Facts about Norway

But some worry that a “Norwegian disease” is developing through the use of an ever-increasing withdrawal from the fund each year. That amount — which reached NKr542bn ($54bn) this year — amounts to about a quarter of the government budget.

This year, it helped Norway boost contributions to Ukraine without having to cut spending elsewhere or raise taxes.

Spending on sickness and disability is the highest in the OECD group of rich countries, and four times the average. High-school dropout rates are well above the European average. Meanwhile, productivity growth has slowed, worrying policymakers.

Here is more from Richard Milne in the FT.