Nordic Culture
On this page you can learn about the countries that make up Scandinavia
and Iceland, technically called the Nordic countries - Sweden,
Norway, Denmark,
Finland, and Iceland.
In the north, above the Arctic Circle, lies the romantic Land of the
Midnight Sun where, in summer, the sun stays above the horizon for three
months and in winter there are weeks of perpetual darkness. Here live
the Saami, formerly called Lapps, a picturesque
people whose nomadic existence is largely dependent on reindeer.
The Swedes, Finns, Danes and Norwegians who live in the southern part
of Scandinavia have their own individual characteristics. They share,
however, a high standard of living and, compared with the rest of Europe,
the luxury of space.
Scandinavia offers a wide variety of sports such as fishing, sailing,
skiing and mountaineering using the beautiful scenery. Those interested
in history will find endless palaces, manor houses, castles and even
Viking ships to visit. The traveler who seeks neither of these particular
pursuits may enjoy a genuine Finnish sauna, or a cruise along the magnificent
fjord coastline of Norway, the excellent Danish cuisine served in the
many restaurants in the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, or in Stockholm's
park, Skansen in or along the streets where polsa och potatis is sold
(sausage or hotdogs on mashed potato)
Wherever one's interests may lie, Scandinavia has its superb scenery
that would delight any traveler and Scandinavia is a most delightful
part of Europe.
(excerpted from Scandinavia printed by Crescent Books
Saami (formerly Lapland)
Formerly known as Lapland, the land of the Saami is a region of Northern
Scandinavia and the Saamis are a largely nomadic people being dependent
for their livelihood on the huge herds of reindeer that roam the area.
They are a colorful, cultivated and highly intelligent race who now
number over 30,000.
Saami Land is a wild region of forests and fells. The people do not
recognize the political boundaries of the countries but as nomads cross
across the borders of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and even into Russia.
Today the governments of each country are recognizing the Saami people
and include them in representation in their governments.
Note: Saami is also spelled Sami.
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