 2010 world tour

OSLO — Norwegian pop band a-ha says it plans to call it quits at the end of 2010.

Nobel jury speaks out in defense of Obama prize, calls critics patronizing

OSLO — One judge noted with surprise that President Barack Obama “didn’t look particularly happy” at being named the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Another marveled at how critics could be so patronizing.

AP Newsbreak: Nobel jury defends decision to give Obama the peace prize, expected criticism

OSLO — Members of the Norwegian committee that gave Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize are strongly defending their choice against a storm of criticism that the award was premature and a potential liability for the U.S. president.

Winter cruises: Bundle up and try Norway and the Arctic Circle instead of the beach

NEW YORK — Most travelers who book winter cruises are trying to escape the cold weather by heading to Mexico or the Caribbean. But the expedition cruise company Hurtigruten is betting that some travelers will bundle up to experience the unique wildlife, culture and scenery of Norway above the Arctic Circle.

Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize in vote seen as encouraging his promise of diplomacy, disarmament

OSLO — The announcement drew gasps of surprise and cries of too much, too soon. Yet President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday because the judges found his promise of disarmament and diplomacy too good to ignore.

Monumental decision on selecting Peace Prize winners falls to 5 Norwegians

There are four women and one man on the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Members are elected by Norwegian lawmakers so the panel reflects the political makeup of Parliament. The five members are:

Answers to some of your questions about the president’s Nobel Peace Prize surprise

Why did President Barack Obama win the Nobel Prize? Does it have something to do with Afghanistan? Is the Nobel meant to reward accomplishments, or encourage future actions? What will the president do with the big cash prize?

Obama awarded Nobel Peace Prize in stunning decision seen as early vote of confidence

OSLO — President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.