NORWAY

                                                                                               

OSLO

ROYAL PALACE

              
      

Norway is known for its fjords and Midnight Sun. The population of 4.3 millions are Norwegians and Samis. The capital is Oslo which had been rebuilt many times.  In 1624 there was a Great Fire and it had been restored and renamed Christiania until 1924. The majority of Norwegian people live in towns. Norway has mastered their harsh environment and is becoming a most prosperous nation in Europe.

Norway's country is mainly mountainous. It is on the western side of the Scandinavian Peninsula. All along the coast are thousands of deep, narrow sea-inlets which are called fjords, The longest is the Sognefjords which measures 180km and has a depth of 1305m at its deepest point. Sweden, Finland and Russia border on Norway on the eastern side.

                        FEIGEFOSSEN, 
SOGN OG FJORDAN

RONDESLOTTED 
RONDANE NATIONAL PARK 
EASTERN NORWAY

MUSCOX  
LOW ALPINE TUNDRA 
AT DVREFJELL

Norway also owns a group of eight islands which are about 657km north of the Norwegian mainland called Svalbard. Two of the main islands are Jan Mayen, in the Greenland Sea and Svalbard. The entire area is one and a half times the size of Denmark. Spitzbergen is the largest and has a size of 39,000 sq km. It lies near the Gulf Stream which opens the sea ice all year round and therefore it is possible to ship the mined coal out continuously.

The smaller islands could be as many as 150,000 which lie along the coast of the country. They are great protection from the North Sea to Norway's great fishing vessels.

The islands have a population of about 3400 and have mainly coal mines. Even the harshness of the environment has not stopped the adventurous tourists and is becoming a popular destination.

In the highlands of Norway are glaciers and the fast flowing rivers from there are producing hydroelectric power which is a natural and import source. Not many people live in those mountainous areas. They mainly live in the flatter south-west of the country and mostly around Oslo.

Norway has severe winters in the north with always heavy snow fall. The ports on the west coast are not ice-bound because of the Gulf Stream. The warm air from the Gulf Stream and water drifts across the Atlantic Ocean from south-west to north-east.

Norway is so far north that the Sun disappears below the horizon during December and January. Therefore there is very little daylight in winter in Norway.

However, there is another side to it. Between June and July the Sun never sets and Norway earned the northern Scandinavian name 'Land of the Midnight Sun'

CLIMATE, POPULATION, EDUCATION.

Due the harsh weather conditions many areas of Norway are barren. However, rowan and silver birch trees grow on higher ground. The country also has large forests of pine and spruce trees. In the summer a carpet of wild flowers spread across the valleys. There are also yellow cloudberries, blueberries and cranberries growing and almost to be found everywhere. Norway has a great wildlife with lemmings, foxes, deer and elk in abundance. There are also bears, wolves and lynxes but not as widespread.

The native Sami people still herd reindeer in the far north. The Sami people are in contrast dark in colour and rather short while the Nordic people are tall, blond and blue eyed. The Nordic people are the majority of the Norwegian population. 90% of the population are part of the Lutheran Church. The Sami had and still practicing their traditional religion.

The children have to attend school from the age of seven to 16 and then, if they wish, can go on to higher education. Norway, like the other Scandinavian countries, has a system which is called 'folk high school'. It is for adults and they can attend regardless of their qualifications. Norway has a very high standard of living. The welfare system provides medical treatment for everyone. The pensions and benefits are also very generous.

ECONOMY

Fishing was always part of Norway and it is the oldest industry.  However, since so many countries are fishing the fish stock a reducing in the North Sea and strict controls were necessary. More and More fish farms are being established. Despite a ban on whale hunting, Norway started again to hunt whales and their was a great outcry.

During the '70s oil and gas was discovered in the North Sea. The discovery provides a most important export for Norway. The smelting of imported ores to produce iron, alloys and aluminium proved economical because of the great supply of hydroelectric power. Norway has to import grains because of the shortage of land. The Winter Olympic at Lillehammer in 1994 increased the tourism tremendously especially for winter sports.

 SAMI FAMILY IN NORWAY AROUND 1900 

SAMI MOTHER WITH CHILDREN

A PITE SAMI 
FROM BEIARN, 
NORWAY

HISTORY

It is believed and quite plausible that the Sami people came from central Asia, most probably 10,000 years ago. The Viking pushed them up to the north in the 8th century BC. When King Olav ruled in the 11th century the country was converted to Christianity. By the end of the 14th century Norway joined Denmark and Sweden. In 1523 Sweden left and in 1536 Norway became part of Denmark.

In 1905 Norway became independent when the grandfather of the present king became king. He was a Dane. During the First World War Norway was neutral. In the Second World War the country was invaded by the Germans. After the war Norway joined NATO and the United Nation. Norway decided not to join the European Community after a national referendum.

                    

SWEDEN

STOCKHOLM  - CAPITAL - 
LARGEST CITY IN SWEDEN

Sweden a country of forests, lakes and midnight Sun The geography of Sweden has Norrland in the north; the centre is covered with forests and mountains; the south-centre called is Svealand which has most of Sweden's 96,000 lakes; the south called Gotaland where the Smaland Highlands are and right down the south are the fertile plains of Skane.

The nearby Gulf Stream in the Atlantic influences Sweden's climate and therefore has a milder climate than its neighbours. Nevertheless, 15% of Sweden lies north of the Atlantic Circle. The winters are long and severe and in June and July the Sun never sets. Sweden has an enormous amount of trees of which the northern trees are fir, pine and birch but the south are mixed forests with some deciduous trees. Half of the country is covered with forests and therefore has a great wildlife such as moose, roe deer, foxes, weasels, ermines, hares, and in the north are bears, wolves and lynxes. The Sami are living in the northern mountains with their herd of reindeer.

                THE ROYAL PALACE AND OFFICIAL      RESIDENCE OF THE SWEDISH KING 

LIFE IN SWEDEN AND ITS ECONOMY

Most of the population are from the same ancestors. They speak the same language and have the same religion. There are two native-born indigenous inhabitants. One is the Finnish-speaking people living in the north-east and the other group is the Sami living in the northern part of the country.

Sweden is one of the most sophisticated welfare states in the world. The children attend school from the age of seven to 16 and it is free. The social security system covers almost the universal benefits which includes a compulsory health-insurance reimburses most medical fees.

Sweden's biggest industry is iron ore. It has large deposits north of the Atlantic Circle and is the country's most important mineral deposit. Other mineral resources are gold, copper, silver, lead and zinc. Sweden produces hydroelectric power. Another important industry is their wood and glass products.

Although only 3% of the population are farm workers; Sweden's farms harvest are one of the highest in the world. Their main crops are wheat, sugar beet, barley and potatoes. They are also very successful with cattle and pigs breeding.

SMALAND

TYPICAL FARMHOUSE 
IN SMALAND

Another important manufacture, which is 24%, is heavy machinery like motor vehicles and aircraft.

HISTORY

After a law issued in 1260 Sweden was organized with peasant at the bottom and nobles on the top till 1389. Thereafter, Denmark, Norway and Sweden were united under Danish rules. In 1521 a Swedish nobleman seized power and was crowned a King of Sweden in 1523.

Under the House of Vasa the church became the national religion and the administration was re-organized. It was along the German lines and the king had the total authority. In 1544 a hereditary monarchy was established. Sweden became a major power by the mid-17th century. It had conquered many provinces from Denmark, Norway, Germany and Finland. However, it did not have the power to maintain the provinces and by the early 18th century lost most of the provinces. By that time it was reduced to the size it is nowadays. When the Napoleonic War broke out, Finland was conquered by Russia and Sweden lost her provinces in northern Germany.

In 1973 Carl XVI Gustaf was crowned king. He and Queen Silvia have three children. Crown Princess Victoria is their eldest child and heir to the thrown. The Royal Palace is Drottningholm Palace and on the outskirts of Stockholm.

POLITICS

Sweden has a democracy and every three years a general election. They achieve an attendance of voters of around 90%. The voters have to be over 18 years old. They vote for one of the three parties. When elected they share the 349 seats in the Riksdag.

1920 Sweden joined the League of Nations and in 1946 the United Nations. Ever since Sweden had taken part in numerous international peacekeeping missions. On 1 January 1995 Sweden joined the members of the European Union but will not join the EU defence Alliance thus keeping its policy of neutrality

GOTLAND

SKIING IN GOTLAND

HOLIDAYS

Sweden is a remarkable holiday's destination. In the summer there will be an enormous sight seeing in Stockholm with its residential palace of the Royal family, museum with artifact of an ancient history completely different to the rest of Europe. The countryside is fascinating with its diversity. Every island has a different way of life. The enormous forests are offering a great variety of wildlife. In the winter there is perfect snow condition and great ski facilities inf Gotland. Visiting the Samis with their reindeer herds will be an unforgettable experience.

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FINLAND

HELSINKI  -- CAPITAL

Finland is called by the inhabitants Suomi and it means Finland in Finnish language. The country, because of it’s geographically position, had been invaded by Sweden, Germany and Russia. It finally became independent. Nowadays, it is one of the most prosperous countries in the world.

The Republic of Finland lies in the north-eastern Europe and borders on Norway, Sweden and Russia. It has only a population of 5.1 million and the capital is Helsinki.

The many rivers and lakes are having a good fish stock of trout, salmon, pike and perch. On the coast are crayfish being caught which is known as a traditional delicacy.

The network of rivers and lakes are also used for transporting timber.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

CLIMATE

Finland has a hard climate because being so far north. One-third of the country is north of the Arctic Circle. The Finland’s countryside is mainly covered with birch, spruce and pine forests. This encourages a great wildlife. It has 300 species of birds, wolves, foxes, lemmings, squirrels, beavers and elk.

Finland also has many islands and the main country has thousands inlets and bays. There are also thousands of lakes.

Finland has long, hard winters. The Sun does not rise for 51 days. In the summer the Sun does not set for three months. This has also an effect on the wildlife. The huge variety of birds is mainly migratory birds.

However, there are no mountains

LANGUAGES AND POPULATION

Because of its history, Finland has two official languages. One is Finnish and the other is Swedish. The majority speak Finnish. Finns who speak Swedish are living mainly on the Aland Islands and also in the south and west of the country. However, the names of most towns are in the Finnish and Swedish language.

The Finnish language is completely different and has hardly any connection or resemblance to the Western European languages. The language is known as Finno-Ugric. It comes slightly close to the Hungarian and Estonian language. It also has no connection to the Swedish and Norwegian language.

75% of the population live in towns and 20% of it all in Helsinki, the capital, or the surrounding area. The people of Finland have a very high living standard. The disabled, unemployed, elderly and children are cared for by the welfare system. Medical care is very cheap but also free for some.

Finland has a compulsory school-system from age of seven to 16. After that they can go to higher education. The students spent mostly seven years at university.

Many Finnish homes have a sauna. In a pine panelled room, heated up to 90oC they hit themselves with birch twigs. After that they take a cold shower or even plunge into the icy waters. It is believed that this cleanses the body and makes them stronger.

ECONOMY

The farmers own over 65% of Finland's forests and remaining 35% is controlled by the government. Forestry is Finland's major industry. Timber, paper and pulp products of which 40% is exported. The rivers are used as transport. Timber was once used mainly for fuel but with hydroelectric and nuclear power plants it is no longer necessary. In spite of all, Finland has still to import 70% of its power.

The food production of grain for bread, milk and meat Finland is self sufficient. The increasingly electronics and chemical industries mean that fewer people have to work in the timber industry. The tourist industry is being built up more and more and is becoming an important part of Finland's economy. Free accommodation is available for everyone in many forest areas.

The Lapp (Sami) people in the north herd reindeer. They still smoke fish in the traditional way. It is then kept for the winter.

ASTUVANSALMI 
ROCK PAINTING AT SAIMAA  
THE OLDEST DATING 
FROM 3000 - 2500 BCE

SUDMENLINNA AN 
INHABITED FORTRESS 
BUILT ON SIX ISLANDS 
NEAR HELSINKI  
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE 
FINLAND'S MOST POPULAR 
TOURIST ATTRACTION

HISTORY AND POLITICS

According to archaeological find settlers had been there from the late 8500 BCE. During the Stone Age period. It appears that the artefacts found are similar to the once found in Estonia, Russia and Norway. The people were hunter/gatherers with stone axe and tools.

From 5200 BCE the first pottery was made when the Comb Ceramic Culture started. It is believed the Corded Ware Culture in southern coastal Finland 3000 - 2500 BCE may have started agriculture.

About 2000 years ago Finland was invaded by people from the Ural Mountains region of central Asia. While the Lapps (Sami) came through a more northerly route and settled in the northern regions.

Sweden invaded Finland in the 12th century and converted the people to Christianity. In the 16th century Finland became a Duchy of Sweden. Wars broke out between Sweden and Russia and it was fought over Finland till 1809. Russia invaded Finland and made it a Grand Duchy of Russia. During this time the Finns were free under Russian rules. They even had theirs own currency. When the Russian revolution started in 1917 Finland took this chance of a moment and made sure they became independent. Even Finland had its civil war but the country became a republic in 1919.

The conflict between the Soviet Union and Germany became somewhat complicated for Finland in 1939. Finland allowed German troops on its territory. This provided safety towards an invasion from Russia. However, the Fins did not enter the Second World War. After that Finland was made to sign a damaging peace treaty with the Soviet Union. They had to pay reparations until 1952. After this Finland stayed neutral in international affairs. A great number of peace conferences have taken place in Helsinki

A VILLAGE WITH THEIR BOATS

FINLAND'S TRAFFIC JAM 
WILD ANIMALS 
MOOSE AND REINDEER 
CAUSES THOUSANDS OF 
ACCIDENTS A YEAR

FOREST'S HIKE

HOLIDAYS

Holidays gives you a choice from the barren Arctic landscape to thousands of tiny islands, huge unspoilt forests and many crystal clear lakes.

Summer, when the Sun never sets, gives you an endless opportunity of hiking through huge forests, canoeing on beautiful lakes or golfing plus the familiar Finnish sauna. Trips to watch bears are an unforgettable experience. Watching the great variety of birds or go fishing. A fisherman's finds a paradise with fishing in rivers, lakes or on the coast.

Winter with plenty of beautiful snow gives a choice of Husky sledding, Snowmobile, skiing downhill or cross country, watching Northern lights or visit Father Christmas in Lapland.

A SAMI AND HIS REINDEER

DENMARK

COPENHAGEN OLD HARBOUR --
 NYHAVN -- 17TH CENTURY

Denmark is not only the birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson but also has a very long history back to Vikings and further. The country has a long peninsular called Jutland and 500 islands. It is the link between Scandinavia and Northern Europe. It owns the Faeroe Islands and Greenland. Denmark is surrounded by sea apart from the southern side of Jutland where it borders with Germany.

Denmark has a mild and moist climate. The countryside is flat and the few hills never reach further than 150m. All this makes it a perfect farming country. Denmark is also reclaiming land from the sea. The fields are well kept and the farmhouses are half-timbered and whitewashed with thatched roofs. They export agricultural products such as butter, condensed milk, beet sugar, ham, bacon and beer.

Since they have 500 islands and the mainland is mostly surrounded by sea they have an important fishing and shipbuilding industry. Each year they fish millions of tonnes of cod, herring and shellfish.

The Danes also developed their sophisticated electrical machinery industry which includes stereo systems and airport landing systems.

On the island of Bornholm is a world-wide known production of fine china. Danish glassware made a name of very high standard.

In spite of all this, Denmark's agriculture is most important. 75% of the people live in Town. Of that 25% in Copenhagen which is the capital. In Copenhagen you still can find old styled houses and old narrow, cobbled streets with an ancient castle in the countryside. Fresh, warm Danish pastries and morning coffee fill the street with their aroma. Polser, a grilled or fried sausage like a hot dog, are also to be found in these street cafes.

Denmark's population have a high standard of living. Medical care is free, handicapped people and pensioners receive a state pension. Education is compulsory from the age of seven to 15 and mostly free. The first Danish University was founded in 1479 in Copenhagen. Other universities are in Aarhus, Odense and Roskilde.

The Danish language derived from Norwegian and Swedish. Famous Danish people are Arne Jacobson and Jorn Utzon, architects, who designed the opera house in Sidney, Australia. The most famous authors are Karen Blixen and Hans Christian Anderson, the children's story teller. One of his best characters 'Little Mermaid', a statue was erected.

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Hans Christian Anderson wrote 168 fairy stories from 1835 to 1872. The most famous are 'The Emperor's New Clothes' -- 'The Ugly Dugling' -- and 'The Little Mermaid'. To begin with he wrote childrens' stories but later on he also wrote tales more for adults and with a deeper meaning.

THE GILDED SITE
OF THE TRUNDHOLM
SUN CHARIOT

HISTORY

The earliest archaeological find in Denmark dates back to the Eem interglacial times 130,000 to 110,000 BC. Agriculture had been there since 3,900 BC.

From the North Bronze Age 1,800-600 BC a number of burial mounds have been found and they contained an enormous amount of artefacts, including Lurs and the Sun Chariot.

During the Pre-Roman Iron Age from 500 to 1 AD native migrated south. The first Danish came between Pre-Roman and Germanic Iron Age -- in the Roman Iron Age between 1 to 400 AD.

Roman coins had been found which proved that Roman provinces had a trade route and contact with the native tribes of Denmark.

There were many finds, especially the world oldest musical instrument. The ancestors of the Danes were the Vikings who terrorized their neighbours and it is assumed they most properly discovered America.  During the Middle Ages, the monarchy of Denmark controlled Sweden, Norway, Iceland and parts of Northern Germany. It was a very strong monarchy.

THE LADBY SHIP
 THE LARGEST SHIP 
BURIED IKN DENMARK.

In 1849 the constitution was changed to a monarchy and elected representatives of the people. During the World War I Denmark was neutral.  In the Second World War II Denmark was occupied by Germany.  After that it joined NATO and was part of the European Community. No nuclear weapons are allowed on Danish soil.

RECONSTRUCTED
HOUSES IN HEDEBY

COPENHAGEN -- CHRISTIANSBORG PALACE -- THE SEAT OF THE DANISH GOVERNMENT

HOLIDAY TIPS ON SIGHT SEEING

Denmark is legendary for cleanliness and pollution free. You can swim in the rivers.

Denmark was also the birthplace of Lego.  For a family holiday there is the city of Billund with the Legoland Theme Park. It doesn't only have a miniland but offers train rides, boat rides and a popular Pirate Land. A Mindstorm Centre was technology and innovation collide and children can use computers to build their own Lego robots.

Copenhagen offers a lot of sight seeing such as museums with many interesting exhibits, the old harbour with 17th century houses, the Tivoli Gardens with an all year round fan fair, the Freestone Christiana and the Little Mermaid.

Take the old road north from Copenhagen to Helsinger and you follow a scenic coastline passing through Klampenborg with the huge Dyrehave Park and the Bakken amusement fair, Rungsted with the Karen Blix Museum and Humlebrek with the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

HELSINGER --
KRONEBORG CASTLE

In Helsinger is a most famous castle the Kroneborg Castle which was made even more known by Shakespeare's Hamlet.

For lover of fish it is an absolute paradise. The choice is unbelievable. Freshly caught fish made into mouth-watering dishes.

LEGOLAND