1. Scandinavia
November 12, 2007

2. Journal # 11 Norse Culture
Describe creation stories from other cultures that are similar to the Norse creation myth and point out the similarities.

3. Scandinavia Made up of 5 countries Norway Sweden Finland Denmark
Iceland

4. History and Culture
Historically known for its fierce Viking sailors and warriors who raided the shores of Europe
Now known for its modern economies and high standards of living

5. History and Culture Most Scandinavians are Protestant Lutheran
Scandinavian languages are closely related except for Finnish
It’s similar to Hungarian and Estonian
All have democratic governments

6. History and Culture Lapland
Stretches through northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland
Mainly tundra and populated by Lapps, or Sami, as they call themselves

7. Settlement Patterns
Most Scandinavians live in southern parts of their countries where it’s warmer
Healthy, well educated populations with long life spans and low birth rates
Slow growing, urban populations
Most people live in or around capitals

8. Greenland and Iceland
Greenland is not really green – 85% is covered by a thick ice cap
Icy interior is uninhabitable – cannot support human life and settlements
People only live on southwestern coast
Vikings founded settlements in Greenland
They attracted settlers by describing it as full of vegetation and mild climates
Settlements died out in 1400s
Greenland is now a self-governing territory of Denmark

9. Greenland and Iceland
Iceland – most people live along narrow coastal plains because interior is uninhabitable
Greener than implied
Most people live near the capital
Tremendous geothermal energy because of volcanic activity
Hot water from geysers (hot spring that shoots water in the air) used to heat homes

10. Economy Denmark one of European Union’s most prosperous countries
High-tech industries and export-oriented economies help maintain high standards of living

11. Economy
Finland
Now a manufacturing country
Produces advanced telecommunications equipment, cell phones, and computer software
Sweden produces automobiles, cell phones, aircraft, and industrial robots

12. Economy
Commercial agriculture, especially dairy and meatpacking, important in Danish economy
Paper and wood products produced in Sweden
Forests cover half the country

13. Economy Fishing important in Iceland and Norway
Offshore oil and gas from North Sea makes Norway a rich country
Also uses hydroelectric plants that produce surplus of electricity which is exported

14. Economy
Sweden
Mix of capitalism and socialism (economic system in which the government owns and controls the means of producing goods)
Many industries remain privately owned
Government controlled businesses levied high taxes
Taxes pay for large system of government welfare services