The place is Scandinavia? A Information to the Scandinavian International locations

The place is Scandinavia? It’s a query we hear usually and it’s more durable to reply that one would possibly assume.

What’s known as Scandinavian modifications relying on the context, and on who you ask. Should you’re speaking about geography, tradition, or language, the reply could also be completely different.

While you throw the phrase “Nordic” into the combo, issues get even much less clear as you sort out Nordic vs Scandinavian in several contexts; when do you utilize “Nordic,” and when do you utilize “Scandinavian?” Some folks appear to make use of them interchangeably, whereas others assign particular meanings to every phrase.

Whereas we are able to’t fake that everybody agrees on the definitions and origins, we’ve gathered the assorted phrases and the context through which they’re utilized to attempt to make sense of this Northern mess.

Right here is the definitive reply to “The place is Scandinavia?” and “What international locations make up Scandinavia?” Kind of.

What does the phrase “Scandinavia” imply?

Why are these international locations referred to as “Scandinavian?” The origin of the phrase “Scandinavia” arose within the early 18th century because of Danish and Swedish universities championing the shared historical past, mythology, arts, and tradition of the three international locations of: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

The bottom of the motion was Scania, also referred to as Skåne, the southernmost province of Sweden; this gave rise to the time period “Scandinavia.”

Keep in mind: till 1814, Denmark and Norway have been really united beneath one kingdom (therefore their joint love of hygge). After that point, Norway and Sweden have been beneath one kingdom till Norway’s independence in 1905.

“Scania” and “Scandinavia” are thought of to have the identical etymology.
 

In Danish and Swedish, it’s often known as Skandinavien; in Norwegian, Faroese and Finnish it’s Skandinavia; in Icelandic it’s Skandinavía and in Sami it’s often known as Skadesi-suolu/Skađsuâl.

Scandinavian Geography

We’ve began with the straightforward one: the geography of Scandinavia!

When referencing the geographic area of Scandinavia, there are three Scandinavian international locations: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Greenland, which is a Danish territory, and the Faroe Islands, which is a self-governing a part of Denmark, are additionally included within the listing.

Finland and Iceland aren’t thought of a part of Scandinavia geographically.

The Arctic Circle is partially contained inside the Scandinavian international locations, in addition to the US, Canada, and Asia (Russia particularly).

What are the seven Scandinavian international locations?

Plot twist! There are not seven Scandinavian international locations, however it is a well-liked false impression. When folks discuss with “seven” they usually imply the Nordic states (of which there are 5), plus Greenland and the Faroe Islands (that are part of the Kingdom of Denmark).

What are the 5 Nordic international locations?

The 5 Nordic international locations are Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland. The Nordic international locations share a Nordic id, are within the area of Northern Europe, and all have the Nordic cross as their flag. 

Map of Scandinavia

What’s The Scandinavian Peninsula?

The Scandinavian Peninsula is made up of Sweden and Norway. The peninsula is about 1,150 mi (1,850 km) lengthy and extends southward from the Barents Sea within the north, the Norwegian sea to the west and the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea to the east.

Kattegat and Skagerrak separate the peninsular from Denmark. Norway lies to the west, and Sweden lies to the east. The peninsula has an space of 750,000 sq km (289,500 sq mi).

The panorama primarily consists of a mountainous ranges, created by glaciation shift about 2,600,000 to 11,700 years in the past. Sweden has comparatively mild slopes of of a low gradient right down to the Baltic Sea, whereas Norway’s mountains proceed near the shoreline, and are deeply minimize by stunning fjords.
 

The Baltic Sea connects Denmark with the remainder of the Scandinavian area, facilitating commerce, journey, and cultural trade.

Denmark consists of the Jutland Peninsula and numerous islands, each massive and small. The geography of Denmark is characterised by its flat panorama, coastal areas, and quite a few water our bodies.

Scandinavian Tradition

That is in all probability probably the most extensively used context for speaking about Scandinavia, and in addition the least clear. When folks discuss with Scandinavian tradition, they’re referring to shared historical past, traditions, literature, and design.

As a result of Scandinavian design has change into so well-liked all over the world, the time period usually used when speaking about minimalist and mid-century design aesthetic traditions.

As a result of the histories of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland are so intertwined, in addition to issues like holidays and traditions, this group of 5 international locations is sometimes called culturally Scandinavian.

The political methods throughout all these international locations, particularly their welfare fashions, are comparable, although not similar. When referring to the “Scandinavian” or “Nordic” welfare mannequin, all 5 international locations are usually included.

Finland’s design and architectural historical past is intently tied to that of the remainder of the area, and it will be a mistake to go away Finland out (and designers like Alvar Aalto, for instance) when discussing Scandinavian design.

It’s due to this fact affordable to incorporate each Iceland and Finland when discussing Scandinavia as a cultural area. It could even be right to discuss with “Nordic tradition.”

Finland is typically known as a Nordic nation, together with Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. The time period “Nordic” encompasses a broader group of nations that share sure cultural and geographical traits, together with a historical past of shut cooperation, social welfare methods, and comparable political and financial fashions.

Scandinavian Language

Should you’ve ever studied comparative linguistics, you’ve doubtless heard the time period “North Germanic languages.” This refers to a department of Germanic languages, a sub-group of Indo-European languages. North Germanic languages embrace Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Faroese, and Icelandic.

So what language is spoken in Scandinavia? The time period “Scandinavian languages” refers completely to the three languages which are mutually understood (in idea) by audio system of every language: Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian.

Finnish is a part of the Finnic group of the Uralic languages, which additionally embrace Estonian and Hungarian. Swedish can be an official language of Finland and Swedish-speaking Finns represent 5% of the inhabitants; this dialect is known as Finland Swedish.

Lingering Questions

Is Finland a part of Scandinavia?

That relies upon! Politically and geographically, Finland is a part of the Nordic area however not the Scandinavian area. Linguistically, Finland falls right into a peculiar class: the nation’s majority official language is unrelated to Scandinavian, and even Indo-European, languages. It does, nonetheless, have a big minority of Scandinavian (Swedish) language audio system, a lot in order that Swedish is a minority official language.

Culturally, Finland can definitely be thought of Scandinavian. From the historical past to the welfare mannequin to the design traditions, Finland is solidly tied to the remainder of the Scandinavian international locations.

By way of design, necessary Finnish manufacturers equivalent to Artek, Marimekko, and Buddies of Business all fall squarely into the Scandinavian design heritage.

Is Iceland a part of Scandinavia?

That relies upon! When discussing Scandinavia as a political or geographic area, Iceland will not be included. It’s, nonetheless, a part of the Nordic area.

By way of language, Icelandic is a part of the North Germanic language sub-category, additionally referred to as the Nordic languages.

Iceland was a part of Norway, then the Kalmar Union, then Denmark, earlier than gaining recognition as a sovereign state in 1918 (whereas protection and overseas affairs have been nonetheless managed by Denmark), then declaring full independence in 1944. Iceland due to this fact has vital historic and cultural ties to the area.

The principle parts of Icelandic design align with normal Scandinavian design: minimalism, performance, and a deal with craftsmanship.

Icelandic design falls beneath the umbrella of Scandinavian design. It’s due to this fact right to name Iceland culturally Nordic or Scandinavian.

Are the Faroe Islands a part of Scandinavia?

Sure! The Faroe Islands are a self-governing entity that’s a part of Denmark, and due to this fact by any definition are thought of a part of Scandinavia. Faroese tradition and language, nonetheless, could also be thought of separate from Scandinavian tradition and language, although the language is a part of the North Germanic languages.

Are the Netherlands a part of Scandinavia?

No! Although it is a widespread false impression, the Netherlands aren’t a part of Scandinavia. The Netherlands do share some historic and tradition parts with Scandinavia, and are within the Northern area of Europe, so it is smart that individuals would typically make this error.

What’s the richest Nordic nation?

The Nordic international locations are identified for his or her relative ranges of “happiness” (we choose to consider this as contentment) and wealth. Whereas there are just a few completely different financial indicators of wealth, the Nordic nation with the very best GDP (gross home product) per capita is Norway. The Nordic nation with the very best GDP basically is Sweden. All the Nordic international locations fall into the highest 20 international locations on this planet with highest GDP per capita.

The mixture of excessive taxes, excessive employment, and small wealth gaps has created an general wholesome financial scenario for the Nordic international locations in comparison with the remainder of the world.

Nordic vs Scandinavian: What in regards to the phrase “Nordic?”

When beloved Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, a proponent of pan-Scandinavism, wrote his 1839 poem “I’m a Scandinavian,” he famous that he needed to seize “the fantastic thing about the Nordic spirit.”

Primarily, ever for the reason that phrases “Scandinavian” and “Nordic” have existed, they’ve been used interchangeably by some. Most remarkably, these Scandinavia vs Nordic definitions arose many individuals’s furies, regardless of the nuanced nature of “Scandinavia” when utilized in numerous contexts.

The phrase “Nordic” can be utilized particularly to discuss with the geographic and political Nordic area, which incorporates Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland. These are also referred to as the norse international locations.

So…Scandinavian vs Nordic: what’s the conclusion?

Should you’re talking of a particular present geographic or political context, “Scandinavia” means the area that features Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and the Faroe Islands. Should you’d like to incorporate Finland and Iceland in that very same context, use the phrase “Nordic.”

When talking of a cultural area together with shared historical past and design, the phrases “Scandinavian” and “Nordic” are interchangeable.

Scandinavia and NATO

Denmark, Norway, and Iceland have been among the many twelve founding members of NATO in 1949.

Finland joined NATO on April 4, 2023.

Sweden turned a NATO member on March 7, 2024.

Key Historic Context

Norway’s determination to affix NATO led to Iceland and Denmark turning into founding members.
Iceland has no army and joined NATO regardless of its sturdy pacifist custom, making its determination controversial.
Finland signed a treaty with the Soviet Union and remained impartial in the course of the Chilly Warfare.
Sweden additionally maintained neutrality all through the Chilly Warfare.

Additional Questions

Are any Scandinavian international locations in NATO?

Sure, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland have been founding members of NATO. Finland joined NATO on April 4, 2023, and Sweden adopted on March 7, 2024.

Why did some Scandinavian international locations stay impartial in the course of the Chilly Warfare?

Norway’s determination to affix NATO led Iceland and Denmark to change into founding members. Iceland, regardless of its pacifist custom, joined for strategic causes. Finland and Sweden opted for neutrality on account of their distinctive geopolitical positions and historic contexts, with Finland having signed a treaty with the Soviet Union.

Is Finland formally in NATO now?

Sure, Finland turned a member of NATO on April 4, 2023. This transfer was in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and represented a big shift in Finland’s protection coverage.

Is Sweden formally in NATO now?

Sure, Sweden joined NATO on March 7, 2024. Sweden’s cooperation with NATO started in 1994 with the Partnership for Peace and steadily elevated till its full membership.

What impression does the addition of Sweden and Finland have on NATO?

Sweden and Finland have just lately joined NATO, marking probably the most vital enlargement of the alliance for the reason that Nineties. The inclusion of Sweden and Finland considerably strengthens NATO’s protection capabilities, including practically 300,000 lively and reserve troops and greater than doubling NATO’s border with Russia.

For extra detailed details about NATO and its members, go to NATO‘s official web site.