What Are The Scandinavian Countries?

Scandinavia is a region found in northern Europe. The countries making up Scandinavia are understood to be Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. These countries share linguistic, cultural, and geographical aspects in common.

The concept of Scandinavia is relatively new, with its origins in the 18th century. Although parts of Finland are located on the Scandinavian peninsula, Finland is not considered to be a Scandinavian country because Finnish is not a North Germanic language. Iceland is not considered to be a Scandinavian country because of its geographic isolation. 

Denmark

The country of Denmark is made up of over 100 islands, some of which are not yet inhabited. The country has a population of around 5 million people. Denmark is one of the most developed countries in the world and is ranked highly in terms of social services and quality of life.

The country has one of the highest personal income tax rates in the world as well as the highest income per capita. Denmark is also perceived as being one of the world's least corrupt countries. Denmark enjoys a multi-party structure whereby multiple parties can be represented in the parliament, and elections are generally conducted after every four years. Denmark also has a constitutional monarchy with the Queen acting as the head of the state. The current Queen, Margrethe II, has been serving since 1972. The head of the government is the prime minister who is elected during general elections.

Norway

Norway is situated in the northernmost part of Europe. The country has a population of over 5 million people. Like Denmark, Norway is also a hereditary constitutional monarchy with King Herald V having served since 1991. The prime minister of Norway is the head of the government while the King has only symbolic powers.Elections in this country are held every two years. Citizens aged 18 years and above are eligible to vote. Norwegians enjoy political freedom and ample security as the state has one of the lowest crime rates in the entire world.

Sweden

Sweden is a Scandinavian country located in Northern Europe. It borders Norway in the north and the east. Sweden is the most populated Nordic country with an approximate population of around 10.2 million people. The country is composed of two forms of governance, the parliamentary democracy, and a constitutional monarchy system. Just like the other Scandinavian countries, the monarch is considered to be the head of state. The prime minister is elected every five years. Carl XVI is the current king of this country.