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What Countries are in Scandinavia

If you’re obsessed with maps like me, you may have wondered what countries are in Scandinavia. Or even better, just want a simple list of Scandinavian countries. I’VE GOT YOU! Just scroll down

Why do I care?

I visited every country in the world, and I’m a lunatic for this stuff. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit them all, and all the wide Nordic region too. Every last spot!

Copenhagen, Denmark’s Capital, is one of the best cities in the world. And Scandinavia in general is epic. I loved seeing the northern lights, and staying in an snow hotel in Norway. Or getting lost on my Greenland itinerary, or galavanting around when visiting the Faroe Islands. All some of the most gorgeous, fun trips I’ve ever taken!

What is Scandinavia?

Scandinavia is a region in Northern Europe. For travelers, it means fjords, Northern Lights, and Ikea. But what exactly constitutes Scandinavia? Which countries belong to this famed region? Let’s dive in and uncover the details.

TLDR? A list of all Scandinavian countries

For those in a rush, here’s a quick list of the countries that are traditionally considered part of Scandinavia:

• Denmark
• Norway
• Sweden

How about Iceland, Finland I hear you say…?

Not to be confused with the ‘Nordic Countries?

While the core Scandinavian countries are Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, Iceland and Finland are often associated with this region due to cultural and historical connections. However, they are more accurately part of the broader Nordic region. Here’s a breakdown:

Core Scandinavian Countries:

• 1. Denmark
• 2. Norway
• 3. Sweden

Broader Nordic Region (including Scandinavia):

• Denmark
• Norway
• Sweden
• Finland
• Iceland

To be honest, because it’s not a strict definition, often people lump Finland, Iceland (Faroe Islands and Greenland too) into the ‘Scandi countries’ but they’re wrong. No harm done though.

A map of Scandinavian countries

This map highlights Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, which are the core Scandinavian countries. Some definitions also include Finland and Iceland, but we’ll get into that shortly.

Definition of Scandinavia

Scandinavia traditionally refers to the region in Northern Europe comprising three countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. This definition is rooted in cultural, historical, and linguistic ties among these countries. The Scandinavian Peninsula, which Norway and Sweden share, and Denmark’s Jutland Peninsula are geographical landmarks of this region.

However, the term “Scandinavia” is sometimes used more broadly to include Finland and Iceland, which share historical and cultural connections with the core Scandinavian countries, although they are not part of the Scandinavian Peninsula.

Is Sweden a Scandinavian country?

Yes, Sweden is one of the core countries in Scandinavia. In fact is you ask What Countries are in Scandinavia, Sweden is probably the first thought that comes to mind.

It occupies a significant portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula and shares extensive cultural and historical ties with Denmark and Norway. Known for its stunning landscapes, innovative design, and high quality of life, Sweden plays a central role in defining Scandinavian identity.

Is Norway a Scandinavian country?

Absolutely, Norway is a key country in Scandinavia. Situated on the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway is famous for its dramatic fjords, Viking heritage, and natural beauty. Like Sweden and Denmark, Norway shares deep cultural and linguistic ties that define the Scandinavian region.

Is Finland a Scandinavian country?

Finland is often included in discussions about Scandinavia, but technically, it is not part of the core Scandinavian group. Instead, Finland is part of the broader Nordic region, which includes Scandinavia as well as Finland and Iceland. Finland’s historical connections with Sweden and its membership in the Nordic Council contribute to its association with Scandinavia.

Is Iceland a Scandinavian country?

No. Iceland is sometimes included in broader definitions of Scandinavia due to cultural and historical links, particularly with Norway and Denmark. However, geographically, it is not part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Iceland is more accurately part of the Nordic region, which shares many of the social, cultural, and political frameworks of Scandinavia.

Are the Faroe Islands a Scandinavian country?

No. The Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, are not considered a Scandinavian country by the strictest definition. However, due to their political ties with Denmark and shared cultural elements, they are often included in broader discussions about the Nordic region. The Faroese culture and language have been significantly influenced by Scandinavian heritage.

Is Greenland a Scandinavian country?

Greenland is not considered a Scandinavian country. In fact it’s not even a country, belonging to Denmark!

Conclusion on What Countries are in Scandinavia

Understanding what What Countries are in Scandinavia can be complex due to varying definitions and perspectives. However, the core Scandinavian countries are Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. This trio shares deep-rooted historical, cultural, and linguistic ties that define the region. While Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands have strong connections to these countries, they are generally considered part of the broader Nordic region rather than core Scandinavia.