homework encyclopedia

248 People and Places

Scandinavia, the most northerly region

in Europe, is made up of Norway,

Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

Together with the volcanic island of

Iceland, this is a sparsely populated

land of mountains, pine forests, and

unpolluted lakes. In the far north,

snow falls for six months of the year. Parts

of Scandinavia are highly industrialized, but agriculture

is important in Denmark and parts of Finland, where the

flatter land is more suitable for farming.

DO SCANDINAVIANS HAVE A GOOD

STANDARD OF LIVING?

The people of the region enjoy high living standards.

All Scandinavian countries have small populations,

and provide good child-care facilities, schools and

universities, and health care for all. With low levels

of unemployment, these services are funded

through high taxation.

DO SCANDINAVIANS PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT?

People in Scandinavia value their unspoilt countryside

and work hard to protect it. They avoid pollution by

recycling waste materials and making use of natural

sources of energy. Electricity is generated by wind

power in Denmark, geothermal power in Iceland,

and hydroelectric power across the whole region.

1 WINTER SNOW, NORWAY

Log cabins, made of horizontal

logs with a sloping roof, are

built to withstand heavy

winter snowfalls.

1 COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, lies on the coast of the island of

Sjaelland. It is the largest city in Scandinavia and a busy trading centre.

Many old buildings and historic churches line its canals, alleyways, and

pedestrianized streets.

4 SCANDINAVIAN HOUSE

Scandinavia is famous for its architectural

design. Local materials, such as timber and glass,

are used to create modern, well-insulated homes

that sit in harmony with the environment. Many

houses are powered by solar panels that

transform sunlight into heat.

WHERE DO MOST SCANDINAVIANS LIVE?

Most Scandinavians live in the south of the region,

away from the harsh northern climate. Towns, cities,

roads, and railways have been built on flat land in

valleys, beside lakes, and along coasts. Many coastal

towns, including all the capital cities, are important

ports. Scandinavia has so many lakes and rivers that

boats are a vital form of transportation

for people and their goods.

WHY IS TIMBER SO IMPORTANT TO FINLAND?

Trees are Finland’s most important natural resource.

About three-quarters of the country is covered in

forests of pine, spruce, and birch. The softwood timber

they provide supplies the building and furniture

industries, and accounts for about a third of the

country’s exports. In addition, Finland is the world’s

largest producer of plywood, wood pulp, and paper.

Glass walls make the

most of the sun’s

warmth and light

Colourful houses

and market stalls line

the harbour quayside

Scandinavia and Iceland

1 TIMBER STACK, FINLAND

Finland is a forested country and timber is its largest industry. As old

trees are felled new ones are planted, creating sustainable forests.

Scandinavia