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Why are most Nobel Prizes awarded in... | Almanac.com

Why are most Nobel Prizes awarded in...

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Why are most Nobel Prizes awarded in Sweden, but the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Norway?
Answer
There are several theories as to why Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist, engineer, and industrialist who founded the Nobel Prizes, tipped his hat to Norway for the Peace Prize. One theory is that when Nobel drew up his will, Norway and Sweden were united. He may have found more qualified experts to determine the prizewinners in Sweden but felt that Norway needed representation as well. Norway had developed an expertise in mediation, arbitration, and the peaceful solution of international disputes. Nobel also admired Norwegian literature and may have been influenced by one author, Bjornstjerne Bjornson, who was devoted to the cause of peace.