The healthcare sector in Norway faces many of the same issues as other countries. Expensive new technologies, higher demand and an aging population have created overcrowded conditions in many areas. During the past 15 years, the country has focused much attention on improving the quality and availability of both primary and specialized healthcare. The government has actively recruited doctors and nurses and expanded the number of pharmacies that serve the public. In some cases, compensation has been increased to attract Norwegian workers to the sector, as well as trained medical professionals from other countries. Recent figures show that 12.5 percent of physicians come from other countries. However, a shortage of healthcare workers still exists, particularly in pediatric mental health and psychiatry. There also is a need for dentists and long-term care nurses – and for healthcare workers willing to work in remote parts of the country.

Increasing healthcare costs are beginning to take a toll on the hospital sector. Hospital reforms instituted in the past five years have put additional financial pressure on these institutions, causing layoffs among some providers and a round of hospital mergers.

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete Norway guide.