A look behind the scene of the nordic model
The Nordic region as such comprises the 12th largest economy in the world, with a population that is growing faster than the EU average, a labour market that receives global praise and a welfare system that has proved resilient both in times of boom and bust. But the countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden along with Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland also make out a macroregion of very different internal regions, both geographically and administratively. The State of the Nordic Region explores and illustrates this in an excellent way.
The Nordics are often at the top of the list when the UN or other international bodies rank nations on various parameters. And despite some bumps on the road, we are also rated as some of the most suited to fulfill the aim of the 2030 Agenda to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
But what is the picture behind the national figures and how do the various regions within the Nordic countries interact, both internally and across borders? That question is addressed by the State of the Nordic Region 2018, which gives you a unique look behind the scenes of the world’s most integrated region.
The Nordics often are at the top of the list when the UN or other international bodies rank nations on various parameters. And despite some bumps on the road, we are also rated as some of the most suited to fulfill the aim of the 2030 Agenda to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM) has contributed with Nordic statistics for more than 50 years through e.g. the Nordic Statistical Yearbook and Nordregio, our research institution for planning and development, has published regional statistics since the 1980’s.
Now we are gearing up even more with a new Analytical Unit at the NCM Secretariat, as well as a reorganized statistics unit. And the current edition of the State of the Nordic Region, formerly produced by Nordregio alone, is now published as a joint venture for the entire Nordic Council of Ministers network.
The State of the Nordic Region 2018 is a goldmine for local, regional and national authorities in the Nordic countries.
By mapping and documenting information about the state of the Nordic region(s), Nordregio has over the years empowered Solid documentation of development trends is a necessary starting point for developing good policy.
The State of the Nordic Region 2018 is a goldmine for local, regional and national authorities in the Nordic countries. It is also a treasure trove of information for the Nordic population at large, as well as a must read for international actors who want to learn about the Nordics and maybe even get inspired by the Nordic model, however differently it may be played out in the various regions and areas.
I hope the many interesting facts, figures and stories embodied in this impressive report will find a large audience and reach high and wide, just as the Nordic countries themselves seem to be doing.