Scandinavia is a northern European subregion known for its historical, cultural, and linguistic ties, commonly referring to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Sometimes, it includes the Scandinavian Peninsula and countries like Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and occasionally Finland due to economic and cultural similarities.
The geography features diverse landscapes, including Norwegian fjords, Scandinavian mountains, and Denmark’s flat areas, while most inhabitants reside in the temperate south.
During the Viking Age, Scandinavians were known for raiding and exploring, reaching North America and forming the short-lived North Sea Empire. The region underwent Christianization and various unions, such as the Kalmar Union and later Denmark–Norway, with significant wars shaping modern boundaries. The last union between Sweden and Norway ended in 1905.
Today, Scandinavia boasts strong economies and generous welfare systems, often referred to as the “Nordic model.”
