Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a region in northern Europe that includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Sometimes Finland and Iceland are also included. Scandinavia is known for its stunning nature, Viking history, and high quality of life. The region has long, cold winters and beautiful summers with very long days.

Land and People

About 21 million people live in Scandinavia. The region has deep fjords in Norway, thick forests in Sweden, and flat farmland in Denmark. In the far north, the Northern Lights dance across the sky in winter. During summer, the sun barely sets, creating the midnight sun.

Culture and Fun Facts

The Vikings came from Scandinavia and explored far across the world over 1,000 years ago. Today, Scandinavian countries are known for being some of the happiest in the world. The region gave the world LEGO, IKEA, and many fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen. Scandinavian design is famous for being simple and beautiful.

Fun Facts

• The Vikings from Scandinavia reached North America about 500 years before Columbus.
• LEGO was invented in Denmark and the name means 'play well' in Danish.
• In northern Scandinavia, the sun does not set for weeks during summer, a phenomenon called the midnight sun.

Did You Know?

In the far north of Scandinavia during summer, the sun never fully sets for weeks. This is called the midnight sun. In winter, the opposite happens and the sun barely rises at all.