Russia and Norway
The war in Ukraine has drastically reduced political cooperation and expanded sanctions. Even so, Arctic proximity requires management of maritime borders and shared fishery resources.
Analysis reviewed: 2026-10-07 · Indicators updated: 2026-10-07A land border and a sea needing rules
Russia and Norway are neighbors in Europe's far north and share operational interests in the Barents Sea.
The bilateral impact of the war in Ukraine
Norway applies restrictions to Russia in response to its war against Ukraine.
Fisheries cooperation that remains necessary
The agreement for 2026 set a total Northeast Arctic cod quota of 285,000 tonnes, 16% lower than the previous year's; Norway's share was 139,827 tonnes.
Bilateral indicators
Blank cells: data unavailable.
| Indicator | Value | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Goods trade | 316.69 M USD | 2025 · UN Comtrade / NOR |
| Goods: Russia to Norway | 266.51 M USD | 2025 · UN Comtrade / NOR |
| Goods: Norway to Russia | 50.18 M USD | 2025 · UN Comtrade / NOR |
| Services trade | ||
| Export share: Russia to Norway | ||
| Export share: Norway to Russia | 0.03 % | 2025 · UN Comtrade / NOR |
| Investment stock: Russia in Norway | ||
| Investment stock: Norway in Russia |
Definitions and sources
Trade adds both directions. Shares refer to the country’s total goods exports; investment is an accumulated stock, not an annual flow. Every figure retains the currency and period of its source. BEA positions are historical-cost estimates based on the immediate counterpart, not market values or investment by ultimate owner. ‘More than’ indicates a lower bound, not an exact amount. A recorded stock does not establish new activity or authorisation to operate under sanctions.
- Goods trade
- 2025 · UN Comtrade / NOR · Goods; full year; reporter NOR. Exports normally FOB and imports CIF according to the reporter's coverage. Mirror reports are not added together.
- Goods: Russia to Norway
- 2025 · UN Comtrade / NOR · Goods; full year; reporter NOR. Exports normally FOB and imports CIF according to the reporter's coverage. Mirror reports are not added together.
- Goods: Norway to Russia
- 2025 · UN Comtrade / NOR · Goods; full year; reporter NOR. Exports normally FOB and imports CIF according to the reporter's coverage. Mirror reports are not added together.
- Export share: Norway to Russia
- 2025 · UN Comtrade / NOR · Goods share: exports from NOR to the partner / exports from the same reporter to the world, same year.
Country comparison
Period and source beside each figure · est. = estimate by the stated institution.
| Indicator | Russia | Norway |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal GDP | 2.59 trillion USDIMF est.2025 · IMF | 530.76 billion USD2025 · WB |
| GDP per capita | 17,972.12 USDIMF est.2025 · IMF | 94,594.19 USD2025 · WB |
| GDP growth | 1 %2025 · WB | 1.09 %2025 · WB |
| Policy interest rate | 14 %2026-09-11 · CBR | |
| Inflation · annual average | 8.72 %Annual average · 2025 · WB | 3.06 %Annual average · 2025 · WB |
| Inflation · latest year-on-year figure | 6.33 %Year-on-year · Aug. 2026 · CBR | |
| Unemployment | 2.13 %ILO est.2025 · WB | 4.64 %ILO est.2025 · WB |
| Budget balance (% of GDP) | -3.9 %IMF est.2025 · IMF | 9.3 %IMF est.2025 · IMF |
| Gross public debt (% of GDP) | 17.2 %IMF est.2025 · IMF | 45 %IMF est.2025 · IMF |
| Current account balance (% of GDP) | 1.68 %2025 · WB | 13.97 %2025 · WB |
| Population | 143,997,000IMF est.2025 · IMF | 5,610,8702025 · WB |
| Area | 17,125,190 km²2023 · BM / FAO | 624,500 km²2023 · WB |
| Military expenditure | ||
| Military expenditure (% of GDP) |
Definitions, dates and sources
Blank cells are not zero. Average annual inflation and the latest year-on-year figure appear in separate rows: they are not the same measure. Every annual indicator retains its reference year; when the years differ, the figures are identified as not directly comparable. When a figure is unavailable from the World Bank, an annual IMF estimate is used and identified as such. The latest year-on-year figure is the latest official release verified as of 7 October 2026. This includes advance releases marked as provisional. Mexico may have a fortnightly figure before the full month is published; it is not automatically compared with a monthly figure. The publication date is retained in each source’s details; it does not replace the observation period or the annual average. Policy rates carry their own dates and represent different instruments. Spain and France share the ECB rate. Balances are positive for surpluses and negative for deficits. The IMF may use fiscal years; unemployment retains each source’s definition (ILO estimates, IMF WEO or PCBS), as stated in the details. For Palestine, debt and the fiscal balance cover central government and retain the PCBS definition; they are not presented as consolidated general government. These are economic magnitudes, not measures of relationship quality.
For Russia, GDP, population and GDP per capita are estimates from the same IMF (WEO) dataset for 2025. The per-capita figure published by the IMF is used, rather than a calculation of our own. The earlier World Bank series could not be reconciled and are not mixed with this dataset. Review: 2026-10-07. IMF data terms of use0
Area retains each source’s territorial coverage; it does not determine sovereignty or effective control. Canada uses an archived national geographic reference. Military expenditure retains the 2024 SIPRI sample distributed by the World Bank: the amount and percentage of GDP use that same definition, which differs from NATO’s. It is not an approved budget or a 2026 figure. Information from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Military expenditure database · Terms of use0
Indicators reviewed: 2026-10-07. Each source retains its original access date; this review does not turn all the data into 2026 observations. Figures may be revised.
- Nominal GDP
- Current USDRussia: 2025 · Nominal GDP in current USD · IMF — World Economic Outlook · IMF est. · IMF estimate (WEO). GDP, GDP per capita and population for this country come from the same WEO query for 2025; no separate GDP-per-capita figure has been calculated.Norway: 2025 · World Bank · Official World Bank series. Observation year, not download date.
- GDP per capita
- Current USD per personRussia: 2025 · Nominal GDP per capita in current USD · IMF — World Economic Outlook · IMF est. · IMF estimate (WEO). GDP, GDP per capita and population for this country come from the same WEO query for 2025; no separate GDP-per-capita figure has been calculated.Norway: 2025 · World Bank · Official World Bank series. Observation year, not download date.
- GDP growth
- Annual real change (%)Russia: 2025 · World BankNorway: 2025 · World Bank · Official World Bank series. Observation year, not download date.
- Policy interest rate
- Central bank instrument (%)Russia: 2026-09-11 · Bank of Russia policy rate · Bank of Russia
- Inflation · annual average
- Average annual change in headline CPI (%)Russia: 2025 · Annual average change in CPI (%) · World BankNorway: 2025 · Annual average CPI change (%) · World Bank · Official World Bank series. Observation year, not download date.
- Inflation · latest year-on-year figure
- Headline CPI relative to the same period of the previous year (%); monthly or fortnightly frequency statedRussia: 2026-08 · Change in headline CPI from the same month of the previous year (%) · Bank of Russia · Published: 2026-09-16 · Year-on-year CPI. The commentary's 6.9% is annualised seasonally adjusted monthly growth and is not used here.
- Unemployment
- % of the labour force; definition used by the stated institutionRussia: 2025 · World Bank · ILO est.Norway: 2025 · ILO modelled estimate; percentage of the labour force · World Bank · ILO est. · Official World Bank series. Observation year, not download date.
- Budget balance
- General government (% of GDP)Russia: 2025 · IMF — World Economic Outlook · IMF est.Norway: 2025 · IMF · IMF est. · WEO general-government estimate, % of GDP. Not an observed balance for the current month.
- Gross public debt
- General government (% of GDP)Russia: 2025 · IMF — World Economic Outlook · IMF est.Norway: 2025 · IMF · IMF est. · WEO general-government estimate, % of GDP. Not an observed balance for the current month.
- Current account balance
- % of GDPRussia: 2025 · World BankNorway: 2025 · World Bank · Official World Bank series. Observation year, not download date.
- Population
- PeopleRussia: 2025 · Population from the WEO series; do not mix with a denominator from another source · IMF — World Economic Outlook · IMF est. · IMF estimate (WEO). GDP, GDP per capita and population for this country come from the same WEO query for 2025; no separate GDP-per-capita figure has been calculated.Norway: 2025 · World Bank · Official World Bank series. Observation year, not download date.
- Area
- Total area in km²; territorial coverage of the sourceRussia: 2023 · Total area, including inland waters; territorial coverage as defined by the source · World Bank · FAONorway: 2023 · World Bank · Official World Bank series. Observation year, not download date.
- Military expenditure
- Current USD per year; SIPRI series
- Military expenditure (% of GDP)
- Percentage of GDP; SIPRI definition, not NATO’s definition
Other data specific to this relationship
What they buy and sell
Documented selection, not an exhaustive list. Cells without a figure do not mean zero value; some products are identified without a verified amount.
Russia to Norway
Norway to Russia
How trade has changed
Billions of current USD · full calendar years
View chart figures
| Period | Total | Russia to Norway | Norway to Russia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,996 | 2,549.7 | 446.3 |
| 2022 | 2,007.7 | 1,774.7 | 233 |
| 2023 | 457.5 | 287.9 | 169.6 |
| 2024 | 293.5 | 224.9 | 68.6 |
| 2025 | 316.7 | 266.5 | 50.2 |
Connections between people
Restrictions distinguish tourism, other nonessential travel and certain exceptions. Fishing quotas or residual trade do not allow resident numbers or border crossings to be inferred. [3]
Residents, study and travel
Blank cells: data unavailable. Each measure retains its definition and period.
| Indicator | Value | Period / source |
|---|---|---|
| Residents from Russia living in Norway | ||
| Residents from Norway living in Russia | ||
| Study and training: Russia in Norway | ||
| Study and training: Norway in Russia | ||
| Academic stays: Russia in Norway | ||
| Academic stays: Norway in Russia | ||
| Travel: Russia to Norway | ||
| Travel: Norway to Russia |
What each figure measures
Residents are counted by nationality and the coverage of the stated register, not as people born in the other country or as new arrivals in one year. PERE includes dual nationals and people born outside Spain. Study with OPT and stays carrying academic credit are different measures. Travel may include several visits by the same person; FRONTUR arrivals require an overnight stay, whereas the Canadian survey includes day visits. These figures are neither added together nor automatically compared across directions.
Mobility data added or reviewed: 2026-10-07. Reference periods may be earlier.
Underlying ties
History, institutions and long-standing issues.
A land border and a sea needing rules
Russia and Norway are neighbors in Europe's far north and share operational interests in the Barents Sea. After decades of negotiation, they signed the maritime delimitation treaty on September 15, 2010; it entered into force on July 7, 2011. Besides delimiting areas, it includes cooperation on resources and possible deposits crossing the line. The treaty resolved an important territorial issue but does not require friendly political relations in all areas. Its continuity allows neighboring rules and sea management to be separated from decisions on sanctions and European security. [1]
The bilateral impact of the war in Ukraine
Norway applies restrictions to Russia in response to its war against Ukraine. On March 27, 2026, it incorporated a new set of measures aligned with the European Union's nineteenth package, on energy, finance, services and circumvention prevention. Lists of individuals, entities and vessels had also been incorporated. These restrictions have specific effects on transactions and services and cannot accurately be summarized as an absolute ban on any contact between citizens. Maritime delimitation and some technical mechanisms remain separate from economic restrictions, which require consulting the current text before a transaction. [2]
Restricted entry and family exceptions
From May 29, 2024, Norway tightened entry for Russian citizens traveling for tourism and other nonessential reasons, including some journeys with visas issued by other Schengen countries. The official document identifies exceptions for certain visits to close relatives and other essential reasons. The restriction is not an indiscriminate nationality-based prohibition of all entry circumstances. For border communities, changes affect everyday visits and travel; for businesses, they add to transport and transaction rules. The profile describes the published framework and does not replace individual checks of requirements. [3]
The scale of the two economies
Russia's reference nominal GDP is 2587.9 billion USD in 2025, compared with 530.8 in 2025 for Norway. The reference populations are 144 million (2025) and 5.61 million (2025), respectively. In the same year, Russia's nominal GDP was 4.88 times that of Norway. The figures contextualize market size; they do not in themselves describe well-being, individual wealth or political influence. IMF estimates or demographic extrapolations retain their markings in the table. A ratio is not calculated when the periods do not match. [6] [7] [8] [9]
Recent developments
Recent developments and latest available data · Reviewed: 2026-10-07
Fisheries cooperation that remains necessary
The agreement for 2026 set a total Northeast Arctic cod quota of 285,000 tonnes, 16% lower than the previous year's; Norway's share was 139,827 tonnes. These are permitted quotas, not observed catches. The discussions were affected by the inclusion of two Russian companies on restrictive lists, according to Norway, but concluded with an agreement. An IMR–VNIRO joint research program was also maintained. Conservation of populations crossing borders requires technical coordination even when political relations have deteriorated: fishing and general diplomacy do not necessarily evolve at the same pace. [4]
Observed economic exchange
In 2025, recorded goods trade between Russia and Norway totaled USD 316.7 million. Russia's shipments to Norway were 266.5 million USD; those in the reverse direction were 50.2 million USD. Norway's shipments to the partner represented 0.03 % of its goods exports to the world, using the same year and reporting country. A single customs declaration is used for both directions. This annual flow does not include all services activity or subsidiaries' local sales and is not added to accumulated investment capital. [5]
Milestones and consequences
- 2010-09-15
Delimitation treaty
The delimitation of the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean is signed. [1]
- 2011-07-07
Entry into force
Application of the maritime treaty begins. [1]
- 2024-05-29
Entry restrictions
Tourist and nonessential travel is tightened. [3]
- 2025-12-18
2026 fisheries agreement
Quotas and scientific cooperation are set. [4]
- 2026-03-27
New sanctions
Norway incorporates another package of economic restrictions. [2]
Sources and data
Periods and scope of the figures
Each figure retains its period, unit, definition and source. Announcements, contracts and results are not interchangeable. Empty cells do not mean zero. Customs data for 2025 are not presented as activity observed during later crises.
- Maritime delimitation in the Barents Sea
Government of Norway · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- New application of sanctions on Russia
Government of Norway · Institutional source · Document: 2026-03-27 · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- Entry restrictions and exceptions
Government of Norway · Institutional source · Document: 2024-05-23 · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- Fisheries agreement for 2026
Government of Norway · Institutional source · Document: 2025-12-18 · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- Annual TOTAL X/M; 2025; reporter 579; partners 0,643
UN Comtrade / NOR · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- Official statistics
IMF — World Economic Outlook · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- NY.GDP.MKTP.CD; ISO and reference year; no military dataset expansion
World Bank · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- Official statistics
IMF — World Economic Outlook · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- SP.POP.TOTL; ISO and reference year; no military dataset expansion
World Bank · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- HS2 03; 2025; reporter 579; partners 643; X/M; annual goods
UN Comtrade / NOR · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- HS2 84; 2025; reporter 579; partners 643; X/M; annual goods
UN Comtrade / NOR · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- HS2 27; 2025; reporter 579; partners 643; X/M; annual goods
UN Comtrade / NOR · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
Additional sources on products and human connections
- UN Comtrade / NOR
2026-10-07 · Accessed: 2026-10-07 · HS2 03; 2025; reporter 579; partners 643; X/M; annual goods.
- UN Comtrade / NOR
2026-10-07 · Accessed: 2026-10-07 · HS2 84; 2025; reporter 579; partners 643; X/M; annual goods.
- UN Comtrade / NOR
2026-10-07 · Accessed: 2026-10-07 · HS2 27; 2025; reporter 579; partners 643; X/M; annual goods.