Thanks to a well diversified economy, sound economic policies and - not least - its oil wealth, Norway remains the least risky of the Nordic nations. Low exposure to fiscal risks, a high current account surplus, low inflation and a high budget surplus all contribute to an enviably sound and resilient economy and low risk profile.
In terms of economic disparity, the Nordic countries are relatively homogenous and fare well, especially when compared with their western European peers. The Nordic economic and political model, with its high taxes and comprehensive social security systems, is clearly effective in dampening the European trend towards greater income and wealth inequality. The flip side of the coin, however, is the strong exposure to demographic shifts, such as an aging population, which makes pension and social security benefits at current levels unsustainable in the medium- to long run. An exception is Norway, which can use its sovereign wealth fund to fulfil its pension liabilities and social security obligations.
NOTE The risk bars indicate the world distribution of the particular risk, from the lowest scoring country to the highest. The lower the score, the lower the risk or exposure to the particular indicator (i.e. a lower score is always positive).
All data is sourced from Zurich Risk Room
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