The Nordic Region

Countries and autonomous territories
 
Population
The Nordic population enjoys an abundance of good things: dynamic capital cities, fertile land, affluence, access to wild and beautiful nature, and plenty of space. Indeed, plenty of people who would love to move to one of the Nordic countries.
History
 
Social policy and welfare
The Nordic countries have a finely meshed social security net. One way in which they distinguish themselves from other countries is that benefit systems are for all and are relatively generous. Coupled with the objective of improving job opportunities for all, this means that there is a close link between distribution and social policy on the one hand and education and labour market policy on the other.
Culture
In the Nordic Region culture is no longer considered important per se – it has to have a reason, a purpose. But there is almost no limit to the number of good reasons for art.
Nature and the environment
Nordic citizens enjoy rich, untouched tracts of wilderness, pure water and fresh air, but we must keep a keen eye on our environment if future generations are to enjoy the same privileges. The Nordic countries have a long-standing tradition of working together on matters related to nature and the environment.
Politics
Parliamentarianism, democracy, a high proportion of women in the national parliaments and a well developed welfare model are all characteristic of politics in the Nordic Region.
Business and the economy
Economically, the Nordic countries have much in common. They are all small, open economies in which foreign trade has great economic significance. They have also rapidly evolved from poor, agrarian countries into modern industrialised economies that are among the most competitive in the world. The “Nordic model” is therefore of interest to both individuals and policy-makers in other countries. They wonder how these small countries, with large public sectors, including welfare services, and high taxation, have performed so well economically.
Language
 
Maps of the Nordic Region
It may be practical to know where to find maps of the Nordic countries, both to print and for use on their own homepage. Or to find out what the country looks like, and where the different cities, fjords, mountains and so on, are. Here is a collection of links to maps of the Nordic countries, which are free to use. Some are better than others, but you can quickly form an opinion on which map works best for your own needs.
Contact person
Eivind Sætre
Phone +45 33 96 02 07