Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scandinavians work hard, but they guard their leisure time fiercely. They
like the out-of-doors, perhaps in keeping with the still-rural landscape they
live in. Formany,a weekend with the family at a (well-furnished) country cot-
tage is all they need. Cycling, boating, and fishing are popular. Internationally,
they're known for skiing, speed skating, hockey, and other winter sports. And,
as with the rest of Europe, they're wild about football (soccer).
The region is a leader in progressive lifestyles, including recognizing
same-sex partnerships. More than half the heterosexual couples in Denmark
are “married” only because they've lived together for so long and have chil-
dren. Wives and mothers generally have a job outside the home. While the
state religion is Lutheran, only a small percentage of Scandinavians actually
attend church other than at Easter or Christmas. Most are either indifferent or
assertively secular.
Scandinavia is rich, with a very high standard of living (as American tour-
ists learn the hard way). Norway has been blessed with offshore oil, Denmark
with farmland, and Sweden and Finland with lush forests. They are all rich
in fish. Alternative energy sources are important, especially hydroelectric and
wind power. Given such pristine natural surroundings, the Scandinavians are
