Which Scandinavian country is better? Northern European countries. Where are the Nordic countries located?
Which countries belong to Scandinavia? Where is this region located and why is it interesting? You will find answers to these and other questions in our article. As well as a complete list of Scandinavian countries. In addition, we will tell you about the main geographical, historical, cultural and ethnolinguistic features of this region.
List of Scandinavian countries
Scandinavia is a historical and cultural region located in the northern part of Europe. Its “geographical basis” is the peninsula of the same name with an area of 800 thousand square kilometers. In addition, the borders of Scandinavia also include a number of nearby islands in the Norwegian, Baltic, North and Barents seas.
What countries are included in Scandinavia? Traditionally, only three states are included in it: Sweden, Norway and Denmark. However, here many geographers have a logical question: why is Iceland not part of the region? After all, it is more “Scandinavian” than Denmark.
Based on the above, we can highlight a more complete list of Scandinavian countries. And to some extent it correlates with the cultural and political concept of “Northern European countries”. This list includes five states:
- Norway.
- Sweden.
- Finland.
- Iceland.
- Denmark (as well as its two autonomous regions - Greenland and the Faroe Islands).
All this is Scandinavia. We found out which countries are included in it. But why did the region get this name? The word “Scandinavia” itself is borrowed from medieval Latin. The name of this region was first mentioned in the book “Natural History” by Pliny the Elder. It is curious that Europeans for a long time considered Scandinavian. And only in the 11th century did Adam of Bremen suggest that there could be a land connection with it.
Climate and geography
The nature of Scandinavia is extremely diverse. There is everything here: mountains, swampy lowlands, lakes, and rocky archipelagos. The famous Scandinavian fjords - narrow and deep sea bays - amaze with their beauty and grandeur.
The climate varies in different parts of Scandinavia. So, on the west coast it is softer and wetter, with more precipitation. As you move north and east, it becomes drier and colder. In general, due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the climate of Scandinavia is warmer than at similar latitudes in other regions of the continent.
The highest air temperature in Scandinavia was recorded in Sweden (+38 degrees), as well as the lowest (-52.5 degrees).
Population and languages
Historically, the southern parts of Scandinavia were more populated than the central and northern parts. This was facilitated primarily by the climatic features of the region. Modern inhabitants of Scandinavia are considered the ancestors of the Germans, who penetrated the peninsula around the 14th century BC. The Scandinavian states have united more than once into various political unions. The most powerful of them was the Kalmar Union, which existed from 1397 to 1523.
5 most interesting and unexpected facts about Norway:
- “If you don’t like the Norwegian weather, wait 15 minutes” - this saying very accurately describes the country’s changeable climate;
- Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe;
- Norwegian children are incredibly beautiful;
- the level of population connection to high-speed Internet is 99.9%;
- 80% of Norwegians own either a boat or a motorboat.
Denmark
The Kingdom of Denmark is a state located on the Jutland Peninsula and 409 islands. It is washed by the waters of the North and Baltic seas. Population: 5.7 million people. The capital is the city of Copenhagen.
Denmark is a country with very high salaries, low unemployment, but high taxes. Leading sectors of the economy: mechanical engineering, metalworking, textile industry and highly developed livestock farming. Denmark's main export products are meat, fish, radio electronics, furniture and medicines.
5 most interesting and unexpected facts about Denmark:
- according to recent studies, the Danes are the happiest people on the planet;
- Denmark is famous in Europe for its amazing and delicious baked goods;
- almost all stores in this country close at 5-6 pm;
- the most recognizable Danish brand - LEGO children's construction set;
- Danes love to ride bicycles.
Finally…
Scandinavia is a historical and cultural region in northern Europe. Three states are usually included in it. The full list of Scandinavian countries includes Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. All these countries are distinguished by high income levels, high-quality medicine and very low corruption.
The four Scandinavian countries are located in the northwest. , and part of them occupy the entire territory of the Scandinavian Peninsula, which can be seen on the map. The southernmost one is located on the Danish archipelago and the Jutland Peninsula. is also a northern country whose descendants were immigrants from the territories of the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Location of the Scandinavian countries on the map
All these countries maintained close trade, economic and political relations, united by a common history, traditions and culture.
Traveling to these states is becoming increasingly popular. Their geographic proximity makes tours convenient, including by ferry from St. Petersburg, for Russian travelers.
The languages of the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark belong to the general Germanic group. Despite the fact that a third of the Finnish population considers Swedish to be their language, the country belongs to the Finno-Ugric language group.
The flags of the Scandinavian countries are united by a common image: a canvas crossed by cross-shaped lines. Made in different colors. The cross represents the four cardinal directions.
The flags of the Scandinavian countries are united by a common image: a canvas crossed by cross-shaped lines.
The Protestant religion, which predominates in these territories, has contributed a considerable share to the formation of the mentality, habits and foundations of the inhabitants of the countries. The concepts of the need for work, modesty and virtue became the main system of the state.
Population of states
The population of the Scandinavian states are the descendants of the ancient Germanic tribes, Vikings, Danes, as well as the ancient Sami people, or Lapps, living beyond the Arctic Circle.
Viking expansion. The colors indicate the areas of Viking settlement (from top to bottom in the inset): brown - 8th century, red - 9th century, orange - 10th century, yellow - 11th century. Lands that were raided are indicated in green.
Population of Scandinavian countries
The national minority is the Lapps.
Currencies of countries
The main currencies in the Scandinavian countries are the krone and the euro.
- Sweden - krona.
What does Swedish krona look like?
- Norway - Norwegian krone.
What does Norwegian krone look like?
- Denmark - Danish krone.
What does the Danish krone look like?
- Finland - euro.
An important influence is exerted by the warm Gulf Stream, which turns into the Norwegian Current.
The climate in Scandinavia is mostly temperate continental. The peninsula is located in two zones: temperate and subarctic. An important influence is exerted by the warm Gulf Stream, which turns into the Norwegian Current.
A maritime climate predominates in western Scandinavia, especially in Denmark and southern Sweden, along the western coast of Norway. In the central part the climate is humid, continental. Closer to the north it becomes subarctic and marine on the west coast.
The Scandinavian mountains shelter mild and humid air from the southwest, so northern Sweden does not experience much rainfall. The highest temperature recorded on the Scandinavian Peninsula: +38 0 C, the lowest: −52.5 0 C.
Temperature distribution over the year in Oslo
Average temperature conditions
State and political structure
The head of state in Sweden, Norway and Denmark is the king. The form of government of these states is a constitutional monarchy. Finland is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president.
- Sweden has 24 counties - counties. The royal title is inherited. The king's participation in governing the country is reduced to a ceremonial formality. The political system is enshrined in the 1974 Constitution. Actual power belongs to the parliament (Riksdag) and deputies. The executive branch is the Cabinet of Ministers.
Sweden has 24 counties - counties.
- Norway. The state is divided into 19 regions - counties, which are united into communes. The constitutional monarchy is enshrined in the Constitution of 1814. The king has full power, legislative and executive. Legislative power belongs to parliament (Storting).
Norway. The state is divided into 19 regions - counties, which are united into communes.
- The Danish kingdom is divided into 14 administrative units - amts. The constitutional monarchy is enshrined in the 1953 Constitution. In accordance with the law on succession to the throne, both male and female heirs have the right to the crown. The king has the highest political power in the country and government. Legislative power belongs to the king and parliament (Folketing).
The Danish kingdom is divided into 14 administrative units - amts.
- Finland is a mixed parliamentary republic. Divided into provinces headed by governors. The head of state is the president, elected by direct vote for a term of six years. He has broad rights in the legislative and executive branches.
Map of Finland, administrative divisions
Law in countries
The legal system of the Scandinavian countries is divided into two groups.
The first adheres to Danish and Norwegian law - these are Denmark, Norway and Iceland.
The second group is Sweden and Finland. The basis of law here is Swedish law.
All these territories lack the influence of Roman law and the unification of rights in family relations, contract rights and intellectual property.
Crime and corruption
Scandinavian countries have the lowest level of corruption and the highest level of citizens' trust in the government. The created model of general prosperity, absolute transparency of the tax system, protection of all layers of society are the result of state policy.
Crime in the Scandinavian countries is recorded at the lowest level. Homicides here are at a record low.
Crime rate in Sweden 2020
However, states have recently faced a global refugee problem. While crime rates are relatively low, the number of crimes motivated by racism and cultural-ethnic discrepancies is increasing.
Politics of the Scandinavian countries
State policy has a common “Scandinavian model”. The main value of society is the person. It is also a means of achieving the well-being of the state.
The political system is completely focused on state participation in the social sphere. The most important directions of the policy of a prosperous state are:
- Social programs to protect the population from poverty.
- Pension provision and insurance.
- Protecting public health and protecting children.
- Free education.
- Public housing.
All programs are financed through taxes and the state budget.
Economy
The economy of the Scandinavian countries is based not only on the equal distribution of all benefits between citizens, but also on the equilibrium influence of the market economy and government regulation.
Economic fundamentals include the following:
- The state plays a vital role in the economic and political life of the country.
- A policy towards employment is being pursued.
- A policy of equality based on gender, age, class, ethnicity, and family affiliation is being pursued.
- Availability of all social guarantees and benefits to all segments of the population.
The most important thing that is achieved by carrying out such an economic model is the maximum involvement of participants in the weaker and more vulnerable sections of society in the general labor market. Thus, social equalization of population strata occurs, which creates the preconditions for more effective development of the country's economy.
- . Has one of the highest income per person and taxes. The country has such natural resources as forest, water, layers of lead, iron, uranium and copper ores. The economic basis of the country's stability is the chemical, steel, iron ore and pulp industries. Mechanical engineering is of great importance. Sweden is a country focused on high technology and skilled labor. The development of high-tech technologies is intensive. It is an environmentally friendly state that completely recycles its waste.
Denmark - GDP per capita PPP, 2008-2018
- . The country has no mineral reserves, is geographically scattered, and has the lowest population density. There is a large deposit of zinc. Passenger and cargo shipbuilding, timber harvesting, and its further use for the production of high-quality paper have been developed. The factories produce various mechanisms, equipment for hydroelectric power plants and enterprises for the production of paper and logging. Telephones and other household appliances are popular. The country's economy depends on the development of all regions.
Finnish GDP, 2008-2018
Financial system
The financial system of the Scandinavian countries is focused primarily on social support from the state and public welfare as the basis for the prosperity of society.
The highest tax level is set here. With further redistribution of funds to the needs of vulnerable sections of society in the form of subsidies and compensation. Social services are free.
Most citizens work at state enterprises. This gives the highest rates of employment in the public sector of the economy and the level of citizens’ trust in the state. It also eliminates the budget deficit.
State-owned enterprises are active participants in the commercial market. They demonstrate high levels of profitability and competitiveness, including at the global level.
Sweden.
The Swedish financial model is based on state control over the redistribution of national income in accordance with the needs and requirements of society. This is done to achieve social equality of all citizens of the country.
The state actively provides assistance to the Swiss in the following cases:
- Unemployment.
- Providing public housing.
- Payment of monetary compensations and pensions.
- Providing free education.
- Medical care and quality healthcare (95% of institutions are public).
Norway.
The basis of the state's financial policy is a sufficient amount of internal resources and the absence of external debts. And this despite large expenditures on government and social needs. Has a surplus balance.
In Norway, thanks to oil exports, a special state institution has been created, which forms a budget consisting of excess profits received from oil exports. This reserve fund is formed for use in the future (in case of a decrease in oil production).
Denmark.
The Danish financial system is based on banks and insurance companies. The priority areas are social orientation, pensions and social insurance.
Finland.
The basis of the financial sector is subsidies and support for high technology. Most of the financial flows are invested in them. Research costs are among the highest in the world.
Due to the unprofitability of agriculture, the financial system regulates subsidies to sectors of the national economy.
Subsidies are provided to industrial enterprises operating for export.
As in other Scandinavian countries, the public sector accounts for a large share of enterprises.
Taxes
Taxes in the Scandinavian countries are among the highest in the world. In 1987, during the reign of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, taxes reached 87%. Half of the gross domestic product came from taxes levied.
Currently, tax rates in countries are:
- - 56 %.
- - 47 %.
- - 56%.
- - 49 %.
The high level of income tax is not objectionable. The reason for this is the fair redirection of all funds to extensive social programs.
Non-payment of taxes is considered a serious crime.
Tax Comparison Chart
A country Tax rates, % Personal income tax, progressive scale
Capital tax Corporate income tax Indirect taxes Sweden from 20 to 35 30 28 25 Norway from 12 to 28 — 25 25 Denmark up to 56 24,5 22 25 Finland from 6 to 36 18 and 28 26 24 Sweden.
Tax revenues to the Swedish budget (2009)
There are a large number of incentives for attracting capital and investment. This makes it possible to reduce tax rates.
Norway.
For oil companies, an “oil” tax of 50% is added to the base tax.
There are exceptions to the general VAT rate: food products - 11%; passenger transport, services in the field of film and television industry - 7%.
Social insurance is 19%, property tax is 33%, excise taxes are 31%.
Denmark.
All citizens of the state are required to pay income tax independently, and not through an employer. You can reduce your tax base by contributing to unemployment insurance, donating money to children, or paying child support. Loan payments, running a business on your own living space and other aspects are taken into account.
Danes pay property tax, inheritance tax, and gift taxes. Moreover, if it is a husband and wife, a child or a parent, the rate is 15%.
Retirement age in Scandinavian countries
Pension systems in the Scandinavian countries are considered the most reliable in the world. The state pension guarantees a living wage for its citizens.
Retirement age by country
To receive a decent pension in the country, you need to earn work experience and pay insurance premiums for voluntary, funded and distribution insurance. Cash deposits are kept in both public and private pension funds.
Norway.
The main task of the state pension system is to form the insurance part of the pension and provide social benefits. All financial savings of the pension fund are at the disposal of the central bank. About 9% of the fund’s profits go to the country’s budget and are redistributed to provide pension insurance and support social programs.
There is a unified State Pension Fund. Pension savings are mandatory. The basis of the Danish pension system is the benefit guarantee.
Consists of a social pension (basic), funded first level, quasi-compulsory, corporate pension plans and voluntary and individual third level schemes.
The pension is formed in two parts. Civil: the minimum funded portion is paid to all citizens; income - is formed by payments from wages. Different income pension amounts are established for men and women (it is smaller for women).
When assigning a pension, actual deductions from wages, age, social status, and marital status are taken into account. Housewives who have reached retirement age are paid a guaranteed minimum pension. If a pensioner continues to work, he is entitled to an additional 4%.
The pension amount is taxable.
- Sweden has 24 counties - counties. The royal title is inherited. The king's participation in governing the country is reduced to a ceremonial formality. The political system is enshrined in the 1974 Constitution. Actual power belongs to the parliament (Riksdag) and deputies. The executive branch is the Cabinet of Ministers.
Many people associate Scandinavia with fairy tales, pure nature, ski resorts, and chocolate. However, this concept contains much more meaning and can give travelers much more than just walking.
What is Scandinavia
Geographically, Scandinavia is a region consisting of four countries. All these countries belong to Northern Europe. They are connected not only geographically, but have a similar ethnic culture and similar languages.
Scandinavia
Scandinavian countries and their capitals. Location on the world map
Scandinavia includes Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.
Geographically, Scandinavia extends beyond the Arctic Circle, however, the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current, warms this area and softens the weather. It is thanks to this warm current that the Scandinavian mountains have an alpine tundra climate. Nature will delight travelers with lakes and ancient glaciers.
Scandinavia covers the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Jutland Peninsula and the adjacent islands of Gotland, Zealand and others.
Scandinavian Peninsula on the world map – located in the northwestern part of Europe
Sometimes Scandinavia is considered in a broader concept, including Finland and the North Atlantic islands, thereby bringing together the concepts of Scandinavia and the “Northern European Countries”. But in this case it is more correct to use the term Fennoscandia rather than Scandinavia.
Language
The languages of the countries belonging to Scandinavia are related to each other and are very similar. Most of the indigenous population consists of the ancestors of emigrant Germanic tribes who settled in what is now Denmark.
Opinions vary about which countries belong to Scandinavia. Some scientists include Denmark, Norway and Sweden in this group. However, other sources join this group in Finland and Iceland. Such a union is called the Nordic countries.
Term Scandinavia
The term itself appeared relatively recently, just a couple of hundred years ago. It was at that time, historians believe, that the idea was accepted that these countries had one common heritage.
The term is used by politicians, scientists and, of course, tour operators to designate Scandinavia and where it is located on the world map. Due to the fact that Scandinavia is spread over a fairly large area, its climate is very diverse. Tourists can find mountains, valleys and archipelagos in Scandinavia. In the east of this territory you can find lakes and hills, and in the south there are lowlands and river valleys. In the west and north you can enjoy mountainous terrain.
Scandinavia
The climate is completely different both in the north and in the west. It changes in two directions. If in the western part of Scandinavia the climate can be called maritime, then in the center the climate takes on a more continental character. In the north you can find a subarctic climate.
Thus, on the west coast tourists will encounter cool summers and warm winters, in the center of Scandinavia there will be warm summers and cold winters, while in the north there is practically no summer.
Sights of Scandinavia
Chernan Tower
This building is located in the Swedish city of Helsingborg and is its symbol. The city has a very rich and interesting history; the oldest mention of this city was found in the records of the first hundred of the second millennium. Literally translated, the name of the tower means core. The structure consists of brick, the volume of this tower is amazing: six tens of meters. The height of this ancient structure is more than eleven floors. In the tenth century, on the site of this tower there was a wooden structure, and already in the fifteenth century a stone tower was built.
Chernan Tower
Bunde Palace
The second place worth traveling for is also in Sweden. Bunde Palace is a small building with a laconic design. The light-colored walls and the contrasting roof are an indicator of conciseness and good taste. Now it serves to make fair decisions, in other words, this is the building of the Supreme Court of Sweden. The organization located in this building is the highest authority in the consideration of civil and criminal cases. The building itself appeared in the eighteenth century. It was officially erected in 1989. It was Gustav III, the ruler of Sweden, who founded the Supreme Court.
Bunde Palace
Previously it consisted of twelve judges. Nobles and ordinary citizens received the same number of positions. The king could vote last and could vote for two. In the nineteenth century, they increased the required number of judges to sixteen and slightly changed the requirements for them, namely now judges had to have a certain rank. It was in this building that a rather big event for the modern world took place. At the very beginning of this century, a woman was chosen as chairman.
Bunde Palace
Whirlpool Saltstraumen
The character of this place is natural, not made by man. Essentially, this attraction is a strong tidal current. What is attractive about him? This current is recognized by humanity as the strongest on the planet. In order to see the attraction, you need to come to the town of Bude, near which this natural phenomenon appeared. An unusual flow can be observed every few hours. The spectacle itself is mesmerizing: four hundred million cubic meters of water pick up speed up to four tens of kilometers per hour and flow through the strait. The latter cannot be called wide; its size is only one and a half hundred meters.
Whirlpool Saltstraumen
The whirlpools are simply huge: more than ten meters in diameter and half that size in depth. The strait connects the Sherstadfjord and Saltenfjord with the sea. It’s worth coming to this area not only for this amazing phenomenon; in this part of Norway you can go fishing; this area has long been famous for its skillful hunters who fished precisely in these troubled waters. In addition, water tourism is very developed here. Diving and surfing enthusiasts flock here. If you are interested in an interesting and educational vacation, you need to come here.
Whirlpool Saltstraumen
This attraction is located in the city of Gothenburg. What is a plus is that this city is not very popular with tourists, so you can not expect a lot of crowds and relax quietly. The Swedish East India Company appeared in the eighteenth century. It was created in order to establish trade with eastern countries using the sea. Now the East India Company building houses museums. At one time, this trading company allowed the city to quickly develop. With the help of her services, very rare and expensive goods from eastern countries, namely India and China, were brought to the city.
House of the East India Trading Company
The city was filled with porcelain, tea, and spices. These goods were sold primarily at auctions, which allowed them to be sold at a higher price. This attraction was not always owned by this company. In the eighteenth century the building served as offices. Thanks to its influence, the East India Company became an undisputed monopolist among similar companies. Now the building houses two museums: archaeological and historical. The museums themselves began to function in the eighties of the twentieth century.
Scandinavia is a geographical region located in northern Europe, on the peninsula of the same name.
The term “Scandinavia” is a general concept and is used as a synonym for the Scandinavian countries and the countries of Northern Europe, which includes three countries: Norway, Finland, Sweden, and at the same time also Iceland and Denmark, which look great on the world map.
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Classmates
These countries, with the exception of their close proximity, have a number of holistic advantages:
- cohesion;
- high level of well-being;
- growth of economic stability;
- relatively small population;
- peoples speak similar Scandinavian languages.
Small country
Norway is a small country, however, on the world stage, its navy ranks fourth. Norwegians are rightfully famous for their own shipbuilding. Most of the population is engaged in fishing, and also in logging. The country's capital, Oslo, is an industrial city and a major port. Norway is a monarchy (constitutional), including 19 provinces. Its main beauties are: the Viking Ship Museum, the Holmenkoln springboard, the Vigellan sculpture park, and the Kontiki Museum.
The wild nature and beautiful landscapes of Norway fascinate tourists with colorful fjords, glaciers, rushing waterfalls and valleys covered with luxurious flora.
Member of the European Union
Finland is a Scandinavian state in northern Europe, a member of the EU (European Union) and the Schengen Agreement, bordering the Russian Federation (RF), Norway and Sweden.
Finland, the “land of a thousand lakes,” does not have rich natural resources, but is famous for its forest and water resources. A significant part of the country - Lapland - is located beyond the Arctic Circle. The country is washed by the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, the coast of which is indented by shallow bays. The climate is temperate continental due to the warm Gulf Stream and the abundance of inland water bodies. A characteristic indicator of the nature of Finland is the polar night. The indigenous inhabitants are Finns and Swedes, religion is Lutheran. The population is about 5 million people.
No less significant for the country’s economy are natural reserves. And it's not just the forest that covers a large part of Finland. According to UNESCO, this country ranks first in the world in terms of groundwater quality. Here the natural springs are so impeccable that the tap water can be drunk without filtering or boiling. Currently, there has been dramatic progress in the export of Finnish drinking water. In addition, Finland has every chance to resume and speed up processes in the pulp and paper industry.
State has an excellent education system. The Finns have achieved enormous results in the development of telecommunications and methods of wood processing. In addition, they are dynamically promoting business in the northwestern area of the Russian Federation (RF). In accordance with this, studying in Finland can be the beginning for a diploma student to a successful career in a branch of one of the foreign companies in the Russian Federation.
Kingdom of Sweden
Sweden is a country, occupying the maximum part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The mountains of ancient folding (Scandinavian mountains) are rich in ore minerals. Steel produced from local iron ores is considered one of the best on the globe. There are a huge number of lakes in Southern Sweden, among them Venerna, and there is also a fertile hill, but the region of Småland is still the breadbasket.
Sweden - mostly one-national state With a population of approximately 9 million people, more than 90% of the inhabitants are Swedish. A temperate continental climate is the achievement of two circumstances: the entry of cold air from the Arctic and the entry of warm, humid air currents from the Atlantic.
Sweden is a monarchy (constitutional). Every year, the King of Sweden awards honorary Nobel Prizes to five of the world's most outstanding scientists and social activists. The country consists of 24 provinces. The capital of the country is the city of Stockholm, it has many attractions and museums, for example, the national one; ethnographic which is located in the open air; Vasa Museum; Milles Garden and Treasury.
It is also worth noting the fact that Sweden, which once dominated Northern Europe, has not taken part in wars for almost 190 years, maintaining political neutrality.
Sweden has a developed economic structure and high standard of living of the population. The following industries directly serve as the base:
- woodworking;
- pulp and paper industry;
- metallurgy;
- mechanical engineering and hydropower.
Sweden is considered a music exporter. For example, the popularity of the ABBA ensemble exceeded all expectations and broke all records in the history of pop music. It is impossible not to mention the children's fairy tale “The Kid and Carlson,” familiar to millions of children, written by the wonderful writer A. Lindgren.
Pearl of Scandinavia
Denmark - the pearl of Scandinavia, which occupies the maximum share of the Jutland Peninsula and a number of nearby islands, which includes Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
The management program includes 14 areas. The capital of Denmark is the city of Copenhagen, where the central tourist attractions are concentrated: a monument to the children's writer Hans Christian Andersen, the famous storyteller of the 19th century, the famous sculpture of the Little Mermaid, the Amalienborg palace complex (18th century), etc. By the way, it is worth noting that historical cultural monuments in Denmark date back to the 8th - 7th millennia BC.
Political system- a constitutional monarchy. The official language is Danish. Religion - Lutheranism. Ethnic groups: Danes, Frisians, Germans, Faroese.
The climate is temperate, smoothed by the North Atlantic Current. Denmark is a country covered with elevated hills.
Iceland. This country is located in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean, despite its circumpolar location, the climate is mild: on the coast the average temperature in January is from 0 to 2°C, in July - from 10 to 15°C. This is explained by the influence of the Gulf Stream, which prevents the island from transforming into an Arctic desert.
The basis of the economy is fishing and agriculture. The unique nature of Iceland is the most important asset of the Iceland, and state parks and the Haukadalur geyser valley, volcanoes and glaciers, waterfalls and fjords are its treasure. The city of Reykjavik is the capital, which is famous for: the Natural History Museum.
National Museum, monument to Leif Eriksson, etc. This look is complemented by gorgeous flora.
However, if you are planning to visit the Scandinavian countries on your own, then a car map (Garmin) will certainly help you.
Road map of Scandinavian countries for compatible Garmin navigators, contains detailed road maps and memorable places for your device, where you can move without problems, note, the language is Russian: with the right tips, turn-by-turn for every address, intersection, restaurant complexes, gas stations and much more, much more. Thus, Scandinavia (the Scandinavian peninsula) is a storehouse of historical and cultural values.
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September 29, 2017Which countries belong to Scandinavia? Where is this region located and why is it interesting? You will find answers to these and other questions in our article. As well as a complete list of Scandinavian countries. In addition, we will tell you about the main geographical, historical, cultural and ethnolinguistic features of this region.
List of Scandinavian countries
Scandinavia is a historical and cultural region located in the northern part of Europe. Its “geographical basis” is the peninsula of the same name with an area of 800 thousand square kilometers. In addition, the borders of Scandinavia also include the Jutland Peninsula and a number of nearby islands in the Norwegian, Baltic, North and Barents Seas.
What countries are included in Scandinavia? Traditionally, only three states are included in it: Sweden, Norway and Denmark. However, here many geographers have a logical question: why is Iceland not part of the region? After all, it is more “Scandinavian” than Denmark.
Based on the above, we can highlight a more complete list of Scandinavian countries. And to some extent it correlates with the cultural and political concept of “Northern European countries”. This list includes five states:
- Norway.
- Sweden.
- Finland.
- Iceland.
- Denmark (as well as its two autonomous regions - Greenland and the Faroe Islands).
All this is Scandinavia. We found out which countries are included in it. But why did the region get this name? The word “Scandinavia” itself is borrowed from medieval Latin. The name of this region was first mentioned in the book “Natural History” by Pliny the Elder. It is curious that Europeans for a long time considered the Scandinavian Peninsula to be an island. It was only in the 11th century that Adam of Bremen suggested that there might be a land connection with it.
Climate and geography
The nature of Scandinavia is extremely diverse. There is everything here: mountains, swampy lowlands, lakes, and rocky archipelagos. The famous Scandinavian fjords - narrow and deep sea bays - amaze with their beauty and grandeur.
The climate varies in different parts of Scandinavia. So, on the west coast it is softer and wetter, with more precipitation. As you move north and east, it becomes drier and colder. In general, due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the climate of Scandinavia is warmer than at similar latitudes in other regions of the continent.
The highest air temperature in Scandinavia was recorded in Sweden (+38 degrees), as well as the lowest (-52.5 degrees).
Population and languages
Historically, the southern parts of Scandinavia were more populated than the central and northern parts. This was facilitated primarily by the climatic features of the region. Modern inhabitants of Scandinavia are considered the ancestors of the Germans, who penetrated the peninsula around the 14th century BC. The Scandinavian states have united more than once into various political unions. The most powerful of them was the Kalmar Union, which existed from 1397 to 1523.
Norwegian, Swedish and Danish are generally mutually intelligible. Linguists attribute them to the northern branch of the Germanic group. The Finnish language is significantly different from them; it is closer to Estonian.
It should be noted that all countries included in Scandinavia are distinguished by a very high level of socio-economic development, for which economists even came up with their own specific term - “Scandinavian socialism”. High taxes, a decent standard of living, the absence of sharp contrasts between “rich” and “poor” and high life expectancy are the main features of these states. In the global ranking of the Human Development Index (HDI), Scandinavian countries (except Finland) are in the top twenty.
Sweden
The Kingdom of Sweden is a state entirely located within the Scandinavian Peninsula. The fifth largest country in Europe. Today it is home to about ten million people. The capital of Sweden is the city of Stockholm.
Sweden is a country of innovation, high technology and a skilled workforce. In the second half of the twentieth century, from a fairly poor agricultural state, in just a few decades it managed to turn into one of the richest countries in the world. The formula for the “Swedish economic miracle” is simple: export of its own natural resources (primarily timber and iron ore) and the parallel development of knowledge-intensive industries.
5 most interesting and unexpected facts about Sweden:
- the country is the world leader in bearing production;
- a Swedish passport gives a person the opportunity to travel without visas almost all over the world;
- the country completely recycles all its garbage;
- 90% of the country's population speaks English fluently;
- In Sweden, any physical violence against children (including harmless spanking on the “soft spot”) is prohibited by law.
Norway
The Kingdom of Norway is a state occupying the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In addition, it owns a number of adjacent islands (including the Spitsbergen archipelago). The capital of Norway is the city of Oslo. The population is 5.3 million people.
Norway is Europe's largest oil and gas producer. At the same time, the country meets its own electricity needs exclusively through hydropower. The state also has a very developed non-ferrous metallurgy, forestry, chemical and fishing industries.
5 most interesting and unexpected facts about Norway:
- “If you don’t like the Norwegian weather, wait 15 minutes” - this saying very accurately describes the country’s changeable climate;
- Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe;
- Norwegian children are incredibly beautiful;
- the level of population connection to high-speed Internet is 99.9%;
- 80% of Norwegians own either a boat or a motorboat.
Denmark
The Kingdom of Denmark is a state located on the Jutland Peninsula and 409 islands. It is washed by the waters of the North and Baltic seas. Population: 5.7 million people. The capital is the city of Copenhagen.
Denmark is a country with very high salaries, low unemployment, but high taxes. Leading sectors of the economy: mechanical engineering, metalworking, textile industry and highly developed livestock farming. Denmark's main export products are meat, fish, radio electronics, furniture and medicines.
5 most interesting and unexpected facts about Denmark:
- according to recent studies, the Danes are the happiest people on the planet;
- Denmark is famous in Europe for its amazing and delicious baked goods;
- almost all stores in this country close at 5-6 pm;
- the most recognizable Danish brand - LEGO children's construction set;
- Danes love to ride bicycles.
Finally…
Scandinavia is a historical and cultural region in northern Europe. Three states are usually included in it. The full list of Scandinavian countries includes Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. All these countries are distinguished by high income levels, high-quality medicine and very low corruption.