OSLO, Norway -- This year marks the 100th anniversary of the peaceful dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden, and Norway is observing its independence with a variety of festivals and cultural programs.

Festivals featuring free concerts and theatrical performances in squares and city streets will be held in Oslo June 3 to 13, Bergen June 14 to 19, Kristiansand June 15 to 26, Trondheim Aug. 1 to 6, and Tromso Aug. 16 to 21.

The Nobel Peace Center opens in Oslo on June 11, and the royal families from both Norway and Sweden will be present. The center will host exhibits about Nobel Prize laureates, lectures and meetings on conflict resolution.

Visit www.nobelpeacecenter.org for details on the center and www.norway.org, where you can click on "Norway 1905-2005" for information about the centennial.