Facts about Scandinavian Countries

Ever heard about the Scandinavia countries? Well, this is the name given to the group of three popular European countries - Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. These three countries share similar historical and cultural-linguistic heritage hence, the three are coined into one term as Scandinavia Countries. 

This content will basically give you an imagination of exploring the Scandinavia countries and their neighboring islands. Priorly we will share facts about Scandinavia countries and also present the Scandinavia countries list. This will be informative and general knowledge content, hence without much ado let us get started.

What are Scandinavian Countries or Nordic Countries?

(Image will be uploaded soon)

Typically, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are called the three Scandinavian countries. Finland and Iceland are at times included in a broader definition of Scandinavian countries. Well, if, Finland and Iceland are included then all together they are called the Nordic countries. 

Hence, we can say the Scandinavian countries list only includes:  

1. Norway

2. Sweden

3. Denmark

They are the Scandinavian nations which are different than Nordic countries, but in this section, we will explore Finland and Iceland as well coming under Nordic countries. But before that let us know some interesting facts about Scandinavian countries.

Amazing Facts on Scandinavian Countries

Interesting facts to talk about these countries are as follows: 

1. The mountain range which actually divides the Scandinavian Peninsula is known as "Scands"

2. Norway, Denmark, and Sweden are respectively ranked in the first, second, and third place on the top of the global index measured in eight categories - economy, education, entrepreneurship & opportunity, governance, personal freedom, health, safety & security, and self-capital.

3. These are the countries that first uplifted the color of democracy and capitalism in European Society.

4. These countries have an outstanding culture of cooperation and a less competitive nature. This can be seen by comparing the relationship between all the private companies and the government in these nations. Also, the relationship between employees and employers in these countries works smoothly.

5. Sweden is known as one of the Scandinavian countries which rank as the world's best recyclers, and Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden is the second-largest hydrothermal cooling system in the entire world.

6. Norway is another Scandinavian country that has the world’s deepest underwater tunnel, measuring 287 meters deep.

7. The Flag of Denmark is said to be the world’s oldest flag. This flag was adopted in AD 1219 and this is still in use.

8. There are two existing language groups that have coexisted on the Scandinavian peninsula since ancient times, one is the North Germanic languages (that includes Scandinavian languages) and the other is the Sami languages. 

9. Major and popular languages on this peninsula are - Swedish and Norwegian, along with Danish, which is classified as Continental Scandinavian.

10. Also, they offer an excellent social safety net with the features like - universal healthcare, universal child support, universal unemployment insurance, and universal free access to education at all levels.

Where are Scandinavian Countries?

After the known names of the Scandinavian countries, it is time for us to know their location.  These countries are located in these countries - Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Also, via the geographical location, you can include Greenland, a Danish territory, and the Faroe Islands, a self-governing part of Denmark, in the list.

To Note: Finland and Iceland are not actually considered a part of Scandinavia geographically.

Norway – Sweden – Denmark 

Now in this section, we will individually know about these three countries and explore the places virtually. Let us travel now!

Norway

(Image will be uploaded soon)

The geographical structure of Norway varies hugely - from the high and mountain plateaus, they also have fjords which are carved out by the retreating and melting glaciers.

Here, it is noticed that some of the glacial ice remains on the higher ground. It also features a long-running coastline that extends 15000 miles or 25000 km, they are popular for the countless fjords and islands.

The climate of Norway is a little cold and wet than the rest of northern Europe. The place cannot be colder because of the warming effect of the Gulf Stream here.   

Norway has an economy that is driven by petroleum, gas, and energy industries, while shipping and fishing contribute equally to its economy. The seafood industry in this country is responsible for the country's second-biggest export category after the energy source.

Sweden

(Image will be uploaded soon)

(Image will be uploaded soon)

Although Sweden shares the vast peninsular area with Norway, yet it looks and feels quite different than Norway. The mountainous region which surrounds the western side of Sweden is structured as a flat structure and it is known for its huge number of lakes. The population of Sweden is approximately 10 million and this makes the country the biggest populated of the three Scandinavian countries. Maximum of Sweden's population lives in the southern part of the country, or they might stay around the major cities.

What Feeds the Country’s Economy?

The country’s economy is driven by the manufacturing industry, by the timber and energy source. Apart from this, the technology here is playing another pioneering role to contribute income in the Sweden economy. Here, tourism is also important as people around the globe are attracted to this beautiful place. 

Agriculture and farming activities are inactively done in this country. Nevertheless, the nation does produce plenty of barley, wheat, meat, and dairy products to feed as well as to export.

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is the biggest city in the entire Nordic region. Stockholm is called the seat of the Swedish government, as the highest court of the country operates here. Stockholm is also the center of culture, media, and business for the country. Many immigrants from far and near are attracted to the capital of this city with the hope of finding income-rich work and enjoying a more international style of living.

Denmark

(Image will be uploaded soon)

Lastly among the Scandinavian countries, we have Denmark. This country occupies the land which is known as the Jutland Peninsula which starts immediately to the Northern side of Germany. Denmark is the smallest country among the three Scandinavian countries.

The country is strikingly distinct from the northern countries, it is made up of low-lying flat plains. The highest point in the nation is merely 561 feet above sea level.  

Denmark's economy is very much modern having a high-tech agricultural sector with advanced manufacturing operations. This is home to world-leading companies in the field of pharmaceuticals, maritime, and terms of renewable energy. Also, this country is the net exporter of food, oil, and gas.

(Image will be uploaded soon)

The country is hugely populated with tourists, because of the modern featured Danish design. There was a boom in modern architecture in Copenhagen, one of the cities in Denmark. The city is regarded as the best-designed city in the entire world by Monocle magazine.

Nordic Region

Nordic nations like - Finland and Iceland are at times included as the Scandinavian nations in a broader definition of Scandinavia, but this is actually incorrect. The correct wider term is – Nordic region.

All the Nordic countries share many things commonly. Both Finland and Iceland use the Nordic cross flags and also share a certain extent of culture and history together.   Population in this place is just under 5.5 million people, and Finland has a similar population to that of Norway. The Capital city named Helsinki is the home to the 18th-century Suomenlinna sea which is the sea fortress, of the mega-hip Design District and a fascinating range of museums is also present here.

Now that you have explored Scandinavian countries virtually, which one you would like to pick up first as a destination tour in your next vacation? 

Apart from this, travelers are suggested to check the covid-19 protocols before paying a visit to these countries. Exploring these countries will be much better after you had known them, hence this content serves both general knowledge and tourism advice to the students.

Did You Know?

• Scandinavian country means a group of countries in Northern Europe. 

• The origin of the word “Scandinavia” was in the early 18th century as a result of the Danish and Swedish universities which shared the history, mythology, arts, and culture of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

• The base of the movement was Scania, also known as Skane. This is the southernmost province of Sweden, from which evolved the term “Scandinavia.”

• “Scania” and “Scandinavia” are considered to have the same etymology.