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. And also 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 Jutland Peninsula and a number of nearby islands in the Norwegian, Baltic, Northern and Barents Seas are also included in the borders of Scandinavia.
Which countries are included in Scandinavia? Traditionally, only three states are reckoned to it: Sweden, Norway and Denmark. However, many geographers have a logical question: why is Iceland not part of the region? After all, she is more "Scandinavian" than Denmark.
Based on the foregoing, a more complete list of the countries of Scandinavia can be distinguished. And to some extent it correlates with the cultural and political concept of the “country of Northern Europe”. 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. What countries are included in it, we found out. But why did the region get such a name? The very word "Scandinavia" (Skandinavia) is borrowed from medieval Latin. For the first time, the name of this region is mentioned in the book “Natural History” by Pliny the Elder. It is curious that Europeans have long considered the Scandinavian Peninsula an island. It was only in the 11th century that Adam of Bremen suggested that there could be a land connection with him.
Climate and geography
The nature of Scandinavia is extremely diverse. It has everything: mountains, and swampy lowlands, and lakes, and rocky archipelagos. The famous Scandinavian fjords - narrow and deep sea bays amaze with their beauty and grandeur.
The climate in different parts of Scandinavia is not the same. So, on the west coast it is softer and wetter, with a large amount of 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 mainland.
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. This was primarily due to the climatic features of the region. The modern inhabitants of Scandinavia are considered the ancestors of the Germans, who penetrated the peninsula around the 14th century BC. The Scandinavian states have repeatedly united in 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 German group. Finnish language differs significantly from them, it is closer to Estonian.
It should be noted that all countries included in Scandinavia are characterized by a very high level of socio-economic development, for which economists have even come up with their own specific term - “Scandinavian socialism”. High taxes, a decent standard of living, the absence of sharp contrasts between the “rich” and “poor” and high life expectancy are the main features of these states. In the global ranking on the human development index (HDI), the countries of Scandinavia (except Finland) are in the top twenty.
Sweden
The Kingdom of Sweden is a state located entirely within the Scandinavian Peninsula. The fifth largest country in Europe. Today, about ten million people live in it. The capital of Sweden is the city of Stockholm.
Sweden is a country of innovation, high technology and skilled labor. In the second half of the twentieth century, from a rather poor agricultural state, in just a few decades, it managed to turn into one of the richest countries in the world. The formula of the “Swedish economic miracle” is simple: the export of our own natural resources (primarily forests and iron ore) and the parallel development of science-intensive industries.
5 most interesting and unexpected facts about Sweden:
- the country is a leader in the world in the production of bearings;
- a Swedish passport gives a person the opportunity to travel around the world without a visa;
- the country completely recycles all its garbage;
- 90% of the population in the country is fluent in English;
- in Sweden, any physical abuse of children is prohibited by law (including harmless spanking in a “soft spot”).
Norway
The Kingdom of Norway is a state that occupies the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In addition, he owns a number of adjacent islands (including the Svalbard 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 provides its own energy needs solely through hydropower. Non-ferrous metallurgy, timber, chemical and fishing industries are also very developed in the state .
5 most interesting and unexpected facts about Norway:
- "Do not like the Norwegian weather - wait 15 minutes" - this saying very accurately describes the country's changing climate;
- Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe;
- Norwegian children are incredibly beautiful;
- the level of connection of the population to high-speed Internet - 99.9%;
- 80% of Norwegians have either a boat or a boat.
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. The main export goods of Denmark: meat, fish, 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 stunning and delicious pastries;
- almost all stores in this country close at 5-6 pm;
- the most recognizable Danish brand is the children's designer LEGO;
- Danes love to ride bicycles.
Finally…
Scandinavia is a historical and cultural region in northern Europe. It usually includes three states. A complete list of Scandinavian countries includes Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. All these countries are characterized by high incomes, quality medicine and very low corruption.