Scandinavian countries
Scandinavia called a geographical region located in the north of Europe, on the peninsula of the same name. The term "Scandinavia" is an umbrella term and is often used as a synonym for Scandinavian and Nordic countries.
Geographically, Scandinavian countries include Sweden And Norway located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. However, traditionally, Scandinavia also includes Denmark With Iceland United with Sweden and Norway in language, history, culture, religion, economy and way of life.
Since the formation of the Scandinavian Council in 1952, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Nordic countries, Finland often considered as part of Scandinavia, uniting 5 states into a "single entity".
Each Scandinavian country is unique in its own way and is of great interest to travelers, striking and surprising with its natural beauty, history, culture and customs.
Tours to Scandinavia is a visit to five beautiful countries - Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland And Iceland .
Tours to Scandinavia are an excellent holiday, both in summer and in winter.
This amazing region is full of mysteries and fabulous landscapes. Scandinavian nature inspires creativity and gives a good rest. There are a huge number of mountains, lakes, waterfalls and forests. It is not at all surprising that a vacation in Scandinavia resembles a fairy tale in reality.
In Copenhagen you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient castles of Denmark, in Sweden you can stroll through the Stockholm National Park and walk through modern boutiques, compare old and modern Sweden, and in Finland and Norway you will have excursions to Helsinki, Oslo and other cities. And hot springs, waterfalls, icy rivers, active volcanoes - breathtaking and unique nature - you will see this in Iceland.
Tours to the countries of Scandinavia will not leave anyone without vivid impressions.
Sweden is world famous for its Volvo cars, its ice hotel in the north of the country, and the ABBA group. This country has many architectural monuments and recreational areas - lakes, stormy rivers, high mountains and small islands.
Denmark is the oldest kingdom in northern Europe. Despite the fact that the country is not located on a peninsula, it belongs to Scandinavia, all because Denmark is close to the Scandinavian culture.
Norway is a country of fjords and mountains, in the cities of which you can hear interesting legends about trolls and buried treasures underwater between the islands. Holidays in Norway are always successful, despite the weather, each season has its own unique charm. Arriving here in the summer, you can rediscover the country if you have already been here in the winter. This makes tourists come back here more than once and enjoy excursions.
Scandinavia is a historical region in Northern Europe characterized by a common North Germanic ethnocultural heritage and related languages.
This region consists of three kingdoms, and. Modern Norway and Sweden are located on the Scandinavian Peninsula, and modern Denmark is spread out on the Jutland and small Danish islands.
The term Scandinavia is usually used as a cultural definition, but it also refers to the geographical area - the Scandinavian Peninsula, which takes its name from the corresponding cultural-linguistic concept. The name Scandinavia is thought to have been derived from the former Danish, now Swedish, region of Scania. The designations Scandinavia and Scandinavian came into use at the end of the 18th century as designations for the three Scandinavian countries, where the Germanic population is predominant, languages and common culture are interconnected. Sometimes the term Scandinavia is also applied to the Faroe Islands and, mainly due to the position and long-standing historical ties.
For a long time, the southern regions are the most populated, mainly due to the temperate climate. Scandinavia extends beyond the Arctic Circle, but due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, that is, the warm ocean current, the weather for such latitudes is quite mild. Most of the Scandinavian mountains have an alpine tundra climate. There are many lakes, moraines and glaciers from the last ice age.
Ethnos
Danish, Norwegian and Swedish form a dialect continuum, and are known as a group of Scandinavian languages, all of which are mutually intelligible, although Danish is slightly closer to Norwegian. Faroese and Icelandic are sometimes referred to as insular Scandinavian languages, although in relation to the continental languages they are only understood to a certain extent. Finnish, Estonian, Sami and a few other smaller languages that have a small distribution in Scandinavia are related to each other, but do not overlap with the Scandinavian languages.
The vast majority of the human population of Scandinavia is a small-national population, whose ancestors migrated from several Germanic tribes and settled on the shores of modern Denmark.
In the scholarly literature, Scandinavia usually includes Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, but some often tourist-oriented sources also list Finland and Iceland, generalizing them to the Nordic countries.
Term
The use of the name Scandinavia as an umbrella term for the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden is relatively recent. According to some historians, the term was adopted and introduced in the eighteenth century, at a time when ideas about a common common heritage began to appear and develop in the early literature describing the relationship of the three countries.
The term Scandinavia was popularized and established as a unifying concept in the nineteenth century by Hans Christian Andersen's 1839 poem I am Scandinavian. After a visit to Sweden, Andersen became a supporter of Scandinavianism, which was emerging at that time. In a letter describing the poem and sent to a friend, Hans wrote: “I suddenly realized how close Sweden, Denmark and Norway are, and with this feeling, after returning from Sweden, I immediately wrote a poem: “We are one people, we are called Scandinavians!” .".
The term Scandinavia is often used in politics, so the most striking examples of this use are found at rallies in Finland. After all, for hundreds of years the country was subordinate to the Kingdom of Sweden, which brought part of its language, customs and culture into the way of life of the Finns. And such factors, as well as a close geographical position, quite allow putting Finland on the list of Scandinavian countries.
While the term Scandinavia is commonly used for Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the term Nordic or Nordic countries is used for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. Thus, Scandinavia can be considered a subset of the Nordic countries. In addition, the term Finnoscandinavia refers to Scandinavia, Finland and Karelia, but excludes Denmark and other overseas territories, because it has geographical restrictions.
Map of Scandinavia
Nature
The geography of Scandinavia is extremely diverse. Notable are the Scandinavian mountains, plateaus, low-lying valleys and archipelagos. The eastern part is dominated by hills with many lakes and moraines, the southern lowlands are cut by river valleys, and mountains are located in the western and northern parts.
The climate varies both from north to south and from west to east. The west coast is dominated by a maritime type of climate with cool summers and mild winters. Humid continental climate prevails in the central part, gradually turning into subarctic in the north.
National Geographic - Scandinavia
How to get there
When planning a trip across Scandinavia, it is important to draw up a complete itinerary and choose the start and end points of the trip. Usually such points are large cities with an airport and convenient communication with other places of the planned trip.
So, for Scandinavia, the most convenient starting point will be the capital of Denmark - Copenhagen, since it is the southernmost of the large cities, and from it it is convenient to plan the most complete route through the entire region with an end point in Helsinki, from which buses to St. Petersburg constantly run .
Tickets to Copenhagen from Moscow can be found within 4,000 - 10,000 rubles per person. And from the airport in the Danish capital to the city center can be reached in 15 minutes by public transport.
For many, Scandinavia is associated with fairy tales, pure nature, ski resorts, and chocolate. However, this concept takes on a lot more meaning and can give travelers much more than just walking.
What is Scandinavia
Geographically, Scandinavia is a region made up of four countries. All these countries belong to Northern Europe. They are connected not only geographically, but have a similar ethnic culture and similar languages.
Scandinavia
Scandinavian countries and their capitals. Location on the world map
Scandinavia includes Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.
Geographically, Scandinavia extends beyond the Arctic Circle, however, the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current, warms the area and moderates the weather. It is thanks to this warm current that the Scandinavian mountains have an alpine tundra climate. Nature will delight travelers with lakes and ancient glaciers.
Scandinavia covers the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Jutland Peninsula and the adjacent islands of Gotland, Zeeland and others.
Scandinavian Peninsula on the world map - located in the northwestern part of Europe
Sometimes Scandinavia is considered in a broader concept, including Finland and the islands of the North Atlantic, thereby bringing together the concepts of Scandinavia and "Countries of Northern Europe". But in this case, it is more correct to use the term Fennoscandia, and not Scandinavia.
Language
The languages of the countries belonging to Scandinavia are related to each other and are very similar. Most of the indigenous population are the ancestors of emigrants of the Germanic tribes who settled in what is now Denmark.
Opinions vary as to which countries belong to Scandinavia. Some scientists include Denmark, Norway and Sweden in this group. However, other sources add Finland and Iceland to this group. Such an association is called the Nordic countries.
The term Scandinavia
The term itself appeared relatively recently, only a couple of hundred years ago. It was at that time, historians believe, that the idea was accepted that these countries have one common heritage.
The term is used by politicians, scientists and, of course, tour operators to designate Scandinavia and where it is located on the world map. Due to the fact that Scandinavia is spread over a fairly large territory, its climate is very diverse. Tourists can find in Scandinavia both mountains and valleys and archipelagos. In the east of this territory, lakes and hills can be found, and in the south, lowlands and river valleys. In the west and north you can enjoy the mountainous terrain.
Scandinavia
The climate is completely different both in the north and in the west. It changes in two directions. If in the western part of Scandinavia the climate can be called maritime, then in the center the climate becomes more continental. In the north, you can find a subarctic climate.
Thus, on the west coast, tourists will meet with cool summers and warm winters, in the center of Scandinavia there will be warm summers and cold winters, while in the north there is practically no summer.
Sights of Scandinavia
Chernan Tower
This building is located in the Swedish city of Helsingborg and is its symbol. The city has a very rich and interesting history, the oldest mention of this city was found in the records of the first hundred of the second millennium. In literal translation, the name of the tower means the core. The construction consists of bricks, the volume of this tower is amazing: six tens of meters. The height of this ancient building is more than eleven floors. In the tenth century there was a wooden building on the site of this tower, and already in the fifteenth century a stone tower was built.
Chernan Tower
Bunde Palace
The second place worth traveling for is also in Sweden. The Bunde Palace is a small building with a laconic design. The light-colored walls and the roof that contrasts with them are an indicator of conciseness and good taste. Now it serves to make fair decisions, in other words, this is the building of the Swedish Supreme Court. The organization, located in this building, is the highest authority in the consideration of civil and criminal cases. The building itself appeared in the eighteenth century. It was officially erected in the eighty-ninth year. It was Gustav III, the ruler of Sweden, who founded the Supreme Court.
Bunde Palace
Previously, it consisted of twelve judges. Nobles and ordinary citizens received the same number of positions. The king could vote last and could vote for two. In the nineteenth century, the required number of judges was increased to sixteen and the requirements for them were slightly changed, namely, now the judges had to have a certain rank. It was in this building that a fairly large event for the modern world took place. At the very beginning of our century, a woman was chosen as the chairman.
Bunde Palace
Whirlpool Saltstraumen
The nature of this place is natural, miraculous. In fact, this attraction is a strong tidal current. What is attractive about it? This current is recognized by mankind as the strongest on the planet. In order to see the attraction, you need to come to the town of Bude, near which this natural phenomenon appeared. An unusual current can be observed every few hours. The spectacle itself is mesmerizing: four hundred million cubic meters of water pick up speed up to four tens of kilometers per hour and flow through the strait. The latter cannot be called wide, its size is only one and a half hundred meters.
Whirlpool Saltstraumen
Whirlpools are simply huge: more than a dozen meters in diameter and half of this size in depth. The strait connects with Sjärstad Fjord and Salten Fjord with the sea. It is worth coming to this area not only for the sake of this amazing phenomenon, in this part of Norway you can go fishing. This area has long been famous for its skilled hunters who fished just in these restless waters. In addition, water tourism is very developed here. Divers and surfers flock here. If you are interested in an interesting and informative vacation - you need to go here.
Whirlpool Saltstraumen
This attraction is located in the city of Gothenburg. What is a plus, this city is not very popular with tourists, so you can not expect a lot of crowds and relax. The Swedish East India Company appeared in the eighteenth century. It was created in order to establish trade with eastern countries using the sea. Now the building of the East India Company houses museums. At one time, this trading company allowed the city to develop rapidly. With the help of her services, very rare and expensive goods from eastern countries, namely India and China, were brought to the city.
Home of the East India Trading Company
The city was filled with porcelain, tea, spices. These goods were sold mainly at auctions, which allowed them to be sold at a higher price. This landmark was not always owned by this company. In the eighteenth century the building served as offices. Due to its influence, the East India Company has become an undisputed monopolist among such companies. Now the building houses two museums: archaeological and historical. Museums themselves began to function in the eighties of the twentieth century.
The four Scandinavian countries are located in the northwest. , and some occupy the entire territory of the Scandinavian Peninsula, which can also be seen on the map. The southernmost, located on the Danish archipelago and the Jutland peninsula. is also a northern country whose descendants were immigrants from the territories of the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Location of the Scandinavian countries on the map
All these countries maintained close trade, economic and political relations, united by a common history, traditions and culture.
Traveling to these states is becoming increasingly popular. Their geographical proximity makes tours, including those by ferry from St. Petersburg, convenient for Russian travelers.
The languages of the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark belong to the common Germanic group. Despite the fact that a third of the population of Finland considers Swedish their language, the country belongs to the Finno-Ugric language group.
The flags of the Scandinavian countries are united by a common image: a canvas crossed with cruciform lines. Made in different colors. The cross represents the four cardinal directions.
The flags of the Scandinavian countries are united by a common image: a canvas crossed with cruciform lines.
The Protestant religion, which prevails in these territories, has made a significant contribution to the formation of the mentality, habits and foundations of the inhabitants of the countries. The concepts of the need for work, modesty and virtue became the main system of the state.
State population
The population of the Scandinavian states are the descendants of the ancient Germanic tribes, the Vikings, the Danes, as well as the ancient Sami people, or Lapps, living beyond the Arctic Circle.
Viking expansion. The colors indicate the territories of Viking settlement (from top to bottom in the inset): brown - 8th century, red - 9th century, orange - 10th century, yellow - 11th century. Green indicates lands that have been raided.
The population of the Scandinavian countries
The national minority is the Lapps.
Country currencies
The main currencies in the Scandinavian countries are the krone and the euro.
- Sweden - crown.
What does the Swedish krona look like?
- Norway - Norwegian krone.
What does the Norwegian krone look like?
- Denmark - Danish krone.
What does the Danish krone look like?
- Finland - Euro.
An important influence is exerted by the warm Gulf Stream, which passes into the Norwegian Current.
The climate in Scandinavia is mostly temperate continental. The peninsula is located in two zones: temperate and subarctic. An important influence is exerted by the warm Gulf Stream, which passes into the Norwegian Current.
A maritime climate prevails in the western part of Scandinavia, especially in Denmark and southern Sweden, along the western coast of Norway. In the central part, the climate is humid, continental. Closer to the north it becomes subarctic and maritime on the west coast.
The Scandinavian mountains shelter soft and humid air from the southwest, so there is not much rainfall in northern Sweden. The highest temperature recorded on the Scandinavian Peninsula: +38 0 C, the lowest: -52.5 0 C.
Temperature distribution over the year in Oslo
Average temperature conditions
State and political structure
The head of state in Sweden, Norway and Denmark is the king. The form of government of these states is a constitutional monarchy. Finland has a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president.
- Sweden has 24 districts - Lena. The royal title is hereditary. The participation of the king in governing the country is reduced to a ceremonial formality. The state system is enshrined in the 1974 Constitution. The actual power belongs to the Parliament (Riksdag) and deputies. The executive branch is the cabinet of ministers.
Sweden has 24 districts - Lena.
- Norway. The state is divided into 19 regions - county, which are united in communes. The constitutional monarchy is enshrined in the Constitution of 1814. The king has full power, legislative and executive. Legislative power belongs to the Parliament (Storting).
Norway. The state is divided into 19 regions - county, which are united in communes.
- The Danish kingdom is divided into 14 administrative units - amts. The constitutional monarchy is enshrined in the 1953 Constitution. Under the law of succession to the throne, both male and female heirs are entitled to the crown. The king has the highest political power in the country and the administration of the state. Legislative power belongs to the king and parliament (Folketing).
The Danish kingdom is divided into 14 administrative units - amts.
- Finland is a mixed parliamentary republic. Divided into provinces headed by governors. The head of state is the president, who is elected by direct vote for a term of six years. He has broad rights in the legislative and executive branches.
Map of Finland, administrative divisions
Law in countries
The legal system of the Scandinavian countries is divided into two groups.
The first adheres to Danish and Norwegian law - these are Denmark, Norway and Iceland.
The second group is Sweden and Finland. The basis of law here is Swedish law.
In all these territories, there is no influence of Roman law and the unification of rights in family relations, contractual rights and intellectual property.
Crime and corruption
The Scandinavian countries have the lowest level of corruption and the highest level of citizens' trust in the government. The created model of general prosperity, the absolute transparency of the tax system, the protection of all sectors of society are the result of state policy.
Crimes in the Scandinavian countries are recorded at the lowest level. Murders are recorded here at a record low number.
Crime rate in Sweden in 2020
However, states have recently faced the global problem of refugees from. With a relatively low crime rate, the number of crimes motivated by racism and cultural and ethnic inconsistencies is increasing.
Politics of the Scandinavian countries
The policy of the states has a common "Scandinavian model". The main value of society is a person. It is also a means of achieving the welfare of the state.
The political system is fully focused on the participation of the state in the social sphere. The most important directions of the policy of a prosperous state are:
- Social programs to protect the population from poverty.
- Pension provision and insurance.
- Public health and child protection.
- Free education.
- Public housing.
All programs are financed through taxes and the state budget.
Economy
The economy of the Scandinavian countries is based not only on the equal distribution of all benefits among citizens, but also on the equilibrium influence of a market economy and state regulation.
The economic fundamentals include the following points:
- The state plays an important role in the economic and political life of the country.
- A course on employment of the population is carried out.
- A policy of equality is pursued by gender, age, class, ethnicity, and family affiliation.
- Availability of all social guarantees and benefits to all segments of the population.
The most important thing that is achieved by implementing such an economic model is the maximum involvement of participants in the weaker and more vulnerable sections of society in the common labor market. Thus, there is a social leveling of the population strata, which creates preconditions for more efficient development of the country's economy.
- . It has one of the highest rates of income per person and taxes. The country has such natural resources as forest, water, layers of lead, iron, uranium and copper ores. The economic basis of the country's stability is the chemical, steel, iron ore and pulp industries. Mechanical engineering is of great importance. Sweden is a country focused on high technology and a skilled workforce. The development of science-intensive technologies is intensively going on. It is an environmentally friendly state that completely recycles its garbage.
Denmark - GDP per capita PPP, 2008-2018
- . The country has no mineral reserves, is geographically scattered, has the lowest population density. There is a large zinc deposit. Passenger and cargo shipbuilding, timber harvesting, its further use for the manufacture of paper of the highest quality are developed. Factories produce various mechanisms, equipment for hydroelectric power plants and enterprises for the production of paper and logging. Telephones and other household appliances are popular. The country's economy depends on the development of all regions.
Finnish GDP, 2008-2018
Financial system
The financial system of the Scandinavian countries is focused, first of all, on social support from the state and public welfare as the basis for the prosperity of society.
Here the highest level of taxes is established. With the further redistribution of funds for the needs of vulnerable segments of society in the form of subsidies and compensation. The scope of social services is free.
Most of the citizens work in state-owned enterprises. This gives the highest rates of employment in the public sector of the economy, the level of citizens' confidence in the state. It also eliminates the budget deficit.
State-owned enterprises are active participants in the commercial market. Demonstrate high rates of profitability and competitiveness, including at the global level.
Sweden.
The Swedish model of financial condition is based on state control over the redistribution of national income in accordance with the needs and requirements of society. This is done to achieve social equality of all citizens of the country.
The state actively provides assistance to the Swiss in such cases:
- Unemployment.
- Providing public housing.
- Payment of cash compensation, pensions.
- Providing free education.
- Medical care and quality healthcare (95% of institutions are state-owned).
Norway.
The basis of the state's financial policy is a sufficient amount of internal resources and the absence of external debts. And this despite the large expenditures on state and social needs. Has a surplus balance.
In Norway, thanks to the export of oil, a special state institution has been created, which forms a budget consisting of super profits received from oil exports. This reserve fund is formed for use in the future (in case of a decrease in oil production).
Denmark.
The Danish financial system is based on banks and insurance companies. Priority areas are social orientation, pensions and social insurance.
Finland.
The basis of the financial sector is subsidies and support for high technologies. Most of the financial flows are invested in them. Research spending is among the highest in the world.
Due to the unprofitability of agriculture, the financial system regulates the subsidizing of the sectors of the national economy.
Subsidies are provided to industrial enterprises working for export.
As in other Scandinavian countries, a large share of enterprises is occupied by the public sector.
taxes
Taxes in Scandinavian countries are among the highest in the world. In 1987, during the reign of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, taxes reached 87%. Half of the gross domestic product came from taxes.
Currently, the tax rates in the countries are:
- - 56 %.
- - 47 %.
- - 56%.
- - 49 %.
The high level of income tax is not satisfactory. The reason for this is the fair redirection of all funds to extensive social programs.
Failure to pay taxes is equated to a serious crime.
Comparative table of taxes
A country Tax rates, % personal income tax, progressive scale
Capital tax Corporate income tax Indirect taxes Sweden from 20 to 35 30 28 25 Norway from 12 to 28 — 25 25 Denmark up to 56 24,5 22 25 Finland from 6 to 36 18 and 28 26 24 Sweden.
Swedish tax revenue (2009)
There are a large number of incentives for attracting capital and investment. This makes it possible to reduce tax rates.
Norway.
For oil companies, an “oil” tax of 50% is added to the base tax.
There are exceptions to the general VAT rate: food - 11%; passenger transport, services in the field of film and television industry - 7%.
Social insurance is 19%, property tax - 33%, excises - 31%.
Denmark.
All citizens of the state are required to pay income tax on their own, and not through the employer. You can reduce your tax base by contributing to unemployment insurance, donating money to children, or paying child support. Payments on the loan, doing business in your living space and other aspects are taken into account.
The Danes pay property tax, inheritance tax, gift fees. Moreover, if it is a husband and wife, a child or a parent, the rate is 15%.
Retirement age in Scandinavian countries
Pension systems in the Scandinavian countries are considered the most reliable in the world. The state pension guarantees the provision of a living wage for its citizens.
Retirement age by country
To receive a decent pension in the country, it is necessary to earn seniority and pay insurance premiums for voluntary, funded and distributive insurance. Cash deposits are held in both public and private pension funds.
Norway.
The main task of the state pension system is the formation of the insurance part of the pension and the provision of social benefits. All financial savings of the pension fund are at the disposal of the central bank. About 9% of the fund's profits go to the country's budget and are redistributed to insurance coverage of pensions and support for social programs.
There is a single State Pension Fund. Retirement savings are mandatory. The basis of the Danish pension system is the payment guarantee.
Consists of social pension (basic), funded first pillar, quasi-compulsory, corporate pension plans and voluntary and individual third pillar schemes.
The pension is made up of two parts. Civil: the minimum funded part is paid to all citizens; income - is formed at the expense of payments from wages. There are different income pensions for men and women (less for women).
When assigning a pension, actual deductions from wages, age, social status, marital status are taken into account. Housewives who have reached retirement age are paid a guaranteed minimum pension. If the pensioner continues to work, he is entitled to an addition of 4%.
The amount of the pension is taxable.
- Sweden has 24 districts - Lena. The royal title is hereditary. The participation of the king in governing the country is reduced to a ceremonial formality. The state system is enshrined in the 1974 Constitution. The actual power belongs to the Parliament (Riksdag) and deputies. The executive branch is the cabinet of ministers.
The northern regions of Europe (the countries of Scandinavia) are somewhat strange, unknown and mysterious places for us, but alluring with their magnificent nature and beauty. They are united by one concept, but each has a certain climate, its own culture and customs. In the material, we will tell you where the unifying name of the countries came from, give a short digression into history, advise when it is better to come and share the most unusual Scandinavians.
Scandinavia is a friendly trio of Nordic countries: Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Often this group also includes Finland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland due to their location. And also the fact that Iceland was one of the regions of the Norwegians and the Icelandic language belongs to the same language family as Swedish, Norwegian and Danish. And in Finland partly they speak Swedish, just like Finnish is spoken in Norway and Sweden.
Historically, the north of Europe was the political platform of the kingdoms of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Finland was part of the Swedish kingdom, while Iceland belonged to Norway and Denmark. Incidentally, apart from the common history, politically and economically these 5 countries follow a similar model known as the Nordic welfare state since the 20th century.
Where did the common name "Scandinavia" come from?
At first, this was the name of the southern region of Sweden (formerly Denmark) Scania. However, the concepts of "Scandinavia" and "Scandinavian language" began to be used directly at the end of the 18th century in connection with the linguistic and cultural development of Scandinavia. The popularity of this term was brought by H.K. Andersen when he wrote the poem "I am a Scandinavian" in 1839. And he also wrote to a friend: “I immediately realized that the Swedes, Danes and Norwegians are connected, and with this feeling I wrote a poem after returning from Sweden: “We are one people, we are called Scandinavians!”
So, the main part of the people inhabiting the countries of Scandinavia descended from the North Germanic tribes who lived in the southern part of Scandinavia and communicated in German, which later became Old Norse. Icelanders and Faroese descended (to a greater extent) from Norwegians, therefore they are also classified as Scandinavians. Each country has its own dialect, but it is understandable to the inhabitants of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The Faroe Islands and Iceland have a slightly different dialect, which is available to the rest of the countries to a limited extent. Finnish is the least related to the Scandinavian languages (it is part of the Finno-Uralic family of languages, more closely related to Estonian). German, Yiddish and Romani are recognized minority languages in parts of Scandinavia.
And now a few words about the countries of Scandinavia and countries close to them.
Denmark
The southernmost Scandinavian country. It is located on the Jutland Peninsula and more than 400 small islands, some of which are connected to the mainland by bridges. Conditionally, the country also includes the island of Greenland and the Faroe Islands. But they have their own administration, so they can be considered independent territories. Almost all of Denmark is flat, although there are many low hills. Traditional windmills and miniature thatched cottages can be seen everywhere. The climate in Denmark is temperate, maritime. Winter in the country is not hard, but extended, it can be cool for a long time. Summer is not hot, sometimes cold (15-17°C in July). The capital is Copenhagen.
Norway
Norway is called the "Land of the Vikings" and the "Land of the Midnight Sun". In winter, the polar night is almost continuous here. The climate in the country varies from year to year, especially in the northernmost parts. Summers in Norway (in the northern regions) can reach temperatures as high as 26°C, and winters are dark, cold and snowier than in other parts of the country. The coastal regions have a climate with cooler summers. Winters are relatively mild and rainy, with little snow. In the interior (for example, in the capital) the climate is continental with colder winters (down to -25°C) but warm summers. The best weather in Norway is from May to September.
Norway is a country of mountains, glaciers and fjords. That is why it is not surprising that the most popular activities of this Scandinavian country are fishing, hiking and skiing. The economy is largely based on the maritime industry. The capital is Oslo.
Sweden
This is a country of a wide variety of lakes, breathtaking landscapes, gorgeous forests and mysterious rocks. Sweden is also the largest Scandinavian country in terms of area and population. The country is known for the Volvo and Saab brands, they make up a large part of the Swedish industry.
In the north of the country in winter, the temperature during the day is about -13 -15°C, in summer it barely reaches 20°C, at night in some regions frosts can even occur. The most comfortable summer is in the eastern part of Sweden. But on the islands, which are located in the Baltic Sea, there are almost no frosts in winter. And in summer the temperature rises above 22°C. The capital is Stockholm.
Iceland
With a surprisingly mild climate, Iceland is the westernmost country in Europe and the second largest in the North Atlantic. In addition, despite the fact that Iceland is not part of the Scandinavian countries, it is famous for its mysterious and bewitching views. In fact, all regions of Iceland deserve attention. For example, areas with geysers, waterfalls, lava fields and lakes, floating icebergs, spectacular cliffs and fjords, etc.
Winter in the country is mild (about 0°C), summer is about 10°C. The mountainous interior is much colder at any time of the year. It also has a strong economy, low unemployment, low inflation, and one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. The capital is Reykjavik.
Finland
Another country where the weather is better than many tourists expect. However, in winter, of course, it can be harsh with mountains of snow (up to -20°C), and in summer it can be beautiful, the temperature rises to 30°C. Finland has one of the lowest immigration rates in the world. The capital is Helsinki.
7 curious facts about Scandinavian countries, way of life and habits of people.
1. One of the most expensive countries.
For example, a beer will cost $9, and a subway ticket $6, you don't even have to look at a taxi. It’s better to buy travel cards for a few days or it’s more profitable.
2. They go to the sauna without clothes.
For Russian-speakers, this will be strange and unusual, and Scandinavians consider it bad form (and generally superfluous) to wear a bathing suit in a bath. Moreover, it is their long tradition (even the law) to go to the sauna naked, no matter with whom.
3. A sandwich is eaten with cutlery.
Scandinavians are known to be passionate about pickled herring. But it's weirder that they use utensils when they're eating a sandwich. Although their sandwiches are filled with such fillings (cold shrimp, smoked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, meatballs or herring) that, apparently, it is difficult to eat them differently.
4. You can find art in the most unexpected places.
Scandinavians try to place samples in the most diverse and strange places. Oslo, for example, has some excellent sculpture parks, and Stockholm has turned the subway into an underground art gallery. The Scandinavian countries offer to admire art where it will be available to most people.
5. There are no last names in Iceland.
People always refer to each other by their first names and add the prefix "son" (-son) or "daughter" (-dóttir) to the father's name (meaning like in our patronymic). For example, if Jons has a son named Olafur, he will be known as Olafur Jonsson. But the daughter named Johanna will be called Johanna Jonsdottir.
6. Swedes love fika.
Most Swedes are happy to admit that they practice fika every day. Fika is a wonderful ritual, a coffee break during working hours. At this time, people meet old friends, make new acquaintances and just enjoy life. So, the main attributes of fika are a good cup of coffee (Scandinavians are connoisseurs) and some kind of bun (with cinnamon, cardamom or vanilla).
7. Leave their children on the street.
Walking along the streets of Stockholm, Copenhagen or Reykjavik, you may notice prams parked on the sidewalks. However, this does not mean that strict parents leave their children on the street or punish them in this way. The Scandinavians are sure that you need to be in the fresh air as much as possible (especially). That is why they leave the kids on the street when they go to a cafe. Parents often take their children to parks during quiet hours, even in winter.
