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The Confusion between Scandinavia and Nordic
9 Mar2010
It’s long been a mystery for me and most of the world the difference between the Nordic and Scandinavian. As I learned, Scandinavian is an anglophone term that includes Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. Occasionally, in loose English definitions, it includes Finland and Iceland.
The Nordic countries is composed of an official group called the Nordic Council. The Nordic Council includes the three Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway and Denmark), Iceland, Finland, and three autonomous regions (Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland Islands.
Below is a table of the Nordic region nations:
| Flag | Country | Governance | Capital | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Scandinavian countries | ||||
 |
Denmark | Kingdom | Copenhagen | 5,519,287 |
 |
Norway | Independence 1905 | Oslo | 4,836,183 |
 |
Sweden | Kingdom | Stockholm | 9,336,487 |
| The additional Nordic nations | ||||
 |
Finland | Independence 1917 | Helsinki | 5,349,829 |
 |
Iceland | Independence 1944* | Reykjavík | 319,756 |
| Nordic autonomous regions | ||||
 |
Faroe Islands | Self-governance 1948 | Tórshavn | 49,006 |
 |
Greenland | Self-governance 1979 | Nuuk | 57,600 |
 |
Åland Islands | Autonomous province 1920* | Mariehamn | 27,456 |
Together, the Nordic region is 25 million people with some member states in the European Union, NATO, Eurozone, and Schengan.
To make the definitions more complicated, in terms of geography, the Scandinavian Peninsula includes mainland Sweden and mainland Norway, and also a part of Finland. The Jutland Peninsula includes mainland Denmark and a small part of Germany. But Denmark proper has not had any territory on the Scandinavian Peninsula since 1658. Alas, Scandinavia is still Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Forget Germany.
So you can call a Swede a Scandinavian or Nordic person but a Finn is a Nordic person not Scandinavian. Stick to Nordic region for anything relating to those cold, Norse god loving, vodka infused nations of the north. Well, minus Russia.
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- In: iceland|scandinavia
15 Responses to The Confusion between Scandinavia and Nordic
Emma
March 9th, 2010 at 19:05
Actually, it’s quite easy to tell the Scandinavian countries apart from the other Nordic countries, just think of the airlines!
– Icelandair
– Finnair
– and Scandinavian Airlines, SAS
See – simple! As long as you know what five you start out with it’s easy to figure out what three you’re left with and that make up the glorious region of Scandi!
Sapphire
March 9th, 2010 at 19:48
Emma, THAT is brilliant!
Tony
March 10th, 2010 at 08:08
Best non-Wikipedia Wikipedia entry ever.
Inte Resting
March 10th, 2010 at 15:46
The whole point here is that the different groupings here are closely attached to cultural and historical affiliation. Denmark is a part of the Scandinavian club because the language is definitely Scandinavian (Nordic). It also used to possess large chunks of the Scandinavian peninsula (Skåne and Norway for instance). With Finland, the common cultural heritage base is weaker but since Finland was a part of the Swedish kindom for more than 600 years, the ties are very strong. Besides, there is a Swedish-speaking minority in Finland (Finland is bi-lingual by law) which qualifies them for enough “Scandinavianess” to join the club.
Iceland finally has a special place in the hearts of all Scandinavians. They represent our past and language-wise they are the prototypical Scandinavian. Our genes can be found on that island.
Andrew
March 10th, 2010 at 16:21
Wow, I never realized the complexity and confusion of this. Now it’s clear as my beer, well, filtered beer at least. :)
Juni
March 12th, 2010 at 02:08
I met a man on-line from the Faroe Islands, it was the first time I had heard of the place. Have you ever been? They look absolutely amazing.
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Pooja
March 17th, 2010 at 15:24
Very professional Sapph. Keep Writing.
P.S. I’m Anita’s cousin.
Riccardo
March 18th, 2010 at 08:52
Reading the blogs it’s definitely good for improving our culture. I did not know the existence of the Aland Islands and I think I am pretty skilful in Geography.We’ll never finish to learn something. Thank Sapphire
Sapphire
March 18th, 2010 at 22:57
LOL Andrew!
Juni, not been to the Faroe Islands, but it is on my list of places to visit.
Thanks Pooja, glad you enjoyed the post and the blog. Tell Anita I say hi.
Riccardo, like the adage ‘never stop learning.’ ;)
Ravi
March 20th, 2010 at 20:26
Lets settle more important question. Which women are better looking- Scandinavian or Nordic?
Sapphire
April 25th, 2010 at 19:31
Ravi, will go for the Swedish women as the best looking overall.
Not to say other Nordic women aren’t beautiful, all rank at the top of the list in the world. =)
finnish beauty
July 1st, 2010 at 15:52
Swedish women are the best looking i guess, or they have larger presentage of hot women. Second comes Finland, even though not as many good looking ones due to the small population, the ones that are have very unique beauty, definitely nordic, but with something more special thrown in. In Finland Scandinavia meets baltic, so the beauty is very refined.
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