Norway in Arizona
Summary:
AZ is the home to roughly 120,000 Norwegian-Americans (1.6% of the total population). The first Norwegian settlers came to Arizona in the early 1800s, some attracted by cheap farmland and some came to mine for gold, copper and other minerals. The 22nd Governor of Arizona (2009-2015), Janet Brewer, has Norwegian roots. Ping golf HQ is in Phoenix (and sponsor of Viktor Hovland), and was created by Karsten Solheim in 1959. His family still runs Ping today. All Norwegian F-35 fighter pilots train at Luke Air Force Base. Notable Norwegian business in Arizona: Nammo, Hydro, Ping, Alpha Financial Nordic, Norvision, Carbon Crusher, Desert Control (more below). We have 6 Norwegian Social Clubs scattered throughout our state.
Norway in AZ:
Norwegian-Americans: 120,000 (1.6% of AZ population)
Norwegian speakers: 597 (2020)
Norwegian Consulate – Phoenix (in Fountain Hills)
Jobs supported in AZ: 7,675 (2017)
Exports of goods from Arizona to Norway: $37.8M (2017)
Norwegian Clubs in AZ:
Source: zipatlas
Norwegian-American Services:
Fun Facts:
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Danica Patrick (AZ) is a Norwegian-American (half Norwegian) former professional racing driver. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel car racing—her victory in the 2008 Indy Japan 300 is the only win by a woman in an IndyCar Series race.
Karsten Solheim (1911 – 2000) was a Norwegian-American golf club designer and businessman, who founded PING Golf (HQ in AZ) in 1959.
– inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.
– received an “E” award from President Reagan in 1988.
– inducted into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame in 1991.
Norwegian Business in Arizona
