The Sámi- and Finnish- speaking groups in the north are Norway's best-known ethnic minorities, but the gypsies and the so-called taters (a group related to the gypsies) have been a permanent component of Norwegian society for hundreds of years.

Since the 1980s important demographic change has taken place in Norway. The country, in particular the larger metropolitan centres, is becoming increasingly multicultural. For statistical information please see the section on Population and for information on developments in cultural policy in this area please see Recent cultural policy. For an overview of the history and culture of the Sámi people, please click on the link.

Cultural policy makers have been working to integrate ethnic minority art forms into the mainstream, so that throughout this Cultural Profile there are organisations which can be said to be working with culturally diverse communities and their arts.

Use the navigation bar on the left to read more about ethnic culture in Norway or make direct contact with organisations and individuals working in this sector through our KEY CONTACTS database.