Malm Shopping Alfred Nobel. When you couple this with the opportunity to spend time on athletic endeavors and have access to a protein-rich and generally plentiful diet it is easier to see why some Nordic people tend to generally do well in muscle competitions. However, its fair to say that its the Scandinavian people that really capture the attention of the media. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. 2. This makes them the second-rarest color (behind green), and that is what is so enticing about them. The people are rude. The pale skin of most Swedish people has a lot to do with their lack of exposure to a lot of sunlight. However, Scandinavia isnt always as frozen as it may seem. As well as offering plenty of unique cultures and stores to explore, the region is also packed full of great food too. There are no scientific studies suggesting Scandinavians, or any other people for that matter, are considered more attractive than others. Much of that protein comes from an animal protein diet, and this is believed to contribute to the height of people who live there. If they are not the ones doing the talking even if there are some truly beautiful words in the Swedish language they could use they can observe more. One of the Swedish personality traits that is often mistaken as coldness is their individualism. Probably one of the most impressive examples of Scandinavian nature, the archipelago is a diverse and beautiful landscape that youll spend days exploring. Scandinavia is the home of mid-century modernism and contemporary minimalism - white walls, clean lines and a distinct . At work, they compete with men for positions. They are also known to be somewhat shy and to be humble and less than warm to the eye of people coming by for an unplanned visit. The Scandinavian landscape is unlike anything else in the world, offering views that you simply cant find anywhere else. But sometimes, stereotypes do have some basis of fact at their core. They believe that taking care of their own problems means that they wont have to bother anyone else with them. The amount of curly-haired people in the Nordics is furthermore a much lesser part of the population compared to the rest of Europe. Todays Scandinavians are about 65%-80% Scandinavian as far as DNA goes, with the rest of the DNA being primarily Finnish, Western European, British, Eastern European, and Irish (all are > 1%). Many of the people in Scandinavian countries are defined as compassionate and accommodating. There are plenty of fun get-togethers in Sweden. Thus, they can potentially spare other people from the potential burden of having to help them out. This means that Scandinavians are the earliest Europeans. It is very common to see Swedish physical traits of blonde hair, blue eyes, a tall figure, pale skin, and thin lips. Winter, Get in touch with your inner Scandinavian. The Egyptian foot shape is characterized by the perfect alignment of all your toes in a descending order. What are typical Swedish personality traits? Swedish design techniques have left their impact on the planet. So the clich blue-eyed and blonde Nordic stereotype seems to hold true then, but where do these physical traits come from and why do they still seem to have a strong presence in the Nordics? The first inhabitants of the Scandinavian peninsula came from the south with darker skin and blue eyes (known as Western Hunter-Gatherers), later joined by migrants from the east (known as Eastern Hunter-Gatherers) who had lighter skin but darker eyes. Viking identity was not limited to people with Scandinavian genetic ancestry. Quiz Its worth keeping in mind that Sweden and Norway were part of the same kingdom until 1814 so they have a particularly close relationship. In his last will of 1895, he devoted a large amount of his . As a source of inspiration, beauty, and opportunity, Scandinavia is a truly unique space and one that anyone should consider visiting. Or perhaps it is the fact that they have survived being prepared for the worse, and thus continue to think that way. Rarely both. Genetic links in Icelandic people. Thanks Jonna for your comment, and Im happy to hear you enjoyed the article! The average Viking was 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) shorter than we are today. All of our knowledge about pre-Viking Scandinavians comes from DNA analysis and theories, but for an idea of how modern-day Swedes, Danes, and Norwegians look like we can turn to some cold hard data and settle some standard questions right off the bat. Swedes are accustomed to the cold and dark. That means that the population density is pretty low equaling out at 60 people per square mile. Notable Nordic winners of the strongman competition include Icelands Hafr Jlus Bjrnsson (of Game of Thrones fame as Ser Gregor Clegane/The Mountain) and Swedens Magnus Samuelsson (who features in the series The Last Kingdom as the Viking band member Clapa). When you go to a Scandinavian house, expect to remove your shoes in the hallway. Photo courtesy of Taylor Trah. Depending on which combination of the genes you have, you will develop either red hair and freckles, only red hair, or only freckles. There is a word in the Swedish language that refers to the coffee break that many people take throughout their work day. Life What are typical Swedish characteristics when socializing? Scandinavian people do not have a very high prevalence of the EDAR gene, thought to be connected with thicker hair (among other traits). Copenhagen red light district: Where is it, and is it safe? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest Nordic resources, insights, tips, hidden gems, and much more. Although many visitors prefer to seek out warmer Scandinavian weather when they can, theres a magic to the countries in winter too. Scandinavian women have very clean stances in their professional and personal lives. If youre looking for more of a winter wonderland, the colder weather in Scandinavia runs between December and March. NEW VIDEOS EVERY THUR, FRI, SAT & SUN! Do Scandinavians have natural white or platinum blonde hair? However, when you really get to know the Scandinavian peninsula, youll discover that theres more to the region than you thought. According to Swedish scientific magazine Illustrerad Vetenskap, this type of microevolution developed as a response to the cold and snowy climate in the Arctic region, as the fatty fold isolates against freezing temperatures and shields the bright reflection of the snow somewhat. A DNA study of Britons has shown that genetically there is not a unique Celtic group of people in the UK. Among the Sami people (hailing from Northern Scandinavia), high cheekbones are very common. The two groups that came to Scandinavia were originally genetically quite different, and displayed distinct physical appearances. The lighter hair color isnt genetically unique to this part of the world, but it is one of the Swedish physical characteristics that most people are likely to notice right off the bat. So, what can we learn from Scandinavian people? As far as I know, the advanced DNA analysis of skeletal remains scientists can do today has proven to be very reliable (the same scientific method has been used to establish the physical traits of Vikings also, and they seem to agree with written records), and its not so hard to imagine Scandinavians skin adapting from dark to light over a long period of time due to changing sunlight exposure, as we are all descendants of dark-skinned Africans (if we go even further back in time) no matter how light our skin color is today. Nordic vs. Scandinavian: Meaning & Usage Explained, Nordic vs. Germanic vs. Celtic: Differences & Links Explained (+ Maps), Im a Nordic native (a Swede with a Finnish mother to be precise) who likes to get nerdy and share first-hand experiences, data-driven resources, and useful guides to help people discover and understand the culture, people, life, sights, design, and history (Vikings anyone?) Swedish peoples characteristics include many noble things, such as honesty. By the way, if you'd like to connect to your inner Scandinavian with some stylish prints and clothing, I've created a collection of high-quality and authentic Nordic posters and apparel. The skeletons that the archaeologists have found, reveals, that a man was around 172 cm tall (5.6 ft), and a woman had an average height of 158 cm (5,1 ft). If you look exclusively at the original 3 countries in Scandinavia, then the region covers about 358,325 square miles and is home to approximately 21 million people. 10945. People from Sweden tend to be shy and take some time to warm up to new people. As youll soon find, the Swedes are great to speak with. Lifestyle A group of some of the most beautiful countries in the world, Scandinavia doesnt just offer amazing travel opportunities. Of course, Swedes also have many positive personality traits. Everyone's house looks like an IKEA showroom. This will help you to find more time to go out hiking and sightseeing which is essential given the beautiful landscapes available to explore. It doesnt matter how close the people are to one another relationally, it is not ideal to try to have a spontaneous visit in Sweden. For instance, Scandinavian people could leave a baby stroller on the street outside of a store . As such, it was common that people wanted to hide their Sami heritage, with some even being ashamed of typically Sami features such as high cheekbones and wider eyes (SvD 2012). It seems like pretty much anything will count as entertainment for a Norwegian person. There is a quietness about them that can be off putting to some people from other cultures that are much more vocal, but the Swedes prefer to keep things quiet and allow the time it takes to get used to new people. You can see below for what to perhaps expect the next time you meet a Swede. Bokml is more widely used by about 85 percent of Norwegians. People would never abandon a fellow man in need, and the majority of citizens are extremely generous. The average height in Sweden is 175.5cm, which is the same height as your average model. Their most well-known company is IKEA, and it is a place where design meets functionality in every item that they sell. Nordic Traits Because the Scandinavian people bring fewer politics into their workplace, the environment feels freer and more comfortable. This can be compared to the Mediterranean region, where its concentrated on the chest and back instead. Theres a lot more to Scandinavian people traits than a Viking or model physique and a great sense of fashion. Read more about that in my article about Viking Looks! Are Scandinavians and Nordics especially strong? Swedes are also well known for their pessimistic outlook. According to the data, those of Celtic ancestry in Scotland and Cornwall are more similar . Although it isnt exactly common with Epicanthic folds among the Swedish population, Swedes with Sami heritage (famous examples include Jens Byggmark, Anja Prson and Ingemar Stenmark), and from the northern parts in general, have higher rates of Epicanthic eye folds. That said, blue eyes are also rare throughout the world, and that makes them more desirable to many others. This way of living is called lagom, and is a large part of Nordic philosophy. Ive compared them thoroughly in different categories and analyzed what online critics on IMDb and other sites think, in order to answer which show is the best of the three. Nordic and Scandinavian Physical Traits Today. If youre visiting the west coast of Norway, youll experience a slightly colder coastal climate depending on the time of year. If you hear loud-speaking people in the public, they are either non-Swedish or drunk. They prefer to stay out of these situations and to avoid inserting themselves in the affairs of other countries if they can avoid it. Of course, not every Swedish person can be lumped into the same categories, but most agree that those traits are typical of . Nordic spring/summer): First off, there are plenty of people with darker skin in todays Scandinavia, but they generally have more than just Scandinavian heritage in their family. The Scotland's DNA project, led by Edinburgh University's Dr Jim Wilson, has tested almost 1,000 Scots in the last four months to determine the genetic roots of people in the country. Europe had been split up into smaller sub-regions, as these countries are among the tallest in the world. This continues to cycle through the population as new generations come along, and pale skin remains a defining feature of Swedish people. It may also be a reason why . Swedish women are easy to . Are Epicanthic folds common in Scandinavia? We wanted to share some of the most interesting and impactful things that Swedish people are known for. Did you know that Alfred Nobel (for whom the Nobel Prize is named) was Swedish? Curious how Vikings actually looked like? Required fields are marked *. Many choose to combine their coffee with a food treat. 3 The notion of ' folkhemmet ' ('the people's home') is a metaphor for the nation of Sweden as a family household. Spring and Autumn months are definitely best for bird watching. Danish shoe brands: Fall head over heels for these Danish shoes, The best Scandinavian Christmas tree decorations and ornaments, two regions share a very similar way of life, Norway covers around 125,020 square miles, Sweden covers around 173,860 square miles, concept in the Scandinavian culture called Jantelov, AWNL Stockholm: The meteoric rise of Swedish jewellery design, VEJRHJ Watches wood, steel & Nordic minimalism, Meet Larsen and Eriksen: The watch designers from Denmark, Urbanista audio: Scandi designs to suit your lifestyle, Triwa watches: Transforming the watch industry forever. For example, between 24-27% of people who are native to Finland, parts of Western Europe, or Great Britain, show Scandinavian DNA. When you start to see that everyone seemingly has the same hair color, you are bound to take note of this and mark it down as something interesting and unique about the Swedish people. Although the rest of the Nordics generally view Sweden in a positive light still, there has been a slight shift towards more people having a more negative image of Sweden and Swedes lately. So, where does the controversy about Scandinavian countries come in? Commitment to health: Scandinavian people believe in eating well, looking after themselves, and exercising. Because of this, descriptions of the Scandinavian region have started to include places like Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and even Iceland. Because we don't like dirt being dragged all over the house. This has served them well, and it is now a staple of the way that many people in the country behave. The next time you notice something about a building that indicates that it has some sustainability features, you should note that you are likely looking at something that has Swedish influence imprinted on it. The study shows the genetic history of Scandinavia was influenced by foreign genes from Asia and Southern Europe . The age of the Swedish dominance of Northern Europe ended officially with the loss of Finland to the Russians in 1809, and definitively with the dissolution of the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway in 1905. Scandinavian people take a moderate approach to all things in lifefrom food to work. Add this one to your bucket list. Many people are surprised when they receive the results of their genealogical DNA test. Not just in the big city of Stockholm, . Physical characteristics of Welsh people include black or ginger hair, blue or green eyes, and a slightly below average height. It should be noted that human length, in general, is determined by a mixture of nature (genes) and nurture (diet), and there are also regions of the world that are believed to have a taller or shorter average height due to primarily genetic reasonssuch as the short Pygmee people of central Africa, and the tall Dinka people of South Sudan. Guests are given thermal sleeping bags to help keep themselves comfortable as they sleep in these iceboxes. IKEA stores are so popular with people that many simply walk through them just to say that they have been through one and getting an IKEA Swedish meatball is just a bonus! It is unlikely that someone in Sweden will have guests over without careful planning ahead of time. The coastlines in Denmark cover 4,545 miles, and the total land area is 16,638 square miles. (Complete Guide to Viking Traits), Recent advancements in DNA analysis tech have led to extraordinary insight into how Vikings looked, from hair and eye color to size and ancestry. published in The American Journal Of Human Genetics. Although many of the dishes are basic, theyre also packed full of amazing fresh and natural ingredients making them highly healthy and nutritious. Swedish people features and stereotypes include that they tend to be tall, have blue eyes, fair skin, and blond hair. How are Scandinavians (Swedes, Danes, Norwegians) so tall? For instance, theres a genuine sense of equality in Scandinavian workplaces. Year after year, Scandinavian countries earn the top spot on the United Nations list of the happiest countries in the world. It turns out that Swedes dont even like to discuss politics all that much. I mean, that's just practical. Third, Scandinavians do tend to tan and get olive-skinned in the summer, which is due to a mix of genetic makeup, unusually high UV exposure levels, and a diet generally high in Vitamin D. Scandinavians do not have particularly large noses, as Northern Europeans tend to have more narrow noses than people in warmer climates, as an adaptation to the cooler climate. In 2010, when Crown Princess Victoria and her partner, Daniel, got married, it was one of the largest royal events ever held. Because people living in Norway are onto something - 18 things, in fact. Theres a little bit of controversy here, as different people seem to hold their own opinions about whether certain countries should be featured in the Scandinavian peninsula. This is core to the Scandinavian culture where people are taught to think independently . Gods & Goddesses These languages are usually divided into East Scandinavian (Danish and Swedish) and West Scandinavian (Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese) groups. Some authorities argue for the inclusion of Finland on geologic and economic grounds and of Iceland and the Faroe Islands on the grounds that their inhabitants speak North Germanic (or Scandinavian) languages . The Scandinavian Personality Traits have been under investigation since the late 1800's. There have been multiple publications that have looked at how the Scandinavian Personality Traits are prevalent as much as the light hair and light eyes are prevalent in people with heritage in this region of Europe. I then categorized the colors as either light or dark: In other words, 85% of my friends and family in southern Scandinavia have light hair (ranging from blonde to light brown), and 75% have light eyes (blue, green, hazel, or grey). Rather, humans around the world generally consider reproductive factors such as waist-to-hip ratio and other indicators of fertility and health as attractive, rather than a specific eye/hair/skin color or similar. Read Article Now. After all, if youre familiar with facts about Scandinavia, then youll know that all of the countries in the peninsula love their food. The people of Sweden do not want to leave anything to chance when it comes to something like this. Even the Vikings were known for bleaching their hair, although the main reason to do so may have been primarily to kill hair lice. The Culture of Sweden. Although some typical Swedish characteristics may be more well-known than others, Im fairly confident youll find these quickly coming out when you start to chat with the Swedes as you should, as theyre definitely a lot of fun!