The Nordic countries also known as the Nordics, Norden or the North, are a geographical and cultural region in Northern Europe, as well as the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. It includes the sovereign states of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Also included are the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland and the autonomous region of Åland. The Nordic countries have much in common in their way of life, history, religion and social and economic model.

The Nordics (and accordingly, the Scandinavian countries) are a land of contrasts; an inconvenient but balanced blend of light and darkness. Here, the sun’s warm touch lingers through gorgeous summer days, only to retreat into the reflective embrace of winter’s cold and seemingly endless nights. Here, ancient traditions exist comfortably alongside forward-thinking innovation, and a deep reverence for nature’s power is matched by the energy of an ambitious people. They are also the least religious, most educated and always in the top of the lists when it comes to the happiest in the world.