A little beside the thread-topic, but relevant to the shifting concept of "Scandinavia", there is the cultural character of the inhabitants.
I have the impression that there is a wider distance between individuals in Scandinavia, and a lack of cozyness outside the family sphere, compared with neighbouring countries such as Germany and Britain. It might have something to do with "Janteloven". This can be shown rather clearly when comparing the "air" of Swedish internet forums with international ones. The international ones also has the harshness and non-appreciation, but in addition to that they can also have a friendly side, missing in Sweden.
Another related thing is that people keep their emotions to themselves, so they usually do not make extravagant public protests. No farmers block the highways to attack the government.
This difference has been mentioned in Estonia, where the Russians were more prone to outspoken actions when they disagreed with the regime, while the Estonians were more Scandinavian and thus kept silent.
Scandinavian jokes are often very implicit and understated, unlike North American jokes, where the recipient is hit over the head with the massive overstatement. That is what I have been told, since USans and Canadians do not understand if I am serious or not.
I do not know of the geographic extent of Scandinavian character, but Estonia and at least part of Latvia might share these traits and others that I do not think of at the moment. Denmark is more continental, with higher population density, unlike the northern forests in the other lands.
I have often been regarded as only mentioning the gloomy side, but that is my take on it. Others can fill in what they know.
I have the impression that there is a wider distance between individuals in Scandinavia, and a lack of cozyness outside the family sphere, compared with neighbouring countries such as Germany and Britain. It might have something to do with "Janteloven". This can be shown rather clearly when comparing the "air" of Swedish internet forums with international ones. The international ones also has the harshness and non-appreciation, but in addition to that they can also have a friendly side, missing in Sweden.
Another related thing is that people keep their emotions to themselves, so they usually do not make extravagant public protests. No farmers block the highways to attack the government.
This difference has been mentioned in Estonia, where the Russians were more prone to outspoken actions when they disagreed with the regime, while the Estonians were more Scandinavian and thus kept silent.
Scandinavian jokes are often very implicit and understated, unlike North American jokes, where the recipient is hit over the head with the massive overstatement. That is what I have been told, since USans and Canadians do not understand if I am serious or not.
I do not know of the geographic extent of Scandinavian character, but Estonia and at least part of Latvia might share these traits and others that I do not think of at the moment. Denmark is more continental, with higher population density, unlike the northern forests in the other lands.
I have often been regarded as only mentioning the gloomy side, but that is my take on it. Others can fill in what they know.