ABSTRACT
This chapter examines problems of regional development in three of the five Norden countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). The group is defined mainly in terms of cultural heritage, although Finland, Norway, and Sweden are also related physically. With respect to cultural conditions, similarity of language is the most striking aspect, with Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians being able to understand each other without much difficulty. During the Viking period and late middle ages each of the five countries was at some time united to or conquered by some of the others. The latter phenomenon led not only to extensive Swedish settlement in Finland but also to Iceland being settled by Vikings mainly from Norway. The island remained a Danish colony until 1943.
