Nordic States

There are 5 Nordic States. These States are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.

1. Scandinavia

2. Scandinavia is a large region of Northern Europe that is mainly made up of the Scandinavian
Peninsula. As such, it includes the countries of Norway and Sweden. In addition, Denmark,
Finland and Iceland are also included in Scandinavia. Geographically, the Scandinavian
Peninsula is the largest peninsula in Europe and it extends from above the Arctic Circle at
66.5°N latitude south to the North and Baltic Seas.
(http://geography.about.com/od/europemaps/tp/scandinavia.htm)
Arguably the largest peninsula in Europe, the Scandinavian Peninsula is approximately 1,850
kilometres (1,150 mi) long with a width varying approximately from 370 to 805 kilometres (230 to 500
miles). The Scandinavian mountain range generally defines the border between Norway and
Sweden. The peninsula is bordered by several bodies of water including:
 the Baltic Sea (including the Gulf of Bothnia) to the east, with the autonomous Åland
islands between Sweden
[5]
and Finland, and Gotland.
 the North Sea (including the Kattegat and Skagerrak) to the west and southwest
 the Norwegian Sea to the west
 the Barents Sea to the north
Its highest elevation was Glittertinden in Norway at 2,470 m (8,100 ft) above sea level, but since the
glacier at its summit partially melted
[c itation needed]
, the highest elevation is at 2,469 m (8,100 ft)
at Galdhøpiggen, also in Norway. These mountains also have the largest glacier on the mainland of
Europe, Jostedalsbreen.
About one quarter of the Scandinavian Peninsula lies north of the Arctic Circle, its northernmost
point being at Cape Nordkyn, Norway.

3. The climate across Scandinavia varies from tundra (Köppen: ET) and subarctic (Dfc) in the north,
with cool marine west coast climate (Cfc) in northwestern coastal areas reaching just north
of Lofoten, to humid continental (Dfb) in the central portion and marine west coast (Cfb) in the south
and southwest.
[6]
The region is rich in timber, iron and copper with the best farmland in southern
Sweden. Large petroleum and natural-gas deposits have been found off Norway's coast in the North
Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Much of the population of the Scandinavian Peninsula is naturally concentrated in its southern part,
which is also itsagricultural region. The largest cities of the peninsula are Stockholm, Sweden; Oslo,
Norway; Gothenburg, Sweden; Malmö, Sweden and Bergen, Norway, in that order.


The following is a list of the five countries comprising Scandinavia and a little bit of
information about each of them. All information was obtained from the Central Intelligence
Agency's World Factbook.

The Norway flag is red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag;
the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish
flag). Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007
1. Norway
Norway is located in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula between the North
Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. It has an area of 125,020 square miles (323,802 sq km)
and 15,626 miles (25,148 km) of coastline. Norway's topography is varied with high plateaus
and rugged, glaciated mountain ranges that are separated by fertile valleys and plains. It
also has a rugged coastline that is made up of many fjords. Its climate is temperate along
the coast due to the North Atlantic Current, while inland it is cold and wet.
Norway has a population 4,676,305 (July 2010 estimate) and its capital city is Oslo. Its
economy is growing and it is based mainly on industries like petroleum and gas,
shipbuilding and fishing.

4. The Sweden flag is blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag; the
vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish
flag). Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007

2. Sweden
Sweden is also located in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is bordered to
the west by Norway and Finland to the east and it is along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of
Bothnia. Sweden covers an area of 173,860 square miles (450,295 sq km) and it has 1,999
miles (3,218 km) of coastline. The topography of Sweden flat to rolling lowlands as well as
mountains in its western areas near Norway. Its highest point, Kebnekaise at 6,926 feet
(2,111 m) is located there. The climate of Sweden is temperate in the south and subarctic in
the north. Their natural resources include oil, natural gas, coal, minerals, and the forest.

5. The capital and largest city in Sweden is Stockholm which is located on its east coast.
Sweden has a population of 9,074,055 (July 2010 estimate). It also has a strong, developed
economy.










The Denmark flag is red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical
part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side (this design element was subsequently adopted by
Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007
3. Denmark
Denmark is located in Northern Europe north of Germany. It has coastlines which cover
4,545 miles (7,314 km) that are along the Baltic and North Seas. The total land area of
Denmark is 16,638 square miles (43,094 sq km). This area includes the mainland of
Denmark as well as two large islands that are called Sjaelland and Fyn. The topography of
Denmark consists mostly of low and flat plains. The highest point in Denmark is
Mollehoj/Ejer Bavnehoj at 561 feet (171 m), while its lowest point is Lammefjord at -23 feet
(-7 m). The climate of Denmark is mainly temperate and it has cool but humid summers and
windy, mild winters.
The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen and the country has a population of 5,515,575 (July
2010 estimate).

6. Natural Resources in Denmark

The Siri oil platform in the North Sea is operated by DONG Energy.
Oil, natural gas, gravel, sand, limestone, chalk, clay and salt are some of the natural resources which can be found in
the Danish underground.
Danish companies as well as large international corporations help extracting the natural resources. Crude oil and
natural gas is found in the Danish territories of the North Sea. Other natural resources like gravel, chalk,
limestone and clay is found in the Danish underground. Furthermore Denmark seeks to exploit green energy sources
like wind, water and sun.
Denmark is self-sufficient in oil
The crude oil extracted from the Danish oil fields in the North Sea is about 10 billion liters a year. This makes
Denmark self-sufficient in oil. Denmark is not a major oil exporter. Seen on an international scale the annual
production of oil is not large. However you should remember that Denmark is a relatively small country.
Natural gas
Natural gas from the North Sea is used for heating of Danish homes and for production of electricity and heat
by power plants. Denmark is also self-sufficient in natural gas.
Limestone, chalk and clay
Faxe Kalk extracts limestone from a large quarry near Fakse. Chalk and clay are also extracted from the Danish
underground and is sold to both Danish and foreign companies.
Sand and gravel
Sand and gravel is also extracted. Sand and gravel is mainly used in the construction industry.
Salt
Formerly salt was extracted and sold in large quantities. Today the salt extracted in Denmark is mainly used for
health products. The process of extracting salt is now also shown as a tourist attraction e.g. on Læsø.
Wind, water and solar energy
Denmark is at the forefront in the use of green energy sources. Therefore you will find windmills all over the country.
To some extent also water and sun are being exploited as sources of energy.
Energy supply
The largest Danish energy supplier DONG Energy uses energy sources as oil, natural gas and wind. However coal is
also imported and used in the power plants for heat and electricity production. Denmark does not have any nuclear
power plants, but is instead focusing on using and developing more green energy solutions in the future.

7. Fuel trading
Fuel trading is a major industry. Most filling stations in Denmark are own by international oil companies. However the
Danish energy company OK has over 680 filling stations in Denmark making them one of the largest petrol fuel
provides in Denmark.
The sale of fuel to the shipping industry is also a major business in Denmark. This trade is known as bunker
trading.Some of the world's largest shipping companies have their headquarters in Denmark. Danish bunker trading
companies are seeking to take advantage of this. Bunker trading companies like United Shipping & Trading Company
and Wrist Group are in terms of turnover among the 20 largest companies in Denmark.
Trading with jet fuel, fuel oil, gas oil, heat oil, petrol and other fuels and oils are also lucrative businesses in Denmark.




The Finland flag is white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of
the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag). Source: CIA World
Factbook, 2007
4. Finland
Finland is a Northern European country that is located between Sweden andRussia and
northern border with Norway. It covers a total land area of 130,558 square miles (338,145
sq km) and has 776 miles (1,250 km) of coastline. Finland has coasts along Baltic Sea, the
Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland. The topography of Finland consists of low rolling
plains as well as many lakes. The highest point in Finland is Haltiatunturi at 4,357 feet
(1,328 m). Finland's climate is cold temperate and as such, it is relatively mild despite its
high latitude. This is due to the moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current and
many lakes.
The population of Finland is 5,255,068 (July 2010 estimate) and its capital is Helsinki.
Main Crops: Cereals, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; fish.

Natural Resources: Timber, copper, zinc, iron ore, silver

Major Industries: Metal products, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, copper refining,
foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing
http://www.historycentral.com/nationbynation/Finland/Economy.html

8. The Iceland flag is blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the edges of the flag; the
vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish
flag). Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007








5. Iceland
Iceland is an island nation located in Northern Europe just south of the Arctic Circle. By
most accounts it is considered a Scandinavian country. It has a total land area of 39,768
square miles (103,000 sq km) and a coastline that covers 3,088 miles (4,970 km). The
topography of Iceland is varied and it is one of the most volcanic regions in the world. As
such it has a rugged landscape with hot springs, sulphur beds, geysers, lava fields, canyons
and waterfalls. There are also many active volcanoes in Iceland. Iceland's climate is
temperate and it is moderated by the Gulf Stream. It has mild, windy winters and wet, cool
summers.
The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik and its population is 308,910 (July 2010 estimate).