Number of Croats in Norway and their immigration
It is estimated that about 2,000 Croats and their descendants live in the Kingdom of Norway.
According to the information of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Oslo there was a slight rise in the number of Croats in Norway, but it was not caused by immigration from Croatia but the fact that third generation of Croats in Norway was born.
First Croats immigrated to Norway in the fifties and early sixties of the 20th century as political emigrants-refugees (small groups of people), who left Yugoslavia because they opposed its political regime. The largest number of immigrants came in the late sixties and early seventies, mostly due to economic situation. A large group came from the area of Nova Gradiška. Majority of Croats came from Slavonia but also from Dalmatia, Hrvatsko Primorje, Hrvatsko Zagorje, Lika etc.
Croats settled in all big towns inNorway, but most of them in Oslo.
Status of Croats in Norway
There are no special laws on rights and responsibilities of immigrants. Foreign nationals have the same rights and are treated equally as Norwegian nationals. There are laws in force that regulate immigration process, acquisition of citizenship, as well as temporary and permanent residence and asylum.
Norwegian citizenship may be granted after living in the country for at least seven years. Language competence is also required. Norwegian Citizenship Act allows dual citizenship. It should be mentioned that Croatia and Norway have concluded the Agreement on social security.
Croatian associations and Catholic Missions
Croatian association was established in Oslo in 1989. It had a very important role during the Croatian War of Independence by providing humanitarian aid. Besides Croatian association, there is a Cultural Association Zrinski i Frankopan and Norwegian -Croatian friendship society.
Croatian Catholic Mission is active in Oslo. Masses are held in the Croatian language in Askim and Moss every week or every second week.
Croatian classes and courses of the Croatian language
There is Croatian School within Croatian community in Oslo. School has been financed by Croatian Ministry of Science and Education. Classes are held twice a week. There is one teacher who teaches around 40 students..
Croatian language and literature has been taught at the University of Oslo.(not within the competence of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia).
Publishing and Media
Catholic Mission in Oslo publishes a newsletter “Listić”.