Nordic countries编辑历史

# Introduction

The Nordic countries are a geographical and cultural region in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, comprising Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, along with their associated autonomous territories (the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland). Historically tied by the Kalmar Union, shared Norse heritage, and similar social models, the region is known for its high standard of living, welfare states, and distinct linguistic and cultural traits. This entry covers the definition, geography, history, society, and economy of the Nordic countries, with an emphasis on pre-contemporary developments and enduring cultural patterns.

# 1 Geography and environment

## 1.1 Physical geography

### 1.1.1 Scandinavian Peninsula and Fennoscandia

The Scandinavian Peninsula is the largest landmass of the Nordic region, shared by Norway and Sweden, extending from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Ocean. Fennoscandia is a broader geological and geographical unit that includes the Scandinavian Peninsula, Finland, the Kola Peninsula, and parts of northwestern Russia. This region is characterized by the ancient bedrock of the Fennoscandian Shield, shaped by glacial activity into fjords, valleys, and numerous lakes. The Scandinavian Mountains form the spine of the peninsula, with peaks reaching over 2,400 meters, influencing weather patterns and dividing the region into distinct climatic zones.

### 1.1.2 Islands and archipelagos

The Nordic region includes numerous islands and archipelagos. Denmark consists of the Jutland Peninsula and over 400 islands, with Zealand and Funen being the largest. Iceland is a volcanic island in the North Atlantic, formed by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are autonomous territories within the Kingdom of Denmark, while Åland is an autonomous archipelago in the Baltic Sea under Finland. Norway's coastline includes the Lofoten and Svalbard archipelagos, and Sweden's Stockholm Archipelago comprises thousands of isl