The Economist provides an upbeat report on the Nordic countries, “The Next Super Model”, in its February edition. There are more than a few similarities between the North (northern part of North America, north of 56 degrees) and the Nordic countries.
The Nordic countries make up a region in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and their associated territories, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Svalbard and Åland. The region’s five nation-states and three autonomous regions share much common history as well as common traits in their respective societies, such as political systems and the Nordic model. Politically, Nordic countries do not form a separate entity, but they co-operate in the Nordic Council. The Nordic countries have a combined population of approximately 25 million spread over a land area of 3.5 million km² (Greenland accounts for around 60% of the total area).
Greenland is part of the North American continent. Hence it is the ‘common’ element between the Nordic countries and northern North America.
A few highlights form the Economist special report and comments vis a vis the North:
The Economist suggests the Nordic countries have discovered a few keys to success: Pragmatism in government policy. Ability to control spending. Honesty and transparency in government. Innovation and creative environments are encouraged. Market forces create business champions.