Norway has a new passport and it is the most beautiful in the world!
Norway is the most democratic country in the world according to the latest Democracy Index and holds this title no less than since 2010.
Furthermore, according to the World Happiness Report 2020, it is the fifth happiest country in the world (after Finland, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland).
It is also a clear example of sustainability and boasts, among many other things: of its Nordic diet, of hosting one of the ends of the world and now, of having one of the most beautiful passports (if not the most).
Designed by Neue Design Studio , based in Oslo, new norwegian passports show illustrations of the country's landscapes changing under ultraviolet light and they make us want to travel between fjords and enchanted forests.
The colors nod to the Norwegian flag
NORWAY LAUNCHES PASSPORT
Neue Design Studio won the design contract for the new Norwegian passports with a concept that explores its fascinating landscapes.
The aim of the competition was to develop “a unique concept with a widely recognizable theme and high-quality functional design” , they explain from Neue Design Studio.
The winning concept and theme would be based on several criteria: “have a clear expression of Norwegian identity, be creative and innovative, as well as maintain traditions and remain relevant for many years” ; in addition to having high functionality and universal design and appearing as a high-value document.
Neue Design Studio has been in charge of the design of the new Norwegian passports
NATURE AS A LINK OF UNION
The main objective was to increase the security of Norwegian passports, identity cards and travel documents, but "A very important aspect was also that the passport had a solid base with the Norwegian people", they point out at Neue Design Studio.
“The design should create a sense of belonging and connection between ages, genders and regions in Norway. Therefore, it was important to look at our historical base and what in Norwegian culture creates a sense of belonging”, they explain.
And what is one of the elements that creates those feelings of belonging? Nature: "is, and has always been, part of our history" they say.
The Norwegian passport: simplicity and style in equal parts
“The landscapes that surround us give a sense of belonging and pride, and fulfill a symbolic function for the entire nation”, expose. And while landscape images can easily become clichés, being Widely accepted and deeply rooted in Norwegian culture, they are also very easily identifiable.
Furthermore, for Norwegians, nature is more than just a beautiful landscape: "It provides us with rich fishing, clean hydroelectric power and many other industries," they point out.
Through the use of illustrations from different places in the wide Norwegian panorama, from north to south, Neue Design Studio wants to show the contrasts in landscapes and climates that shape the country, offering opportunities and resources, places for recreation and settings for important historical events.
A northern lights in the passport
SEVENTH IN POWER, FIRST IN DESIGN
After winning a public contest launched in 2014, the final version of the passport, by Neue Design Studio, arrives after six years working on the development of the design, not only of passports, but also of personal identification cards.
The result? An incredible landscape on each page that also changes color under ultraviolet light , passing from a diurnal environment to a nocturnal one.
According to the 2020 Henley Passport Index, Norway's passport is the seventh most powerful in the world and with it you can enter 185 countries without a visa.
The list of the most powerful passports tops it Japan , followed by Singapore (second place); South Korea and Germany (in third place); Italy, Finland, Spain and Luxembourg (fourth place); Denmark and Austria (fifth place); Sweden, France, Portugal, the Netherlands and Ireland (sixth place).
Of course, we are clear that if it is about beauty and style, the Norwegian passport takes the gold medal.
Day gives way to night by putting it under ultraviolet light
A PASSPORT WITH NORTHERN LIGHTS
The outer cover of passports is colored red (regulars), blue (diplomatics) and white (emergency) , making clear reference to the flag of Norway, and include a simplified version of the shield and document name to which they correspond in gold tone.
Opening it, we find on each page a Norwegian landscape: mountains, lakes, rivers and even a northern lights. Illustrations also have a security function, as scenes change when exposed to ultraviolet light, as we already mentioned.
We know we can't change our passport but... We look forward to greeting the Northern Lights (live) soon!
Minimalist on the outside, full of landscapes on the inside