The Shaping of Norden

Abstract

The Jive states of Northern Europe - the three Scandinavian countries together with Finland and Iceland - constitute a well-defined regional subdivision o f the European subcontinent. This region Scandinavian calls “Norden”. Norden, is equally a geographical category and mental concept. The notion o f Norden pertains to the economic, cultural and social homogeneity, and not the ethnic or linguistic one. Among many reasons facilitating the ongoing process of the Nordic integration and deciding about its special character, the geographical location and commonly shared historical experiences seem to be most valid and obvious. Economic factors come next in line. All the Nordic states are characterized by open, highly developed, modern and innovative economies based on knowledge, wellfunctioning services sector and technologically advanced industry.