Not to nitpick but as someone who is about 40% Norwegian, I must ask is Finland considered part of Scandinavia?
I though Scandianvia was Norway, Sweden, and Denmark (Iceland?)
- There are, actually, only two Scandinavian countries speaking out of strict geographical and geological principles:
Russia and Germany.
Just joking, Norway and Sweden they are.
Denmark and Iceland, together with Sw + Nor are mostly thought of as Scandinavian countries because of their common Viking background.
Finland used to belong to Sweden (Sweden lost Finland to Russia in the Napoleon wars) and also shares several of the cultural traits of the other Nordic countries.
Finland is highly respected among the “Viking” countries; they share our culture of honesty and individual self-reliance (and as a Swede I must admit they often outperform us, although seldom in ice hockey).
Finns may not be “Vikings” but are equals in the matter of behavior; humble in speech, bold in action.
Personally, I talk a lot, whenever given an opportunity. This is typical of us natives of Gothenburg, largest port city of the Nordic countries where I live:D. It's called “tjôta” (difficult to translate as it signifies a whole culture, but the word “jabber” comes close).
I boast some. Admit that, but being an inhabitant of a Scandinavia country dismantling Socialism is great!
Technically, no. That’s why (I suppose) the author felt obliged to insert “(including Finland)” after “Scandinavia”. In the strictest sense Scandinavia includes Sweden and Norway, only. In a broader sense it includes Denmark and Iceland, as well. As far as I know, Finland has never been “Scandinavian”, especially considering that Finnish language and ethnicity are totally unrelated to those belonging to typical “Nordic” peoples.