Why is Finland considered a Nordic country when Russia and the Baltic states aren't? (Scandinavia, Swedish)

[pdw]

Ethno-linguistically, Finland has less in common with Iceland or Scandinavia than it does with its other neighbours. What makes it Nordic? How do Finns feel about this?

[boxus]

There is a difference between Nordic and Scandinavian. Nordic encompasses more than ethno-linguisitic traits.

[Ariete]

Except for Estonia, Finland has nothing in common with Lithuania and Latvia, while the society as a whole is very similar to the Swedish and Norwegian ones.

Here's a few thoughts on that: http://www.city-data.com/forum/26211678-post20.html

[pdw]

It's for political and economic reasons, isn't it? I wonder why Cuba is still considered to be a part of the West Indies...

[Ariete]

Originally Posted by pdw

It's for political and economic reasons, isn't it? I wonder why Cuba is still considered to be part of the West Indies...

Cultural and historical reasons as well. To be honest, Latvia and Lithuania feels a million miles away despite being so close.

[pdw]

How do you define Nordic culture?

[Ariete]

Originally Posted by pdw

How do you define Nordic culture?

Care to specify? The definition is quite broad and consists five countries.

[pdw]

What, culturally-speaking only, does Finland have in common with Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland that is not found anywhere else in the world?

[Ariete]

Originally Posted by pdw

What, culturally-speaking only, does Finland have in common with Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland that is not found anywhere else in the world?

The Nordic welfare state.

[StuffedCabbage]

Originally Posted by pdw

How do you define Nordic culture?

Everybody owns a Nordic Trac.