The Nordic Countries

The Nordic Countries Five nations in the northernmost part of Europe make up the Nordic Countries. The 5 countries are: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland. These lands were first settled thousands of years ago.

The Vikings. The Nordic countries were influenced by the Vikings, seafaring Scandinavians who raided Europe from the 9th to 11th centuries. The Vikings were some of the world’s best sailors. They were also fierce warriors and pirates.

Sweden and Norway. Sweden’s History Norway’s History In the late 1000s, the Vikings converted to Christianity and settled down. Sweden then became a monarchy. Finland became part of Sweden in 1323 until 1809. Sweden was a great power, often battling other countries for more territory. Norway was also a monarchy after the Vikings stopped raiding Europe. Norway was under Sweden’s control in 1814. In 1905, Sweden recognized Norway’s independence. During the two world wars, both Sweden and Norway remained neutral.

Cultures: Sweden and Norway Swedes & Norwegians speak different languages (Swedish and Norwegian), but because of the similarities, they can communicate with each other. In Sweden, Finns make up the largest immigrant population whereas in Norway, immigrants come from all over. In both countries, there is a large population of Sami, whose traditional way of life includes herding reindeer. Most people in both countries live in urban areas.

Government: Sweden and Norway Sweden and Norway are both constitutional monarchies. The Prime Minister and Cabinet hold most of the power in both places. Both countries also have an ombudsman, who is a person responsible for investigating complaints against the government. Both places are welfare states. Welfare states provide a wide range of services to their citizens. For example, families with kids under 16 receive money to care for them. Retired workers receive good retirement and unemployment plans.

Economy: Sweden and Norway Sweden has a highly industrialized economy and also has a reputation for very modern design. Companies such as IKEA and H&M are two companies founded in Sweden. Norway took longer to develop manufacturing because it did not have enough energy resources to power factories. By 1900, Norway was able to use hydroelectric power from its rivers. Norway also has access to the North Sea oil.

Travel Guide: Norway Travel Guide: Sweden

Finland: History and Culture In 1155, Finland became part of Sweden. It remained under Swedish control until 1809, when Russia conquered Finland. Finally, in 1917, Finland gained independence. Because of the past, Finland's culture is strongly influenced by Sweden. Finland’s two official languages are Finnish and Swedish. About 3 out of 5 people live in urban areas. Snow is on the ground in Finland for about half of the year.

Finland: Government & Economy Finland is a democratic republic. The President and the Prime Minister share power. Voters elect the President, who then appoints the Prime Minister. In 2000, Finland elected its first female president, Tarja Halonen. Finland is also a welfare state.

Finland Travel Guide 

Sami herding reindeer.

History:Denmark and Iceland Viking raids on other countries shaped Denmark’s early history. Denmark’s power expanded during the late 1100s and 1200s. Denmark ruled over Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Denmark continued to rule over Norway until 1814. Iceland gained its independence in 1944

Culture: Iceland and Denmark Most people in Denmark (called Danes) have Danish ancestry, although some have origins in Germany. Icelanders are mainly of Norwegian or Celtic descent. Over 90% of the population in both countries live in urban areas. The language in Denmark is Danish; Icelandic in Iceland.

Gov’T and Economics Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. The Danish monarch has mostly ceremonial duties. The prime minister serves as the head of the government. Both countries are welfare states. Iceland is a republic, in which the people elect the president. The prime minster and cabinet perform most of the functions in Iceland. Denmark has a strong economy and is an EU member; Iceland gets most of its goods imported and is not an EU member.

Review Questions 1. What cultural characteristics do Sweden and Norway share? 2.How has Finland’s location affected its history? 3. Why is Iceland’s cost of living so high?