The Nordic Countries

Chapter 12, Section 5

Sweden & Norway

• Nordic Countries are also known as the Scandinavian Countries.

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• Five Countries: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland.

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• Sweden and Norway share the same land mass.

Sweden & Norway

• Sweden and Norway were both influenced by the Vikings.

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• The Vikings were some of the world’s best sailors, shipbuilders, pirates, and fierce warriors.

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• Invaded much of Europe. Even said to the Americas.

Sweden & Norway

• Late 1000s, the Vikings converted to Christianity and settled down.

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• Sweden and Norway became monarchs.

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• During the two World Wars, Sweden and Norway remained neutral.
• Norway was invaded and occupied by the Germans.

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Sweden & Norway

• Swedes and Norwegians speak different languages, but they are similar.

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• Lutheran is the official state religion for both countries.
• But in both countries, there is the freedom to practice others.

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Sweden & Norway

• In the northern regions of Sweden and Norway, there is a large population of Sami.

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• The climate causes most of the people to live in the southern and central parts of the nations.

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• Many enjoy outdoor sports year round.

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Sweden & Norway

• Sweden and Norway are constitutional monarchs.

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• Both appoint an ombudsman to protect their citizens.
• Ombudsman investigates complaints against the government and makes sure that governmental power is not abused.

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Sweden & Norway

• Sweden and Norway are welfare states.
• Welfare states use taxes to provide a wide range of services to their citizens.

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• Sweden has a highly industrialized economy.
• Also has a reputation for modern design.

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• IKEA and H&M are two major companies.

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Sweden & Norway

• Norway took longer to develop because it lacked the energy resources.

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• Norway uses hydroelectric power from its rivers.

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• Sweden joined the EU, Norway did not.

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Finland

• Finland’s official languages are Finnish and Swedish.

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• Swedes make up the largest minority group.

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• Samis also live in Finland.

Finland

• Finland is a democratic republic.

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• In 2000, Finland elected its first female president.

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• Finland is a welfare state.

Finland

• Finland’s forests are its most plentiful natural resource.
• Covers about 2/3 of land.

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• Paper and forest products make up 30% of its exports.

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Finland

• Finland also produces mobile phones and other high tech items.

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• It is a member of the EU.

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Denmark & Iceland

• Denmark occupies the Jutland peninsula.

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• It also has over 400 small islands surrounding the peninsula.

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• It also includes Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Denmark & Iceland

• Denmark is a small island, but it has played a major role in Scandinavian history.

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• Iceland was ruled by Denmark for over 500 years.

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• Viking raids allowed Denmark power to expand from late 1100s to early 1200s.

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Denmark & Iceland

• Denmark controlled Sweden, Norway, and Iceland.

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• Denmark ruled Norway until 1814.

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• Iceland gained its independence in 1944.

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Denmark & Iceland

• Most Danes have Danish ancestry, but some have German.

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• Icelanders are made up of Norwegian or Celtic descent.

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• Evangelical Lutheran Church is the official religion of both countries.

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Denmark & Iceland

• Danish is spoken in Denmark, Icelandic in Iceland.

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• Denmark is a constitutional monarchy.

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• Both are welfare states.

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• Iceland is a republic.

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Denmark & Iceland

• Denmark has a strong, modern economy.

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• Cost of living is high in Iceland because everything has to be imported.

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• Denmark is a member of the EU, Iceland is not.

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