Avoid manager-focused recognition. Or perhaps it is the fact that they have survived being prepared for the worse, and thus continue to think that way. Copenhagen red light district: Where is it, and is it safe? When it comes to writing, there are two different versions of written Norwegian; Bokml and Nynorsk. Still, genealogists from Stockholm university believe modern Swedes are most closely related to the hunter-gatherers from the so-called Pitted Ware culture when it comes to physical appearance. Many people are surprised when they receive the results of their genealogical DNA test. When it all comes down to it the classic Nordic/Scandinavian stereotype seems to hold true still. In fact, there is an entire museum dedicated to ABBA in Stockholm, Sweden for people to visit. Even the Vikings were known for bleaching their hair, although the main reason to do so may have been primarily to kill hair lice. Graphs Since freckles are thought to be connected to the same genes as red hair, we can assume that between 1-10% of the Scandinavian populationagain depending on where in Scandinavia you arehas freckles, which means they are also more sensitive to UV light. You can see below for what to perhaps expect the next time you meet a Swede. I never heard of a darker skin mixing and become as white as we are today. People from Sweden tend to be shy and take some time to warm up to new people. Scandinavia is the home of mid-century modernism and contemporary minimalism - white walls, clean lines and a distinct . If you include Finland and Iceland in your map of the Scandinavian countries, then you should always make time to check out the Aurora Borealis. Now scroll down and see what your feet reveal about your personality. First, lets get to grips with the countries in Scandinavia. Theres no guarantee that it will show on any given night but the colourful lights are visible about 200 nights each year. For instance, the weather in Denmark typically follows a climate for the marine west coast thats pretty common for its location. According to Hofstede Insights, Sweden is a 'feminine society' in which balance, inclusivity and consideration for others are core components of the social structure. They are self-confident, have enormous hearts with a gentle soul, and strongly believe in looking out for other people. The pale skin of most Swedish people has a lot to do with their lack of exposure to a lot of sunlight. 4. Germanic Historically, . Some of the main staples of traditional Scandinavian food include: Scandinavian countries arent always at the top of a persons wish list when it comes to vacations. For instance, theres a genuine sense of equality in Scandinavian workplaces. The gene variant is particularly common in Scandinavia, and can be traced back to Viking DNA, when it appears to . People from all over the world with high cheekbones are often seen as attractive by todays standards, with Swedish beauty contestant Ida Ovmar as one recent example where its worked out in her favor. Everything you need to know about travelling in Scandinavia. Studies show that most Scandinavian men are generally able to grow a full beard if they choose to do so, which of course not everyone does. What are typical Swedish characteristics when socializing? Scandinavian people take a moderate approach to all things in lifefrom food to work. And in a budding romantic relationship, they don't wait for the other person to make a move: they send the first text, ask the person out on a date, or talk openly about marriage. The prevalence of this gene on the Norwegian west coast is thought to be linked to slaves from Ireland and Scotland being brought to Scandinavia. He ultimately returned to his native Malm with his love, where they now have 3 Swedish-American boys eager to explore the world. The further north you live, the less sunlight you get during the colder part of the year. After all, they must be doing something right to continually appear in the lists of the happiest nations on earth. Sweden is bordered by Finland to the east, and Norway to the west, sitting on the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea. Whether these traits stem from a diverse pre-bronze age population, geographical conditions, or the modern diet of the region as a whole is hard to say, but they all likely played some part at least. Western Norway has almost as many redheads as the British isles (who win the red hair race by a mile), whereas southern and northern Sweden barely has any. Although the rest of the Nordics generally view Sweden in a positive light still, there has been a slight shift towards more people having a more negative image of Sweden and Swedes lately. Furthermore, it has been observed that northern Europeans in general also have a much higher frequency of a specific genetic trait that is linked to straight hair. It is because of the lower than average exposure to the sun. Please read our. Their most well-known company is IKEA, and it is a place where design meets functionality in every item that they sell. Part of the reason for this is that the two regions share a very similar way of life. A group of some of the most beautiful countries in the world, Scandinavia doesnt just offer amazing travel opportunities. Lifestyle Waterfalls cascade across mountainsides while the glaciers stand firm, offering an amazing insight into the sheer power of nature. Well, some people have started to use the terms Nordic and Scandinavian somewhat interchangeably. How do the modern-day Scandinavians compare to their ancestors? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Scandification explores and celebrates the magic of Scandinavia. Anything that the country can do to brighten things up for people and bring a little joy into their lives is something that they are going to do. Denmark This is because they have such a strong coffee and food culture. Because the Scandinavian people bring fewer politics into their workplace, the environment feels freer and more comfortable. This way of living is called lagom, and is a large part of Nordic philosophy. Depending on which combination of the genes you have, you will develop either red hair and freckles, only red hair, or only freckles. But sometimes, stereotypes do have some basis of fact at their core. Top Articles Does Norway use the Euro? published in The American Journal Of Human Genetics. People dont expect you to put in overtime. Lets keep digging and see exactly how different ancient Scandinavians were from us modern Scandis. Though differences in size are generally bigger between men and women than between different ethnicities. Countries in Scandinavia are packed full of incredible culture, amazing sights, and unforgettable experiences that you cant find anywhere else in the world. We wanted to share some of the most interesting and impactful things that Swedish people are known for. February 16, 2017 at 8: . Naturally, I wanted to see if this data held up based on my own experience, so I gathered all the hair and eye colors of 103 family members and friends who currently live in or around Malm, Sweden (one of the more culturally diverse cities in Sweden I should add). Yes the origins and visual characteristics of the first Scandinavians were discussed in the SVT article (https://www.svt.se/nyheter/vetenskap/de-var-de-forsta-svenskarna), but more specifically this theory comes from research by Mattias Johansson, professor of genetics at Uppsala University. The two groups that came to Scandinavia were originally genetically quite different, and displayed distinct physical appearances. Swedes have learned over the years to deal with their own problems on their own terms, and they continue to use this personality trait to help get things done. The population of Finland is around 5,542,517 people making it a relatively small country. The supposed physical traits of the Nordics included light eyes, light skin, tall stature, and dolichocephalic skull; their psychological traits were deemed . 1. Norwegians breathe in when saying yes. The region is famous not just for its incredible per-capita income, but also its low cost of living, fantastic government support, and amazing healthcare. Often, when people imagine the Scandinavian peninsula, they get images of touring mountains and icy cold plains in their mind. This means that someone who has blue eyes may have a more difficult time avoiding eye damage when they are exposed to a lot of sunlight. The solution we have for Scandinavian people has a total of 4 letters. Additionally, the same is true for the southern areas in Sweden. The IceHotel is literally made of ice and snow and kept at a cool -4 degrees Celsius. Below the neck, this body hair is generally concentrated on the arms and legs in the Nordics. NEW VIDEOS EVERY THUR, FRI, SAT & SUN! Ovmar has even been accused of having undergone plastic surgery due to her high cheekbones, a claim she rebuffs by simply pointing to her Sami background (which seems plausible judging by the picture below to the left). As well as offering plenty of unique cultures and stores to explore, the region is also packed full of great food too. The Scandinavian Hunter-Gatherers lived in the region between 8000 BCE and 2800 BCE, and have been found to have had mixed eye colors (ranging from blue to light-brown), mostly dark hair (with the odd blondes present), and intermediate skin color (somewhere in between dark and light) with the odd light-skinned individual also present. Whats more, now that surveys around the world suggest that people are having difficulties balancing their work and personal life, the Scandinavian culture is becoming even more appealing. According to the data, those of Celtic ancestry in Scotland and Cornwall are more similar . Instead, one of the Swedish traits that many people pick up on is the fact that they like to stay back and remain quiet. The other 15 percent uses Nynorsk, which translates to 'new Norwegian.'. Malm The project . If youre visiting the west coast of Norway, youll experience a slightly colder coastal climate depending on the time of year. Life All Scandinavians are wealthy. This is core to the Scandinavian culture where people are taught to think independently . A genetic study of Viking-age human . That means that the population density is pretty low equaling out at 60 people per square mile. Swedish peoples characteristics include many noble things, such as honesty. Bokml is more widely used by about 85 percent of Norwegians. Some researchers have suggested that some modern Icelanders share a genetic makeup with an ancient people group from Asia, called Denisovans.. They simply find it easier to handle most of their problems on their own and not incorporate other people into the situation if they can avoid it. Rarely both. Year after year, Scandinavian countries earn the top spot on the United Nations list of the happiest countries in the world. You sound like you are jealous of white people. So the theory is that on top of any Vitamin D youd get from the sun, Scandinavians have also stocked up on it via their fish intake. Much of that protein comes from an animal protein diet, and this is believed to contribute to the height of people who live there. And thats not even mentioning Roxette, Ace of Base, Avicii, Robyn, Swedish House Mafia, The Cardigans, Europe, Eagle-Eye Cherry Safe to say, we certainly owe the Swedish people a great debt of gratitude for all of the contributions they have made toward the advancement of pop music. There are plenty of fun get-togethers in Sweden. I consent to the privacy policy and terms and conditions. Third, Scandinavians do tend to tan and get olive-skinned in the summer, which is due to a mix of genetic makeup, unusually high UV exposure levels, and a diet generally high in Vitamin D. Scandinavians do not have particularly large noses, as Northern Europeans tend to have more narrow noses than people in warmer climates, as an adaptation to the cooler climate. The Finnish people are, however, of the Baltic Finnic ethnic group, which actually makes Estonia the Finns closest relatives . Overall, the scientists found that people who lived in Scandinavia exhibited high levels of non-Scandinavian ancestry, pointing to a continuous exchange of genetic information across the broader . When I came to Sweden for the first time I was really blown away by how good looking the people were in this country. April 21, 2021. These are Swedish genetic traits that have existed in the population for a long time and will likely continue to exist in the population of this geographic area for a long time. To advertise your brand to a global audience, contact our advertising team below. There are also 9,000 Swedish citizens living in Finland. Viking identity was not limited to people with Scandinavian genetic ancestry. People in Scandinavia dont have to pay to get assistance from a doctor, and there are benefits available if you cant find work. If you compare this to a region further away, such as Southern Europe (Italy and . This wave of primarily herders eventually fused with the current habitants (I see a pattern here) to produce the so-called Battle Axe culture group in Scandinavia, establishing themselves and flourishing in modern-day Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Stockholm Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest Nordic resources, insights, tips, hidden gems, and much more. When you are eating meals that come later in the day, you may also enjoy some of the local seafood catches or even meat from a reindeer! You can see this every Swedish National Day, when the royal women come out in full Swedish traditional clothing which looks great! It is fairly typical for quietness to be mentioned among Swedish peoples traits. While searching our database we found 1 possible solution for the: Scandinavian people crossword clue. It is also not as though all Dutch people look like twins. This article may contain affiliate links. As weve established, most Nordic people today have brightly colored eyes, with some areas reaching up to 80% of the population (P. Frost 2006). Scandinavian However, Iceland has one of the most varied landscapes, with waterfalls, canyons, sulphur beds, lava fields, and hot springs. So other than the color of the eyes, lets look at which other eye characteristics are unique or interesting in the Scandinavian region. It is a special time for people to take a step back and allow themselves to relax a little from the stresses of the day. Positive traits of the Swedish personality. Most of these traits of Swedish people are highly desirable and highly appreciated. Facts The Egyptian Foot. It is estimated that at least 50% of Scandinavians have a light hair color, with some regions in Sweden, Finland and Norway reaching 80%. That said, blue eyes are also rare throughout the world, and that makes them more desirable to many others. You can view the incredible sparkling of the sky from countless locations across Finland, Iceland, and other locations in Scandinavia. The first inhabitants of the Scandinavian peninsula came from the south with darker skin and blue eyes (known as Western Hunter-Gatherers), later joined by migrants from the east (known as Eastern Hunter-Gatherers) who had lighter skin but darker eyes. It turns out that Scandinavians are more closely related to the Kostenki man than any other now-living population. He was told that the card would arrive in . You will find plenty of art in the everyday structures of life, and that is how the Swedish people like it. In summary, it seems Scandinavians from before the Viking age looked a bit different from todays Scandis, with multiple migration waves that settled in the region up until the iron age being quite diverse in looks and origins. Most of the population lives in small rural towns . After all, if youre familiar with facts about Scandinavia, then youll know that all of the countries in the peninsula love their food. To sum it up, the average Swedes, Norwegians, Danes, Finns, and Icelanders are all very tall compared to the rest of the world. Ultimately, the reason that Scandinavian culture is so effective isnt 100% certain. A reason non-Scandinavians can believe this is the difference between cultural norms. The lighter hair color isnt genetically unique to this part of the world, but it is one of the Swedish physical characteristics that most people are likely to notice right off the bat. The study shows the genetic history of Scandinavia was influenced by foreign genes from Asia and Southern Europe . The white cliffs of Mons Klint in Denmark is easily one of the most beautiful places in the world. There are no scientific studies suggesting Scandinavians, or any other people for that matter, are considered more attractive than others. On the other hand, Iceland is found just west of Ireland and southeast of Greenland, just below the Arctic Circle. These are the people that are happy to let people have their own opinions and continue with life as normal without a debate. Genetic links in Icelandic people. Hooded eyes are prevalent in the Scandinavian population, and studies have shown that about 18 percent of northern Europeans have so-called sagging eyelids (which is related to hooded eyes but more specifically excess skin over your eye that may or may not disrupt your vision). The reasons for this are similar to the reasons why they often have pale skin as well. Its not in Scandinavian culture to hold grudges or seek out arguments. You should NOT take this with offense. ), How the Dutch & Scandinavians Are Connected (Complete Guide), Norse vs. Norwegian vs. Nordic: Differences Explained, Average Height in the Nordics (Data & Graphs), https://kaw.wallenberg.org/forskning/atlas-med-forhistoriskt-dna-ger-ny-bild-av-manniskans-ursprung. During the depths of winter, Swedes experience just seven hours of sunlight each day. On top of that, theres a common practice among Scandinavian people to say what you mean and mean what you say. Many choose to combine their coffee with a food treat. Are Epicanthic folds common in Scandinavia? Today, were going to take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the place on everyones bucket list. Data Norse Spring and Autumn months are definitely best for bird watching. of the Nordics (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, and Greenland). Additionally, rather than having to earn the trust and respect of their employers, employees already have those things when they join the team. The modern Irish population share many genetic similarities with Scottish and Welsh populations, and to a lesser extent the English. How Nordics and Scandinavians see each other, an article where I go into detail about Viking traits and looks, which languages each Nordic nationality actually uses when communicating with fellow Nordics, how Vikings actually looked (how big they were, how they wore their hair, where they came from, their hair and eye color, etc. One of the Swedish characteristics that people sometimes take for granted is how humble they are as a people. People trust that youre doing your job well, and things just work. (Complete Guide to Viking Traits), Recent advancements in DNA analysis tech have led to extraordinary insight into how Vikings looked, from hair and eye color to size and ancestry. The next time you notice something about a building that indicates that it has some sustainability features, you should note that you are likely looking at something that has Swedish influence imprinted on it. Notable Nordic winners of the strongman competition include Icelands Hafr Jlus Bjrnsson (of Game of Thrones fame as Ser Gregor Clegane/The Mountain) and Swedens Magnus Samuelsson (who features in the series The Last Kingdom as the Viking band member Clapa). History From snow-capped mountains to the beautiful sight of leaves changing color in the Fall, there is something that will knock you back a few steps when you visit Sweden and see what it is all about. They're all socialists. They are also known to be somewhat shy and to be humble and less than warm to the eye of people coming by for an unplanned visit. It may also be a reason why . Typically, when youre talking about Scandinavia, youre looking at Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. There are a few theories on why people from Scandinavia, and the Nordics in general, can be light-skinned under low UV conditions (i.e. I don't know why people assume you must be blond to have Scandinavian heritage, and we should stop perpetuating that assumption. The study shows the genetic history of Scandinavia was influenced by foreign genes from Asia and Southern Europe . Finland is part of the Nordic region, and therefore bound politically, culturally, and financially to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland in modern times. The last of the three original countries in Scandinavia, Denmark, is bordered by Germany on the North and occupies the Jutland peninsula. Although some typical Swedish characteristics may be more well-known than others, Im fairly confident youll find these quickly coming out when you start to chat with the Swedes as you should, as theyre definitely a lot of fun! 20-40,000), Finland (8,000), and the Kola Peninsula of Russia (2,000), with the majority of them living in the first two nations. To find out the origins of the light hair/light eye color combination we need to look at where people in Scandinavia came from originally, and how they looked (based on DNA samples and analysis). What the Swedes have discovered (that the rest of the world could perhaps learn from!) Swedes are humble people, most of them can even be considered as reasonable. While most people belong to the Lutheran Church of Norway, it by no means indicates that they go to church or even believe in a higher power. Rather, humans around the world generally consider reproductive factors such as waist-to-hip ratio and other indicators of fertility and health as attractive, rather than a specific eye/hair/skin color or similar. You will be surprised how accurate it is! Native to northern Scandinavia, recognized as the oldest indigenous peoples of the North, the Sami people live in four countries. Some people may see this as a rude Swedish trait, but it is not meant that way at all. Stay tuned and well bring the essence of Scandinavia to you. The people from the south had blue eyes and relatively dark skin. 6. Gods & Goddesses Over 70% of male Scandinavians have some form of body hair (androgenic hair), which is among the highest rates in the world (along with Mediterranean men). Research done into the DNA of the Irish has shown that our old understanding of where the population of Ireland originated may have been misguided. . These languages are usually divided into East Scandinavian (Danish and Swedish) and West Scandinavian (Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese) groups. Blonde hair, blue eyes. Ive written an analysis of The Last Kingdom if you want to find out if its worth watching or not. Sweden Medical research into why some people have a more natural risk of developing lung disease has discovered that the only inherited risk factor appears to be a deviant form of one of these inhibitors - alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT). The Reykjanes peninsula is best known for its hot springs and lava fields, but its also home to one of National Geographics 25 wonders of the world the Blue Lagoon. This can be a Pro or a Con depending on your personal points of view. The terms Scandinavian and Nordic are closely related and often erroneously used interchangeably. Especially people from the US or Southern countries feel repelled by . The First Scandinavian People. Theres something to be gained from this mindset particularly in the work environment. There are plenty of places you can visit to get a closer look at the fjords, including Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and more. Scandinavians and other Europeans are tall on average primarily due to a vastly improved diet from the mid-1800s and onwards according to Lars Werdelin, a professor in paleozoology at the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Another way to avoid conflicts is to not act in a brash way, but instead trying to display oneself as being humble. In fact, the average height in Sweden is much taller than the world average. People with Scandinavian . A Danish CEO has no problem cleaning out coffee cups after work, so a custodian doesnt have to. Its worth keeping in mind that Sweden and Norway were part of the same kingdom until 1814 so they have a particularly close relationship. Obviously, not all Scandinavian women look the same, as they have different hair and eye colors, body types, and defining features. The coastlines in Denmark cover 4,545 miles, and the total land area is 16,638 square miles. All of our knowledge about pre-Viking Scandinavians comes from DNA analysis and theories, but for an idea of how modern-day Swedes, Danes, and Norwegians look like we can turn to some cold hard data and settle some standard questions right off the bat. That said, beards are currently fairly popular in the Nordics, as they were during the Viking Age (when insulting another mans beard could lead to death). There are two things happening here. Swedes are accustomed to the cold and dark. Research surrounding the EDAR gene indicates that Scandinavians (along with most Europeans) generally have thinner hair, than for example East Asians and Native Americans. One of the most notable aspects of Swedish culture is their respect for the environment and commitment to sustainability. Anyway, I just had my DNA tested and I'm 67% Scandinavian. Do Scandinavians have a lot of facial hair? According to Swedish scientific magazine Illustrerad Vetenskap, this type of microevolution developed as a response to the cold and snowy climate in the Arctic region, as the fatty fold isolates against freezing temperatures and shields the bright reflection of the snow somewhat. Are Scandinavians and Nordics especially strong? Despite great progress on issues such as social equality, the Swedish people are not known for being boastful. Denmark is brimming with low and flat planes, and the temperature is cool, with humid summers and mild winters. This makes them the second-rarest color (behind green), and that is what is so enticing about them. Currency in Norway: What currency is used in Norway? These individuals believe in "everything in moderation.". Swedish personality characteristics include humbleness, open-mindedness, honesty, creativity, quietness, competitiveness, and fairness. High levels of Vitamin D produces more melanin, which in simple terms enables skin to tan instead of burn. Guests are given thermal sleeping bags to help keep themselves comfortable as they sleep in these iceboxes. So, what can we learn from Scandinavian people? Design According to a Popular Science Monthly study, most Scandinavians have wavy hair, with some parts of northern Scandinavia having more coarse/straight hair. However, when you really get to know the Scandinavian peninsula, youll discover that theres more to the region than you thought. Born on October 21, 1833, he is one of the most famous people in the world. Read Article Now. It doesnt matter how close the people are to one another relationally, it is not ideal to try to have a spontaneous visit in Sweden. In Nordic cultures, recognizing others to reward yourself would be terminal. Many of the Scandinavian countries are becoming increasingly diverse but they remain to be some of the safest places on the planet. So, let's set a few things straight! One of the best reasons to include Iceland in the Scandinavian region is that it offers some of the most impressive sights in the world. The point of doing so is to see some of the most amazing sights in the sky that you may have ever witnessed in your life, especially given how dark it gets in Sweden in this area.