region, Northern Europe
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Also known as: Scandia
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated: •Article History
- Historically:
- Scandia
Top Questions
What is the historical name of Scandinavia?
What is the historical name of Scandinavia?
Scandinavia was historically called Scandia.
Where is Scandinavia?
Where is Scandinavia?
Scandinavia is in the northern part of Europe. It is generally held to consist of the two countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway and Sweden, as well as Denmark.
What is the difference between Scandinavia and Norden countries?
What is the difference between Scandinavia and Norden countries?
In general, Scandinavia denotes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The term Norden refers to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. These form a group of countries having affinities with each other and are distinct from the rest of continental Europe.
Is Finland part of Scandinavia?
Is Finland part of Scandinavia?
Finland is generally not considered part of Scandinavia. Some authorities, though, argue for the inclusion of Finland on geologic and economic grounds.
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Scandinavia, part of northern Europe, generally held to consist of the two countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway and Sweden, with the addition of Denmark. Some authorities argue for the inclusion of Finland on geologic and economic grounds and of Iceland and the Faroe Islands on the grounds that their inhabitants speak North Germanic (or Scandinavian) languages related to those of Norway and Sweden. Typically, when these other areas are added to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, the group is called the "Nordic countries.”
The term Norden has also come into use to denote Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, a group of countries having affinities with one another and a distinctness from the rest of continental Europe. Among their distinguishing characteristics are thinly populated northern regions, a relative wealth of fish resources, long life expectancies, and high levels of literacy.
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.
