Eastern Nordic vs. Western Nordic

Attribute	Eastern Nordic	Western Nordic
Location	Sweden, Finland, Norway	Denmark, Iceland
Language	Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian	Danish, Icelandic
Culture	Samis, Vikings	Vikings, Norse mythology
Climate	Cold, snowy winters	Milder winters, cooler summers

Geography

Eastern Nordic countries include Finland and Estonia, while Western Nordic countries consist of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland. Eastern Nordic countries are known for their vast forests, lakes, and proximity to Russia. In contrast, Western Nordic countries are characterized by their fjords, mountains, and coastal landscapes.

Culture

Eastern Nordic culture is influenced by its proximity to Russia and the Baltic states. Finnish and Estonian languages are part of the Finno-Ugric language group, which sets them apart from the Germanic languages spoken in Western Nordic countries. Eastern Nordic cuisine often includes dishes like Karelian pasties and herring, reflecting their unique culinary traditions.

On the other hand, Western Nordic culture is shaped by its Viking heritage and Norse mythology. Countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark share a common history of seafaring and exploration. Traditional Western Nordic cuisine includes dishes like gravlax, meatballs, and smørrebrød, showcasing their emphasis on seafood and hearty comfort foods.

Climate

Eastern Nordic countries experience a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Finland, in particular, is known for its long, snowy winters and short, mild summers. Estonia also has a similar climate, with temperatures ranging from -15°C in winter to 30°C in summer.

In contrast, Western Nordic countries have a maritime climate influenced by the Gulf Stream. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland have milder winters and cooler summers compared to their Eastern counterparts. The coastal regions of Western Nordic countries also experience more precipitation throughout the year.

Economy

Eastern Nordic countries have strong economies driven by industries like technology, forestry, and manufacturing. Finland is known for companies like Nokia and Rovio (creator of Angry Birds), while Estonia has a growing tech sector with companies like Skype. Both countries also have a strong focus on education and innovation.

On the other hand, Western Nordic countries have diverse economies that include industries like oil and gas, fishing, and tourism. Norway, for example, is one of the world's largest oil producers, while Iceland relies heavily on fishing for its economy. Sweden and Denmark have strong welfare states and high levels of social welfare.

Politics

Eastern Nordic countries have parliamentary democracies with a strong emphasis on social welfare and equality. Finland and Estonia have multi-party systems where coalition governments are common. Both countries also have high levels of gender equality and LGBTQ rights.

Western Nordic countries also have parliamentary democracies with a focus on social welfare and equality. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland have progressive policies on healthcare, education, and social services. These countries are known for their high levels of political transparency and low levels of corruption.