Norway’s extraordinary wealth as one of the world’s richest countries is a source of both pride and debate, with views divided over whether it is a blessing or a burden.
In the wake of King Harald’s passing, attention turns to the state of the Norwegian economy and the management of its vast riches. Øystein Olsen, former governor of Norges Bank and member of OMFIF’s advisory council, joins David Marsh, chairman of OMFIF, to discuss his new book, Our Rich Country (Vårt Rike Land), co-authored with Eivind Thomassen.
The discussion covers Norway’s sovereign fund, its oil wealth and the argument that this abundance has contributed to stalled productivity. Olsen also sets out the case made in Our Rich Country, which offers a counterargument to Martin Bech Holte’s 2025 book The Country That Became Too Rich (Landet som ble for rikt).
