THE NORDIC COUNTRIES
Five Nations in Northern
Europe make up the Nordic
or Scandinavian countries:
Sweden, Norway, Finland,
Denmark, and Iceland.
•
The Nordic Countries
Sweden and Norway share
the same land mass the
Scandinavian peninsula and
both were influenced by the
Vikings.
 The Vikings lived in
Sweden and Norway for
centuries and invaded much
of Europe and explored
North America.

The Nordic Countries
After the Vikings settled
down in the area, Sweden
and Norway became a
monarchy.
 Sweden controlled Norway
in 1814, but in 1905
Sweden recognized
Norway's independence.

The Nordic Countries

Sweden and Norway
remained neutral in
both World Wars,
however Germany
invaded and occupied
Norway in World
War II.
The Nordic Countries
Although Swedish and
Norwegian are different
languages , both are similar
and therefore they can
communicate with one
another.
 In Sweden and Norway the
official state religion is
Lutheranism.

Lutheran Church in the capital
Stockholm, Sweden
The Nordic Countries

Sweden and
Norway are less
densely populated
because of their
climates. About
80% of Swedes
and 75% of
Norwegians live in
Urban areas.
The Capital of Norway Oslo.
The Nordic Countries



Most Swedish and
Norwegians enjoy outdoor
sports year round.
Both Ice skating and skiing
are very popular along with
soccer and other winter
sports.
Sweden and Norway both
have Constitutional
monarchies, along with
prime ministers.
The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is its
biggest city were many people enjoy
ice skating.
The Nordic Countries



Sweden and Norway are
Welfare states, which use their
taxes to provide service for their
citizens. Such as free health care
and money for families with
children.
Sweden has highly industrialized
country with design/clothing
stores such as IKEA and H &
M.
Sweden joined the European
Union in 1995, but Norway
decided not to join.
The Nordic Countries



Finland has fought for its
independence since 1155.
Finland was first a part of
Sweden, then Russia, but in
1917 Finland gained its
independence.
Although Finland had to
fight off two invasions of
Russia during World War
II.
Capital of Finland Helsinki
The Nordic Countries




Finland culture is heavily
influence by Sweden since it
controlled Finland until
1809.
Finland’s two official
languages are Finnish and
Swedish.
Most people in Finland are
Finnish with the largest
minority group being the
Swedes.
The Sports of Finland are
cross country skiing, ice
hockey, and reindeer races.
The Nordic Countries




Finland is a democratic
republic. ( Constitutional
Democracy)
Denmark occupies the
Jutland peninsula and over
400 small islands covering the
peninsula.
The early history of Denmark
was controlled by the Vikings.
Iceland, once controlled by
Denmark, gained its
independence in 1814.
The Nordic Countries




Danish is spoken in Denmark and
Icelandic is spoken in Iceland.
Denmark is a constitutional
monarchy.
The Prime Minister of Denmark is
the head of the government. The
Danish Monarch (Queen) mainly
has ceremonial duties.
Both Denmark and Iceland have
welfare systems in place.
Queen of Denmark Margrethe II
Capital of Denmark Copenhagen
The Nordic Countries


Iceland is a
republic. The
people of Iceland
elect a president
who serves a four
year term and has
limited powers.
Iceland also has a
prime minister
and a cabinet who
perform executive
functions.
President of Iceland –
Olafur Ragnar
Grimsson
The capital of Iceland- Reykjavik