Scandinavia is the name used to designate the region that covers three countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Geographically, only Norway and Sweden are part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, however, characteristics such as language, history and culture led to the inclusion of Denmark.
Geopolitically speaking, given the similarities Economic, geographical, political and linguistic, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands are sometimes associated with Scandinavia.
Read too: Get to know the geographical aspects of China
General data
Territorial area:
Denmark – 42,496 km2
Norway – 385,155 km2
Sweden – 449,964 km2
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languages
Denmark – Danish
Norway – Norwegian
Sweden – Swedish
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Population
Denmark - 5749 million inhabitants
Norway - 5258 million inhabitants
Sweden - 9995 million inhabitants
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Coin
Denmark – Danish Krone
Norway – Norwegian crown
Sweden – Swedish Krona
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HDI (Human Development Index)
Denmark - 0.929
Norway - 0.953
Sweden – 0.933
Is Scandinavia a country?
Scandinavia corresponds to a historical and geographic region located to the north of the European continent, specifically in the Scandinavian Peninsula (largest peninsula in Europe), situated between the Gulf of Bothnia, Baltic Sea and North Sea.
This region comprises nations whose human development indices are very high and present several similarities between their cultures, historical processes and languages. So Scandinavia is not a country.
Scandinavia Map
Tourism in Scandinavian Countries
→ Tourism in Denmark
Denmark, officially known as KingdomgivesDenmark, has Danish as its national language. The country's capital is Copenhagen. Denmark has one of the lowest rates of social inequality in the world and high rates of human development.
The country is also known for the safetyreinforced, honesty and confidence and for being one of the least corrupt in the world. Life expectancy exceeds 80 years. Danish culture is quite progressive, as prostitution is allowed in the country. Religious taboos are condemned and sexual freedom is guaranteed.
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Pointtourist: Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Garden located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Tivoli Gardens is a park located in Copenhagen, opened in 1843, corresponding to the second oldest park in the world. The park is full of green areas, gardens, lakes, toys, animals, being the ideal place for children and teenagers.
→ Tourism in Norway
Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, located on the Scandinavian Peninsula, is the country with the highest HDI in the world. Its capital is Oslo. The country's economic and social policies are associated with a free market economy and also with the welfare state.
In 2009, the country was considered by the United Nations the best country to live in and also the most peaceful, according to the Global Peace Index. Life expectancy in Norway exceeds 80 years.
- Pointtourist: Lyse Fjord (Lysefjorden)
Lyse Fjord is an inlet to the sea between great mountains located in Forsand.
Lyse Fjord is located in Forsand, Norway, and is one of the main tourist attractions in the region. Several excursions go to the place to contemplate the beautyNatural. For those unfamiliar, fjord corresponds to a large entrance to the sea located between large mountains. Lyse fjord is approximately 42 kilometers long.
→ Tourism in Sweden
Sweden, officially designated as Kingdom of Sweden, is the third largest country in the European Union in terms of area. The country's capital is Stockholm, considered the country's political, economic and financial center. Swedish is the official language of the country, spoken by most of the inhabitants.
With over ten million inhabitants, the country is the most populous among the Scandinavian countries. The country has high levels of human development. One of the main priorities of the Swedish government is the education.
Pointtourist: Stockholm Royal Palace (Royal Palace, Stockholm)
Stockholm Royal Palace located in Sweden.
The Royal Palace is located on the island of Stadsholmen in Sweden's capital Stockholm. The Palace is the official residence of the monarch of Sweden. Currently, it is open for public visitation, when there are no official events in the halls.
Vikings
The region of Scandinavia was inhabited for almost threecenturies (between 800 and 1500) by people called vikings. This period was known as the Viking Age. These peoples were considered explorer warriors who were characterized by hierarchization, that is, they were divided into social classes, with a king at the top of the hierarchy. Power was hereditary and passed from father to son.
These peoples, who initially occupied the north of the european continent, more specifically the areas corresponding to Norway, Sweden and Denmark, spread to other regions as navigation techniques developed. Vikings went in search of new lands in order to colonize them and make them arable. The cultivated products were commercialized. The Viking Age ended around 1066.
Read more: How did the Vikings view war?
Nordic countries
The Nordic countries comprise five nations and three autonomous regions.
Scandinavia and the Nordic countries are sometimes referred to as synonyms. However, despite covering areas of the same region, Nordic countries correspond to othersnations beyond the nations that comprise Scandinavia.
The Nordic countries are:
Norway
Sweden
Denmark
Finland
Iceland
Autonomous regions of Greenland, Faroe Islands and Aland Islands.
Together these nations constitute the call adviceNordic (Nordic co-operation body). The Nordic countries have the best human development indices and the best quality of life in the world. In addition to these indices, these countries also share cultural, social, political and geographic similarities.
