What is the difference between Scandinavian and Nordic countries?
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Scandinavia is usually used to describe a *geographic* area. This definitely includes the large peninsula that contains Sweden and Norway. It also typically includes the smaller peninsula/islands of Denmark. This is partially cultural/historical and partially because so many Danes live in Copenhagen, which is on an island and very close to Sweden.
Nordic is usually used to describe a *cultural* area and includes regions with historical or political ties to the Scandinavian countries. This includes places as far-flung as Greenland and the Faroe Islands. You could also use it to refer to historical or cultural influences elsewhere. For example, it makes more sense to talk about the Nordic history/influences in northern England than it does to talk about “Scandinavian” history/influences.
The primary difference is Finland and Iceland are Nordic but not Scandinavian. They’re culturally linked despite not being part of the geographic area of Scandinavia.
Estonia and Finland are not Scandinavian, but Finland is 100% Nordic and Estonia wants to be one.
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