Exploring an Alien Culture: What Can We Learn from the Vikings, Scandinanvian Immigrants and Nordic People Today?

Some people are aware that the Nordic countries excel in education, gender equality, prosperity, human rights, health care, green technology, and responsive democracy. And, it is not a new idea that Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden lead the world in progress because of culture. But, is culture really the foundation of progress, and if so what specific Nordic attitudes and values influence progress? Is Nordic culture a hand-me-down from southern Europe? If not, where did it come from? How do Nordic attitudes and values compare with their counterparts in the United States, and what are the consequences of cultural differences? The answers to these questions may, at times, seem obvious, but at other times the answers are surprising (or disturbing). Either way, an overview of both Nordic culture and American culture (why we do things the way we do) will enable readers to weigh and interpret current events.