At the very top of Northern Europe sits Scandinavia. Scandinavia is comprised of Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Along with Finland, these countries represent an ancient way of life. Much of Scandinavia sits in the Arctic Circle which makes winters here cold and snowy.
Finland and Scandinavia Facts For Kids
- Finland is a country in Northern Europe.
- It’s part of Scandinavia with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
- The capital of Finland is Helsinki.
- Finnish and Swedish are the official languages.
- Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”.
- It’s famous for Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis.
- Finland’s education system is globally renowned.
- Scandinavia is known for its social welfare systems.
- Finland is the home of Santa Claus in Lapland.
- In Scandinavia, the summer sun can shine all day.
Nordic Countries
Did you know that the Nordic countries, including Finland, are often hailed as some of the happiest and most peaceful places on Earth?
These countries are located in the Northern part of Europe and consist of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. Each of them is unique, yet they all share common features.
They’re known for their stunning landscapes, from Finland’s thousands of lakes to Norway’s famous fjords. They also have strong social systems, providing excellent education and healthcare, which contribute to their high living standards.
Furthermore, they’re famous for their commitment to equality and sustainability.
So, if you’re dreaming of a place where you can enjoy nature, have a great quality of life and feel safe, these Nordic countries would be a perfect choice!
Finnish Language and Culture
You’ll find it fascinating that the Finnish language, unique to its culture, is among the few in Europe not rooted in the Indo-European family of languages! It’s part of the Finno-Ugric family, which includes Hungarian and Estonian. Finnish is known for its complex grammar and abundant use of vowels.
Now, let’s talk about Finnish culture. It’s a mix of indigenous traditions and modern Scandinavian influences. You’ll love the importance they place on nature. Finland is known as ‘the land of a thousand lakes’, and Finns make the most of this by spending time outdoors, even in winter!
Also, they have a tradition called ‘sisu’, which is about having determination and resilience. It’s a key part of how Finns approach life.
Sauna Culture in Finland
Immerse yourself in the warmth of a traditional Finnish sauna, a cherished ritual in this unique culture where steam dances off heated stones and the scent of fresh birch leaves fills the air. Saunas play a significant role in Finland’s traditions and social life.
Believe it or not, there’s almost one sauna for every person in this Northern European country! Saunas aren’t just about sweating out toxins. It’s a time for relaxation, contemplation, and even socializing. It’s common for families and friends to enjoy a sauna together.
After a good sweat, brave the cold and jump into a frozen lake or roll in the snow. Don’t worry, you’ll warm up quickly back in the sauna.
Experience this essential part of Finnish life for a truly authentic cultural immersion.
Finnish Education System
Step into a classroom in the Nordic region, and you’ll immediately notice the differences in their approach to education. It’s not about cramming facts or acing standardized tests, but fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
In Finland, specifically, education is seen as key to a child’s well-being and success. From the age of 6, you’ll find kids in Finnish schools engrossed in multi-disciplinary projects rather than being stuck on rote memorization. There’s no homework until they’re older, and all students get a free, healthy lunch daily. Plus, teachers are highly respected, with most having a Master’s degree.
This unique and effective approach has consistently put Finland at the top of world education rankings.
Helsinki (capital city)
Experience the vibrant pulse of Helsinki, the northernmost capital city in the world. Here, modern urban life seamlessly blends with age-old traditions and stunning natural beauty.
You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this buzzing city embraces both the old and the new. From the stylish design district brimming with boutiques and galleries to the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress that tells tales of the past, there’s no shortage of sights to explore.
Don’t miss out on a chance to see the famous Helsinki Cathedral, an iconic symbol of the city. Take a stroll along the bustling market square, where you can taste local delicacies and shop for unique souvenirs.
With its combination of charm, culture, and history, Helsinki is sure to captivate your heart.
Sami People
The Sami people have a rich culture that is steeped in centuries-old traditions and customs. They live in the far north of Scandinavia, including parts of Finland, and have a lifestyle that is deeply connected to nature. Their traditional livelihood is based on reindeer herding, fishing, hunting, and gathering. It’s fascinating to learn that they have their own language, Sami, with several dialects!
One of the most striking aspects of Sami culture is their vibrant clothing, known as gákti. It is not just clothing, but also a symbol of their identity and heritage. When you see a Sami person in their gákti, it is truly a sight to behold.
In addition to their unique clothing, the Sami people also have a distinctive musical tradition called joiking. Joiking is a form of song that tells a story or describes a person or place. It is a beautiful and powerful way for the Sami people to express their emotions and connect with their cultural roots.
Exploring the culture of the Sami people is like unraveling a rich tapestry of history and tradition. Their way of life, language, clothing, and music all come together to create a fascinating and unique cultural experience.
Swedish Language in Finland
Venturing into the linguistic landscape of Finland, it’s intriguing to learn that Swedish is not just a neighbor’s language, but also one of the official languages of the country. That’s right! Finland is officially bilingual, with both Finnish and Swedish recognized by the government.
You’ll find that about 5% of the population speaks Swedish, primarily in the coastal areas and on the Åland Islands. While Finnish is more widely spoken, Swedish has its place in the country’s education system.
Kids start learning Swedish in school around the age of nine. So, if you ever visit Finland, don’t be surprised if you hear some Swedish conversations. It’s all part of the rich cultural tapestry that makes Finland such a fascinating place.
Scandinavian Geography
Scandinavian geography offers a truly awe-inspiring journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Europe. The countries of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark each have their own unique corners of the world.
Sweden, the largest of the three, is a tapestry of lakes and forests, dotted with bustling cities.
Norway, known as the land of the midnight sun, is a trove of dramatic cliffs and fjords.
Denmark, the smallest country, is characterized by low-lying terrain, charming rolling hills, and sandy coastlines.
When exploring Scandinavia, imagine yourself immersed in Viking history, marveling at the Northern Lights, and experiencing the midnight sun.
The geography of Scandinavia not only offers beautiful landscapes but also tells a story of its rich history and the resilient people who call it home.
Viking History
Are you ready to sail away from the fjords and forests of Scandinavian geography? Hold on to your helmets, because we’re voyaging into the thrilling world of Viking history!
The Vikings, fierce warriors and skilled seamen from Scandinavia, made a significant impact on the world. Their era, known as the Viking Age, spanned from the 8th to the 11th century.
Fun fact for you: Finland, part of Scandinavia, was also influenced by these seafaring explorers.
The Vikings weren’t just raiders and pillagers, they were traders, poets, and lawmakers too. They established settlements and trading routes across Europe, Asia, and even North America.
So, you see, the Viking legacy is an integral part of Scandinavian history. Exciting, isn’t it?
Nordic Welfare Model
Buckle up, because we’re diving into the Nordic welfare model, a system that wraps its citizens in a comforting blanket of social security.
This model, implemented by countries like Finland and other Scandinavian nations, ensures everyone is taken care of, no matter their job or income. It’s like a big, caring parent for the whole population!
The Nordic welfare model provides benefits like free education, healthcare, and a strong social security network. If you’re sick, they’ve got your back with healthcare. If you want to learn, they’ve got you covered with free education. And if you’re elderly or disabled, you’re not left to fend for yourself.
The model’s aim is to reduce social and economic inequalities, ensuring everyone gets a fair shake at life.
During the summer, the sun shines both day and night. It would be hard to go to sleep when the sun never sets! During the winter, though, the sun never shines, even during the day. At the most northern part of Scandinavia, it is dark for two months!
Fun Facts about Finland and Scandinavia for Kids
- Norway, Sweden and Finland seem wild. They are covered with forests and swift rivers.
- Norway and Sweden have many mountains while Finland and Denmark are low-lying. Denmark is known to have many farms.
- Most people in these countries live near the sea or near lakes.
- The people of Scandinavia have a high quality of life. They pay very high taxes, but this way the wealth is better shared; the Scandinavian people thus get good education, health and social benefits, great infrastructure and a safer, cleaner public transport system. Therefore, most of the population enjoy a good standard of living.
- The northern part of Scandinavia is called Lapland.
- The Lapland region is inhabited by Sami people. These people have their own language. The five Sami languages spoken in Lapland are North, South, Skolt, Inari and Lule.
- They herd reindeer for meat and milk in Lapland.
- The other languages spoken in Scandinavia includes Danish, Swedish and Norwegian.
Finland and Scandinavia Vocabulary
- Comprise: made up of; includes
- Represent: symbolize
- Arctic Circle: the northern most part of the Earth
- Swift: fast
- Resource: the tools or products needed for life; includes food, shelter, healthcare, employment and education
- Infrastructure: the basic facilities needed by the country
All about Finland and Scandinavia Video for Kids
Here’s the best kids Finland and Scandinavia video you can watch right now to learn more all about Finland and Scandinavia:
Finland and Scandinavia Q&A
Question: How large is Scandinavia?
Answer: Scandinavia is approximately 1,850 kilometers, which is 1,150 miles long or 340,000 square miles. The peninsula has a width varying from 370-805 kilometers or 230-500 miles. This makes Scandinavia the largest peninsula in Europe.
Map of Finland and Scandinavia
Here’s a map of Finland and Scandinavia, and all its cities and villages. Zoom in to get into street level or zoom out to see other countries around Finland and Scandinavia! You can see the terrain, but also see the roads, images of the buildings and even take a 3D tour through the streets of the cities in Finland and Scandinavia, as though you are actually there!
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