 Facts about Norway
Norway is the northernmost country in Europe with its mainland extending from 58° to 71° North - a total distance of about 1750 km, or the equivalent of travelling from Oslo to Rome. The country's population density is only 14 people per square kilometre.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream If you compare the latitude of Tromsø (in Northern Norway) with the American continent, you will find that it is as far north as the northern mountain ridges in Alaska. Norway is the only country where you can get that far north, and even further, and still be able to live a normal life. It is all due to the Gulf Stream. In Northern Norway we have two winter months in which the sun never rises above the horizon, and two summer months in which the sun is above the horizon all the time. Due to the Gulf Stream it is possible to carry on agriculture further north in Norway than in any other country in the world. However, the growing season (days greater than 5 degrees Celsius or 41 degrees Farenheit) in Tromsø is only 140 days, while it is 232 days in Nebraska, USA. This you can experience during our pre-congress tour, which will be held in Lofoten in northern Norway. Arctic and sub-arctic conditions  The indoor period for livestock varies from around 200 to 260 days a year. All the disadvantages stemming from a harsh climate, long distances, a difficult topography, a low population density and a small-scale structure result in high costs and a low degree of competitiveness to world market prices. Less favourable areas are typical for most of the agricultural production areas. To make money out of small businesses in this setting, research and development is very important for the farmers. You will have the chance to meet some of the world’s leading scientists and some of the businesses developed with help from their research. | 
