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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.
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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