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 ethno-linguistic 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, B altic, North and Barents Seas.
Which countries are included in Scandinavia? Traditionally, only three states are included in it: Sweden, Norway and Denmark. However, here a logical question arises for many geographers: why is Iceland not part of the region? After all, it is more "Scandinavian" than the same Denmark.
Based on the above, we can select a more complete list of Scandinavian countries. And to some extent it correlates with the cultural and political concept of the "Nordic countries". This list includes five states:
- Norway.
- Sweden.
- Finland.
- Iceland.
- Denmark (as well as its two autonomous regions - Greenland and the Faroe Islands).
It's all Scandinavia. Which 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 the Europeans for a long time considered the Scandinavian Peninsula an island. And only in the XI century, Adam of Bremen suggested that there could be a land connection with him.
Climate and geography
The nature of Scandinavia is extremely diverse. Everything is here: mountains, swampy lowlands, lakes, and rocky archipelagos. The famous Scandinavian fjords amaze with their beauty and grandeur - narrow and deep sea bays.
The climate in different parts of Scandinavia is not the same. So, on the west coast, it is softer and more humid, with a lot 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 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 weremore populated than the central and northern ones. This was facilitated primarily by 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 these 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 Scandinavian countries have 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. Scandinavian countries (except Finland) are in the top 20 in the global Human Development Index (HDI) ranking.
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 20th century, it managed to turn from a rather poor agrarian state into aone of the richest countries in the world. The formula for the "Swedish economic miracle" is simple: the export of its own natural resources (primarily timber and iron ore) and the parallel development of high-tech industries.
5 most interesting and unexpected facts about Sweden:
- country is the world leader in bearing production;
- Swedish passport allows a person to travel without visas almost anywhere in the world;
- country completely recycles all its garbage;
- 90% of the population in the country is fluent in English;
- Swedish law prohibits any physical abuse of children (including harmless spanking on the “soft spot”).
Norway
The Kingdom of Norway is a state occupying the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In addition, he 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 provides its own needs for electricity exclusively 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:
- "if you don't like 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;
- level of connection of the population to high-speed Internet - 99.9%;
- 80% of Norwegians own either a boat or a speedboat.
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 B altic 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 animal husbandry. Denmark's main exports are meat, fish, radio electronics, furniture and medicines.
5 most interesting and unexpected facts about Denmark:
- Danes are the happiest people on the planet according to recent research;
- Denmark is famous in Europe for its amazing and delicious pastries;
- almost all shops in this country close at 5-6pm;
- the most recognizable Danish brand is LEGO kids;
- Danes love to ride bikes.
In conclusion…
Scandinavia is a historical and cultural region in northern Europe. It usually includes three states. The complete list of Scandinavian countries includes Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. All these countries are distinguished by high income levels, quality he althcare and very low corruption.
