Norway 

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is home to half a million people who enjoy one of the longest life expectancy rates in the world. This elegant, well-planned city is noted for its many museums, parks, and public statues. The artist Edvard Munch and the sculptor Gustav Vigeland, whose sculpture park near Oslo features much of his work, hail from Norway. The National Gallery and the Norwegian Folk museum are other points of interest. 

General Information: Oslo metro pop. 1.12 million. Principal seaport. Manufactures ships, electric and electronic equipment, chemicals, textiles, processed food, wood and metal items, machinery, and printed materials. Tourism is a major industry.

Sweden 

Stockholm, often referred to as the Beauty of the Water, is the capital of Sweden and center of the Stockholm archipelago, a network of over 24,000 islands and islets. Stockholm offers a wealth of attractions throughout the year. In summer, cruises in the archipelago provide a wonderful way to tour the surrounding area and enjoy the outstanding examples of Scandinavian design and architecture that can be seen throughout. Noted attractions along the way include The Royal Palace; Skansen, an outdoor museum; the Vasa, a 17th century ship raised from Stockholm’s harbor and lovingly restored; and the Nobel Foundation, which oversees the awarding of the Nobel Prizes.

General Information: Stockholm metro pop. 1,912,787. Principal seaport. Manufactures printed materials, electric equipment, processed food, machinery, metal products, paper, chemicals, textiles, and clothing. Shipbuilding and tourism are major industries.

Denmark

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark and a major seaport city, is partly encircled by gardens and boulevards constructed in 1863 when the city’s old fortifications were dismantled. It is home to Tivoli Gardens, Charlottenborg Palace, and the renowned Royal Danish Ballet. There are excellent musical events, including the Copenhagen Jazz Festival every July. This cosmopolitan city also has some of the best dining, shopping, and people-watching anywhere.

General Information: Copenhagen (Kǿbenhavn) metro pop. 503,699. Principal seaport. Exports cattle and cattle products, wool, grain. Manufactures machine engines, precision instruments, pianos, fine porcelain, and silverware. Refineries: leather, sugar, and tobacco.

Finland 

Helsinki, Finland, site of the historic Helsinki Accords in 1973, was selected as a European City of Culture for the year 2000. It is the capital of Finland and home of the preeminent 20th century architect Eliel Saarinen, whose innovative designs can be seen throughout the city. Its historic King’s Road, dating from the 13th century, is one of the most popular attractions in Northern Europe.

General Information: Helsinki metro pop. 1,288,781. Principal seaport. Exports agricultural and dairy products, lumber and wood products. Manufactures paper, textiles, liquors, china, chemicals.

Iceland

Reykjavik attracts nature lovers from around the world with its amazing volcanoes over lava fields, Icelandic fjords, and 10,000-plus waterfalls. It is also home to the largest glacier in Europe. This unique city rocks at night and has an exciting array of clubs, restaurants, and cultural attractions year-round. Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and was a designated European City of Culture for the year 2000.

General Information: Reykjavik (Reykjavi K) metro pop. 192,995. Major fishing port. Manufactures processed food, apparel, paint, metal products, ships, and printed materials.