2. Map of the Nordic Nations

3. What do you notice about the geography of Northern Europe?

4. Physical Geography The mountains in Norway divide the peninsula into coastal regions. Deep fjords from glaciers cut into the rugged, rocky landscape and form many lakes, especially in Sweden and Finland. Sweden is the largest of the Nordic nations. Iceland is the westernmost European nation. Iceland is the “land of fire & ice”.

5. Climate Long winters and summers “Land of the Midnight Sun” Cold or cool climates –Why do you think it’s cold?

6. Economy Fishing (of course), farming, forestry, mining, manufacturing. Oil reserve in the North Sea Sweden has socialist economic aspects. Social welfare and education systems Denmark’s GDP per capita is 45,000 compared to the USA 47, 500.

7. History Denmark united the five countries for over 100 years. Because of the geography, Nordic people (Norden) have a history of relying on the sea. Vikings traveled all over the known world. Alfred Nobel (created dynamite) left his fortune to honor individuals who “benefited mankind”.

8. Not these Vikings…

9. Artwork of Viking Ship

10. Remains of a Viking Ship

11. Map of Viking Travels

12. Norway Iceland Denmark Sweden Finland

13. Influence on Identity Even though these countries’ histories and geographies have pushed them out toward the sea, the peoples’ identities remain locally-based.

14. Culture Many shared cultural traits Some of the highest standards of living in the world Closely related languages Protestant religion dominates Most of the population lives in the south Icelanders use first names & patronymics Finland claims to have the real Santa Claus

15. Norway Sweden Finland Denmark Iceland

16. Bumper Stickers Choose one of the five Nordic Countries (Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark). Draw a bumper sticker (that you put on a car) that advertises the country you chose. Write a few sentences on the back that explain why you drew your bumper sticker the way you did (what it says about geography & identity in that country). Show that you can be a critical thinker. You may use your textbook, atlas, or personal knowledge. Be ready to share your creations with others.