Stereotypes by Nationalities V - Nordic Countries

Scandinavian stereotypes

Stereotypes of the Swedes

They are: politically correct, happy, social, liberal, gentle, civilized,  punctual, helpful, nature lovers,

Their dark side: racism, xenophobia, consumerist, reserved, individualistic, rude, arrogant, lazy, grumpy, promiscuous,  perfectionist, unfriendly to strangers

Stereotypes of Sweden: feminist country,  immigration, refugees, nature, organized, maternity friendly, good and free education, great health  system, clean energies, fresh air,  good public transports, high taxes,  cold and dark weather, expensive life costs but high quality and high wage, environmentally conscious, IKEA.

Stereotypes of the Norwegian

They are: outgoing, private, introvert, shy, informal, punctual, nature lovers, ski lovers, direct, peaceful, organized, good-natured, calm, feminist men, healthy, practical, civilized

Their dark side: patriotic, rustic, conservative, insensitive, unsophisticated, taciturn, promiscuous, rude, reserved, heavy drinkers, unfriendly to strangers

Stereotypes of Norway: nature, oil wealth, free and very good  education and health system, high taxes, high salary wages, green energy,  outdoor sports,   racism,  expensive cost of living, modern country, low unemployment, social equality, family-friendly, low crime rate, expensive houses, humane and luxury prisons, salmon

Stereotypes of the Finns


They are:  genuine, informal, calm, quiet, silent, straightforward, humble, honest, shy, punctual, patriotic, hard-worker, innovative,

Their dark side: introvert, reserved, heavy drinkers, emotionless, rude, stubborn, bad fashion sense, unfriendly to strangers, depressed

Stereotypes of Finland: marriage with foreigners, great and free education and health care, great public transport, sauna, metal bands, design, safe, dark and cold weather, maternity friendly, high taxes, young country (100 years old),  organized,  nature, fresh air, high suicide rates, Vodka

Stereotypes of  the Danes

They are: helpful, punctual,  trustworthy, easygoing, open-minded, heavy drinkers, laid-back, patriotic, straight forward, private, liberal, biking lovers, positive, happy, tolerant, pork meat lovers, informal, loyal to friends, hate braggers,

Their dark side: reserved, complaining about everything, heavy drinkers, rude, unfriendly to strangers

Stereotypes of Denmark: high taxes, low unemployment,  equality, high salaries, free and very good health and education system, gender equality, expensive living cost, low crime rate, cold weather, maternity friendly, racism, high divorce rates, immigration, high suicide rates, vikings, Lego

Stereotypes of  the Icelanders

They are: polite, helpful, friends for life, patriotic, flexible, welcoming, hardworking, honest, creative, fashionable 

Their dark side: patriotic, whales and sharks eaters, unpunctual, procrastinators, rude, blunt, coca-cola addicted 

Stereotypes of  Iceland: expensive housing, cold weather, fresh air and water, safe, gender equality, promiscuity, untouched nature, free education and health system, clean and cheap energy, low unemployment, rates high taxes, high living standards, risk of volcanic eruption,