Norway is a diverse industrial society with a free market economy and generally low trade barriers. It has little bureaucracy, clear laws and the "red tape" is not as significant as in other countries. Extensive use of computer technology in the public sector and simple and streamlined business rules are key reasons why it is easy to conduct business in Norway. In addition, Norway is generally included in the internal market of the EU as it is a party to the EEA (European Economic Area) Agreement and is also a member of EFTA; the European Free Trade Association.