Latest news with #Norwegians
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘You might never get the opportunity again' – Hibs boss urges stars to relish sell-out Easter Road against Midtjylland
DAVID GRAY has urged Hibs to finish the job in front of a record Easter Road crowd tonight. Club chiefs confirmed more than 18,500 home fans will take in their Europa League crunch after last week's gutsy 1-1 draw with Danes Midtjylland in Herning. 3 David Gray in training with his Hibs squad Credit: Alamy 3 Hibs fans and their tifo for David Gray Credit: Andrew Barr Now Gray is desperately hoping his side can find the win they need to book a tie against Norwegians Fredrikstad. Hibs haven't lost at home since November, but asked if his message will be to not let down a bumper crowd, Gray said: 'Not so much. It's more not letting yourself down. 'You need to take a personal pride into it. These are the games, it's why you do it. 'You might never get the opportunity to do these things again. 'We're under no illusion that the task is going to be huge but go and enjoy it as well, you need to embrace it. 'It's been touched on, some of the big teams we've managed to beat at Easter Road. 'And this would certainly be right at the top of that list if we progress here. 'Since I've been at the club, this is as strong a connection with the fans as I've seen. They'll be right behind us. It's about constantly trying to improve. Can we keep getting better? I believe we will.' Midtjylland battered Sonderjyske 6-2 in the league on Monday. And as much belief as he has in his own team, Gray is also still wary of the Danes. He said: 'They score a lot of goals, they force you to defend a lot, they've got a lot of quality players, technical players, but also physical players. Legendary Mixu Paatelainen lifts lid on Jim McLean's brutal blast, infamous Walter Smith bust-up and his Hibs job regrets 'It's a tough challenge but I tell the players all the time, when you play Rangers and Celtic with their Champions League players, it's no greater test for you as a player than to try to test yourself against the best. 'I'm no different testing myself against a top-level coach to try to learn from the first leg.' Gray, who could have Aussie defender Lewis Miller back for Sunday's Premiership opener at Dundee, senses they have the backing of the whole of Scottish football. He said: 'Regardless of which Scottish clubs play in Europe, you want them to do well. 'The more of us getting further the better. It can only be good for the country and the league.' Gray, meanwhile, has accepted defeat in his bid to get Nectar Triantis back from Sunderland. But he added: 'I'll keep an eye out to see how he gets on and wish him all the best if it's not here. 3 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Time of India
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Top 10 countries that drink the most coffee per capita
Think you're a coffee lover? The Nordic countries are already five cups ahead of you, before noon. While most of us are nursing one or two cups a day, people in Finland are basically running on coffee. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now And it's not just a stereotype. It's science, stats, and survival. According to , Finland leads the world with a jaw-dropping 11.78 kilograms of coffee per person per year. That's about four cups a day. Not far behind are Sweden, Iceland, and Norway, proving that in the north, coffee isn't a treat, it's a lifestyle. So if you thought your daily brew was impressive, wait until you see which countries made the top 10 list. Spoiler: the colder the climate, the stronger the coffee game. The top 10 most caffeinated countries in the world (per capita) Rank Country Coffee Consumption (kg/person/year) 1 Finland 11.9 2 Norway 9.8 3 Iceland 9 4 Denmark 8.8 5 Netherlands 8.4 6 Sweden 8.2 7 Switzerland 7.9 8 Belgium 6.8 9 Canada 6.5 10 Austria 6.2 Top 10 countries that consume the most coffee Finland – 11.9 kg per person Finland isn't just winning in education and happiness indexes, they're also the undisputed global champs of coffee. The average Finn drinks about four cups a day, often more. Coffee is served at home, work, funerals, and yes, even after dinner. At this point, it's less of a beverage, more of a lifestyle. Norway – 9.8 kg per person Norwegians may love their nature and hiking, but not without a strong brew in hand. Whether you're in Oslo or the middle of a fjord, coffee is always brewing. Filter coffee is the norm here, and the caffeine game? Strong and steady. Iceland – 9.0 kg per person With barely four hours of daylight in winter, Icelanders don't just drink coffee, they rely on it for survival. Coffee here isn't just for warmth, it's for socialising, storytelling, and staying awake through the aurora borealis. Denmark – 8.8 kg per person Welcome to the home of hygge, where comfort is everything and coffee is essential. Danes treat coffee like a warm hug in a cup. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Always black, always brewed fresh, and usually served with cake. Honestly, they're doing it right. Netherlands – 8.4 kg per person Dutch people love their coffee straight-up and strong. Forget triple-shot caramel froth nonsense, this is a nation that respects the bean. Whether it's a quick koffie break or a long chat, coffee is always part of the plan. Sweden – 8.2 kg per person Enter the sacred Swedish tradition of fika, a daily coffee and pastry ritual that's more of a cultural event than a casual break. Work meetings pause, friends gather, and everything stops for coffee. Productivity? Somehow even better with a cinnamon roll in hand. Switzerland – 7.9 kg per person Precise, punctual, and polished, Swiss coffee culture is all about quality. They prefer espresso-style drinks and take their coffee seriously. Bonus points: you'll rarely find bad coffee in Switzerland. Everything tastes like it was brewed by a watchmaker. Belgium – 6.8 kg per person Sure, they're known for waffles and chocolate, but Belgians also know their way around a cup of joe. Coffee is a staple of both daily life and dessert time, usually served with a little sweet treat because, well, it's Belgium. Canada – 6.5 kg per person Canada may be chilly, but their coffee culture is warm and thriving. From massive Tim Hortons cups to indie café culture in Toronto and Vancouver, coffee fuels everything from hockey games to harsh winters. Yes, they say 'sorry' a lot, but never for needing caffeine. Austria – 6.2 kg per person In Austria, coffee isn't rushed, it's an experience. With a café tradition dating back centuries, Austrians take their time, sip slowly, and pair their coffee with deep conversations and even deeper cakes. You don't just grab coffee here, you dress up for it. What's fueling the caffeine in these countries? A few things stand out across the top 10: Long winters and chilly weather = more hot drinks, more often. Strong café culture, especially in cities like Helsinki, Oslo, and Amsterdam. Social rituals like Sweden's fika or Finland's kahvitauko (coffee break) are actually part of the workday. Also, these aren't latte-heavy cultures. Black coffee rules. It's not about sugar or foam, it's about staying warm, alert, and connected. If you thought your 2-cup-a-day habit was serious, meet the Finns, who treat coffee like a national sport. These rankings show how deep coffee runs in daily life, especially in the north. So whether you drink it for warmth, focus, or comfort, just know: somewhere in the world, someone's on their fifth cup... and it's probably snowing outside. Also read|
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- Extra.ie
Aer Lingus launches magical new winter route from Dublin
Aer Lingus is bringing a serious dose of winter magic to its upcoming schedule with the launch of a brand-new route from Dublin to Tromsø, Norway – one of the top spots on the planet to catch the Northern Lights in all their glory. Starting December 3, the airline will fly direct to Tromsø twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, with flights running through March 25, 2026. One-way fares start at €99.99, including taxes, charges and carrier-imposed fees. Aer Lingus cabin crew member Lauryn Hamilton pictured as the airline announces a new winter route from Dublin to Tromsø. Pic: Naoise Culhane It's also not just for Irish holidaymakers as the new route opens up a direct link for Norwegians looking to explore Ireland too. Tromsø is one of the world's best places to catch the Aurora Borealis or to take advantage of their '24-hour skiing' experience. Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus, said: 'Our new direct service from Dublin to Tromsø introduces Norway to the Aer Lingus network for the first time. 'This is a fantastic opportunity for our customers in Ireland to discover the natural beauty and unique experiences of Northern Norway this winter. 'The new route also offers the people of Tromsø and surrounding areas a convenient connection to Dublin and a chance to explore all that Ireland has to offer.' The destination is a great place to see the Northern Lights. Pic: Naoise Culhane Tromsø's appeal goes well beyond its light show with their famous Fjellheisen cable car whisking visitors up Mount Storsteinen for stunning views of the city and the iconic Arctic Cathedral. Just 12 km from the airport, Tromsø Alpinpark is ready to welcome 'skiers of all levels'. Ulv Elbirk from Avinor, the Norwegian airport operator, said they're expecting the route to attract not just Irish but also American visitors, giving Tromsø's tourism scene another boost. The new service is part of Aer Lingus' growing list of 'Coolcation' destinations which, as the name suggests, are cool in temperature but great for seeking adventure. Tromsø joins a busy winter lineup that also includes new routes from Dublin to Turin and from Cork to both Prague and Geneva.
Local Norway
24-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Local Norway
Gloomy office workers who love hiking: How Norwegians really live
The neighbouring Swedes think of Norwegians a little like Americans think of Canadians: cheerful to an unnerving degree, resolutely outdoorsy, but perhaps a bit on the simple side. They also see them, of course, as irritatingly and unjustly rich because of all that oil money. But while there are elements of truth to all this, the reality of the average Norwegian is a little different. Meet Anne and Jan Statistically, the average Norwegian woman is called Anne, although she also might be called Inger, Ingrid, Kari or Marit. The average Norwegian man is called Jan, although he also might be called Björn, Per, Ole or Lars. They are avid hikers Anne and Jan do indeed love to spend time outdoors. Fully 96.5 percent of Norwegians told a survey for Statistics Norway that they had participated in "outdoor activities" in 2024. The outdoor activity you are most likely to encounter Anne and Jan doing is hiking. Nearly 75 percent of Norwegians said they'd been hiking in the mountains or forests in 2024. Next up in their list of wholesome pastimes is swimming outdoors (69 percent), going berry picking or mushroom picking (47 percent), going on a boat trip (47 percent), country skiing (34 percent) and alpine skiing (21 percent). Anne and Jan are quite likely to be found tying up a bivouac out in the forest: an alarming 26 percent of Norwegians said they had actually slept outside in nature on at least one night over the preceding year. Advertisement The motivation for all this exertion isn't primarily fitness, with 68.6 percent of Norwegians saying their motivation for getting out into nature was "nature experiences", although 56.9 percent said fitness was part of the goal. Only 13 percent of Norwegians say they "never train", with 60 percent saying they exercise several times a week. As you might expect, all of that exercise doesn't leave that much time for culture, so neither Anne nor Jan are particularly enthusiastic about opera, ballet, or fine art. Only seven percent of Norwegians said they had seen an opera in the last year, in the most recent cultural barometer in 2023, and only 13 percent had seen a ballet or dance performance. The two of them are, however, willing to dip their toes into less highbrow culture: 65 percent of Norwegians said they had been to the cinema, 58 percent had been to a concert, and 38 percent had been to the theatre. They are not the cheeriest of the bunch While Swedes and Danes may see the average Norwegian as annoyingly chirpy, this is largely due to the sing-song rhythm of their language. Anna and Jan are in fact likely to be rather gloomy, at least compared to the rest of the Nordics. According to the annual ranking of self-reported happiness put together by Gallup World Poll, the average Norwegian ranks themself only 7.26 on a ladder of 0-10. While this may seem pretty happy, it only ranks them seventh in life satisfaction worldwide, with their neighbours in Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden bagging first to fourth place respectively The Finns, while perhaps less overtly positive, rated their life satisfaction at a giddy 7.74. Advertisement An office worker While you might think the average Norwegian spends their days out on an oil rig, a fishing trawler, or wrestling with sheep on the steep slopes of a fjord, you are most likely to encounter Jan or Anne in a shop, office, hospital or school. The most common job in Norway if you include part-time work is a sales assistant in a shop, followed by health worker. If you only include full-time roles, the most common job is "a higher-level case worker in public and private organisations". This is basically any desk job that doesn't involve managing other people. Anne is most likely to work as a primary school teacher. Not as rich as you might think... With an average monthly salary of 62,680 kroner for men and 55,280 for women, Anne and Jan are likely to be pretty wealthy, but their envious Danish friends across the Skagerak are actually a bit richer (and Denmark barely had any oil at all). Anne and Jan also, according to UNECE, earn less on average than the Swiss, the Luxembourgers, the Icelanders and the Americans (although you can bet none of these countries get quite as much from their governments). ...and maybe less educated Surprisingly Anne and Jan never went to university. Under 35 percent of Norwegians over the age of 16 have a university level education, meaning they are still slightly outnumbered by the 37 percent whose highest qualification is a school leaving certificate. Advertisement But a Tesla driver nonetheless Elsewhere in the world, driving a Tesla is a sign of wealth, but in Norway even average Joes like Jan and Anne are customers of the increasingly controversial Elon Musk. The Tesla Model Y is the most common car on Norway's roads. Getting older Jan and Anna are 40 (That's if you look at the median. If you look at the mean, they're 41.6). And although they're graying a bit, they still have fully half of their lives to go. The average man in Norway can expect to live to 82, and the average woman to 85, up from 80 and 84 just ten years ago. About three quarters of that time will be spent working, with the average age to start withdrawing old-age pension just under 66. Incidentally, this means it would be time for Norway's finance minister Jens Stoltenberg (66) to hang up his boots if he was an average Norwegian (which he obviously isn't). Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and opposing leader Erna Solberg, though, still theoretically have a year to go. Advertisement Shrinking families Jan and Anne are married and they have two children. Anne was 30 when she had her first child and Jan was 32, meaning Emma (the most common girl's name in 2015) is now ten and Jakob (the most common boy's name of 2017) is now 8. Most Norwegian families still follow what's called the "two child family norm", but fertility is starting to fall from over two children per woman in the 1970s to 1.44 in 2025. Just under 40 percent of men in Norway are married and just over 37 percent of women, meaning they just outnumber those who have never been married (37 and 35 percent). 53 percent of men and 50 percent of women have previously been married. Just over 51 percent of children live with married parents, 25 percent live with cohabiting parents, 22 percent live with only one parent. About 59 percent of Norwegians lived in families or shared households, and 41 percent of people lived alone. Cheese-eating hiking families When it comes to diet, Norwegians aren't generally seen as being that healthy, but in fact Anne and Jan's consumption of fruit and vegetables, at 85.4kg each a year, is slightly above average for the EU. Their consumption of bread (50kg), meat (45kg), and fish (11kg) are all about average for the EU. Their consumption of cheese, however, at 17.5kg, is quite high. When it comes to restaurant habits there is not much data, although statistics from the food delivery service Foodora back in 2020 found the meal Norwegians were most likely to order was a burger, followed by pizza, followed by sushi. They are also surprisingly abstemious. Only 40 percent of men drink alcohol weekly, and 28 percent of women, which is very slightly above the EU average. Advertisement Not as skinny as you might think Perhaps it's all that cheese, but despite the hiking, Jan and Anna aren't as skinny as you might expect. Just under 19 percent of Norwegians are classed as obese, which might look good next to the podgy Brits (27 percent), but cuts a bulkier profile next to the Swedes (15 percent), Danes (13 percent) and French (9.7 percent). The average Norwegian In short, the average Norwegian (Anne or Jan) is a nature-loving, moderately wealthy, somewhat under-educated office worker who hikes often, eats plenty of cheese, and drives a Tesla. They may not be quite as happy, cultured or rich as their neighbours assume, but they live long, quiet lives, raise small families, and spend a surprising number of nights sleeping in the woods.
Daily Record
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Hibs in Europa League driving seat as Jamie McGrath becomes instant hero against Midtjylland zeros
David Gray's side have everything to play for at Easter Road after an impressive 1-1 draw in Denmark Hibs put themselves in the Europa League driving seat after more than matching Midtjylland, writes Scott Burns in Denmark. Jamie McGrath made an instant impact with a debut goal but a second half leveller from Aral Simsir denied them a big statement win in the MCH Arena. Scotland's third best team went toe-to-toe with Denmark's second best. David Gray and his side can be proud of their efforts and will be looking to take full advantage of a sold-out Easter Road to finish off the job. Gray had said before the game that the goal is for Hibs to make the group stages for the first time. They couldn't have been given a tougher talk against the Danes who have Champions League experience and had previously taken out Ange Postecoglou's Celtic. Both sides know that whoever wins next week will go into the third qualifying round against the Norwegians FK Fredrikstad. The losers will drop into the Conference but Gray and his troops will be looking to finish the job they started and to continue their Europa League adventure. Here's five talking points from Denmark. No Gray areas for David It was pretty much in the same way as he got success last season. He stuck by his tried and trusted 3-5-2 formation. He also gave starting debuts to Jamie McGrath and Josh Mulligan. It would have been easy to play with one striker and sit in but that clearly didn't come into his thinking. Gray also opened up on the front foot and his side made the early running from the start, with Martin Boyle causing problems in behind. McGrath is an instant hero The summer signing joked before the game that he had some making up to do after he was part of the Aberdeen team that lifted the Scottish Cup and denied Hibs guaranteed group stage football. The midfielder made the perfect start as he opened his Hibernian account just seven minutes in. He curled in a free kick from the left and beat Joan Lossi at his near post. The keeper gave him a helping hand and then tried to drag it back over the line but the officials gave the goal and Hibs an early lead. Big chances and boos Midtjylland as expected tried to push Hibs back and launched every long throw into their box. The visitors stood up to everything and had the best first half chances. Kieron Bowie had a good chance but was shut down by Mads Bech and then fired over in a hectic but well-drilled first half from Hibs. So much so that Midtjylland didn't have a first half chance on target. Martin Boyle had the ball in the Midtjylland net again just before half-time. Bowie showed good strength to hold off his marker and play his fellow striker through but he had strayed offside. A VAR check backed the officials. He was denied his 100h his' performance was summed up as the home team trooped off to half-time to a chorus of boos. Much more from Midtjylland. It was no surprise to see Midtjylland come back out early and they were fired up. The home side were more direct and they started to test Jordan Smith. The backline stood up well but their stiff resistance was finally broken by a great free kick from Aral Simsir that may well have taken a deflection off the wall. Hibs then saw it out. The players, manager and coaching staff took a well-deserved bow in front of the celebrating end at full-time. Time to finish the job If they perform like they did in this game and with a big, vocal home support behind them there is no reason why not. They will have taken massive confidence from this game that they can compete with the experienced Danes. More than 1,000 Hibs fans played their part last night and a full house at Easter Road could get them over the line.
