Rotarian Clark Merkley speaks about his experiences in Norway

On January 15, 2025, the Utah Valley University Rotaractors joined Orem-Lindon Rotary Club members in hosting Clark Merkley and his wife, who shared their remarkable experiences during their missionary trip to Norway. Their journey, filled with extraordinary service and unforgettable moments, provided valuable insights into the country's culture, social dynamics, and natural beauty. Here are some highlights from their presentation during the Rotary Club dinner at Outback Steakhouse.

Clark and his wife began their presentation by deep diving into Norway’s social and cultural landscape, which stood out for its high quality of life and progressive policies. Norway is known for its safety, cleanliness, and modern infrastructure. A significant factor in the country's wealth is the government’s ownership of the North Sea oil fields, which generates substantial revenue used to fund social programs and provide a basic income to all citizens.

The country, once very homogeneous, has evolved over the past 40 years to embrace refugees and immigrants from around the world. Recently, many immigrants have come from Syria, South Sudan, and Ukraine due to the impact of war in those regions. This cultural shift has brought diversity to Norwegian society, although the country remains grounded in its traditional values of honesty, hard work, and a strong sense of family.

Norwegians tend to live modestly. Despite the nation’s wealth, most homes are relatively simple, with very few large mansions. The wealthier tend to live in single-family homes, while those with lower incomes typically reside in apartments or parts of homes. The country also leads the world in electric and hybrid vehicle ownership, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental protection. Even though oil plays a major role in Norway's economy, citizens remain highly conscious of sustainability and the environment.

Rotarian  Sheryl  Merkley speaks about her experiences  as a missionary in Norway

The Norwegian people are characterized by their trust in local and national government. With over 15 active political parties, no one party holds too much power, ensuring cooperation among diverse political ideologies. This results in coalition governments that emphasize collaboration over partisanship.

Clark shared that Norway boasts a highly progressive tax system, where those with higher incomes contribute a larger portion of taxes. This system ensures that basic needs such as shelter, food, and healthcare are met for all residents. Remarkably, there are no homeless people in Norway unless individuals choose to live this way, and there is no issue of starvation or malnutrition.

Healthcare is essentially free for residents, though elective procedures may have long waiting periods. The sense of community is strong in Norway, with fewer instances of the rugged individualism seen in countries like the United States. However, the country is largely secular, with most Norwegians practicing little to no religion despite a societal foundation rooted in religious values.

Norway places a strong emphasis on education, with nearly all children participating in daycare or "children gardens" to develop social and learning skills. The country boasts an impressive literacy rate of over 99%. The educational system is of high quality and largely free for citizens, although international students must pay for tuition, which can be expensive due to the high cost of living.

Nevertheless, Norway attracts many international students, especially those willing to supplement their studies by working in industries like hospitality. The pay for these jobs is quite high compared to the United States, which can help offset the cost of living and education for international students.

Norway’s landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking. From majestic fjords and towering mountains to pristine forests, waterfalls, and wildlife, the country offers some of the most scenic views in the world. Clark shared his admiration for Lofoten, a series of islands with steep mountains, picturesque fishing villages, Viking museums, and stunning beaches.

Orem-Lindon Rotary Club members in the audience during the presentation of Clark and Sheryl Merkley

Other notable locations include Bergen, Stavanger, and Aalesund, which are famous for their stunning fjords and seaport towns. Oslo, the capital, is nestled at the end of a large fjord, surrounded by hundreds of islands, offering visitors a blend of cultural, governmental, and natural attractions.

The Norwegian "right to roam" law allows people to camp nearly anywhere, fish in any body of water, and explore the great outdoors freely. This law makes Norway a paradise for nature lovers, with backpackers and adventurers often spending weeks exploring the country’s remote areas, including birdwatching in the Lofoten archipelago.

 Clark and his wife’s missionary journey to Norway offered a unique perspective on a country that blends modernity with environmental consciousness, social welfare with progressive taxation, and natural beauty with strong community values. Their experiences highlighted not only the richness of Norway's culture and social structures but also the personal fulfillment they gained from their service.

Their presentation provided a deeper understanding of Norway’s exceptional blend of tradition and innovation, which makes it one of the most admired countries in the world today.

About the author

Louyoko Nianza, hailing from the Congo, is currently pursuing his education in political science in the United States. With a deep commitment to fostering transformative leadership, Louyoko is the proponent of "smart-Africanism," a concept he envisions as the cornerstone for a new era of true leadership in Africa. His academic pursuits and innovative ideas aim to inspire and cultivate a generation of leaders dedicated to the advancement and prosperity of the African continent. Louyoko Nianza is a Visionary Rotaractor.