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Nordic Countries in General which over years have formed a very unique of will.” Largely due terrain combined long
The word “Nordic” simply describes culture of people that have not only adapted with winters have created in its people a
the geographical and cultural region in the but thrived in region of the world. Just to resilient this attitude that would cultivate
Northern Europe and the North Atlantic. clarify, you might have heard that some tenacity, independence and individual-
The term is derived consequentially from people also call this region, Scandinavia. ity to adapt comfortably in this region.
the local term Norden, used in the North However, it is commonly mistakenly used, With statistics to show, Nordic countries
Germanic languages, which literally means Scandinavia is only properly called for three have one of the lowest obesity rates, a
"The North(ern lands)”. Its countries in- countries including Denmark, Norway, and population that seems to consist entirely
clude: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden. of tall, athletic and gorgeous. Their food
and Sweden including their associated terri- The term called “Nordic Race” which is healthy, with lots of roots, berries, nuts,
tories (Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and the was described by a British psychologist, whole grains and crudités (raw vegetables).
Åland Islands). The Nordic region not only William McDougall, “We can distinguish Despite these assumptions uniformity about
share the area but also their cultures, as they a race of northerly distribution and origin, the culture, many of the creative individu-
have similarities in their way of life, history, characterized physically by fair color of hair als, with a people who consume so much
the use of languages, and social structure. and skin and eyes, by tall stature and doli- coffee, a culture tenacity to the quality
The region also shares similar terrain but chocephaly (this is: long shape of head), and creative individuality. The region has
most importantly a similar climate. Long and mentally by great independence of contributed greatly in the coffee business
winters and even shorter summers all of character, individual initiative and tenacity world wide.
Famous from Nordic Countries
Coffee Cultures
There is an air of sophistication during the cold outside, can be filled all
that comes from this region, as they are on day with friends, colleagues, or family
top of the list for being happy and artistic. members discussing the weather, travel,
Another list they dominate is in annual weekend plans, and family life.
coffee consumption - the Nordics love It was told that people use to drink
their coffee! The Fins usually tops this list, so much alcohol during the days in the past
followed by Swedes and Norwegians, with until one day the government decided to
the Danes falling in the top 10. With this increase the alcohol tax rate. Coffee be-
regions having long, very long, winters, came a natural alternative. Being invited
these countries have developed their ways into a Swedish house, you will definitely
to cope with the cold by having small bites be offered a cup of coffee along side with
of and warm drinks. Coffee, goes without a cake or some small bites. As a must-do,
saying is a staple. Our CTI team went to workers in Sweden and Finland are even
visit World Coffee Event, in Sweden to guaranteed breaks, which often at the time
find out more. of unofficial fika which is at 10 am and 3
Swedish Coffee Culture called pm. Fika is an essential to the Swedish
“Fika” (pronounced fee-ka) or coffee hospitality and social life.
break. The word “fika” comes from “kaffi" While the Swedes have their fika,
(a reverse fika—>kaffi) or some say from the Danes have their “hygge”(pronounced
“fik" which means café. The Swedes sees hue-gah), which simply means cozy! It
it as an opportunity to bond and catch is a word that describe a mental and
up on anything. A classic Swedish cup of physical space where the hassle outside is
coffee is mostly the drip filter brewed cof- shut down and left with only the cosiness,
fee serving alongside with sugar cookies, security, familiarity, fellowship, simple-
“kanelbulle” which is a cinnamon flavored ness, and living well mood. However,
buns, and open-faced sandwiches. At the hygge is mostly inspired by the long dark
coffee shops, people use it as a commu- winters that they have to face. The Dan-
nity gathering place. It is rare to observe ish developed this culture to cope with its
a genuine conversation like how we use pale depressing winters. The word Hygge
to enjoy it before technologies came. In simply invokes the feeling of a cozy,
Nordic countries, a café, a warm shelter comfy, homey, and loving places to be in.
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