Useful tips

• The Nordics are particularly punctual (both business and social). Be the same.
• Give a firm handshake on arrival and departure and make eye contact as soon as possible.
• Don't be embarrassed to talk about price and payment.
• The Nordics are very quality conscious and expect punctual delivery.
• Payment is normally prompt and interest is often charged and paid if payment is late.
• All of July is holiday time and not best for visits.
• There is not much hierarchy or formality like in Germany or other central European countries.
  

Action

• English is widely spoken, but for serious, long-term business you should have your documents professionally translated.
• Being prepared will help you realise your market opportunities. Consider customised market research.

People

Finns can seem very serious. Swedes are sometimes accused of snobbery, being too talkative and slow at making decisions. They value everyone’s opinion before a meeting closes or decision is made.

Norwegians value taking their time, but are often quicker than the Swedes at making decisions. Icelanders are possibly quicker still. Finns sometimes think speed equals efficiency. Danes are often flexible in their thinking and can be quick.

	Denmark	Finland	Iceland	Norway	Sweden

Denmark

	Area	43,000 km2
	Population, (Q2 2007)	5,457,415
	International dialling code	+45
	GDP (2008 forecast)	DKK 1,744bn
	Currency	Krone (DKK)
	Key business sectors	Life sciences, ICT, creative, maritime, renewable energy
	Main religion	Christian (Lutheran)
	Source: Statistics Denmark, finance ministry,Invest in Denmark

Top

Home

Finland

	Area	43,000 km2
	Population, (Q4 2006)	5,276,955
	International dialling code	+358
	GDP (2006 estimate)	EUR 167.1bn
	Currency	Euro (EUR)
	Key business sectors	ICT, healthcare, forestry, environmental technology and services, mining
	Main religion	Christian (Lutheran)

Source: Statistics Finland, Invest in Finland

Top

Home

Iceland

	Area	103,000 km2
	Population, (Q2 2007)	311,396
	International dialling code	+354
	GDP (2006 estimate)	ISK 1,162,930 m
	Currency	Krona (ISK)
	Key business sectors	Fish, health, biotech
	Main religion	Christian (Lutheran)

Source: Statistics Iceland, finance ministry

Top

Home

Norway

	Area	324,000 km2
	Population, (Q2 2007)	4,704,600
	International dialling code	+47
	GDP (2006 estimate)	NOK 2,151,670m
	Currency	Krone (NOK)
	Key business sectors	Oil, gas, fish
	Main religion	Christian (Lutheran)

Source: Statistics Norway, finance ministry

Top

Home

Sweden

	Area	411,000 km2
	Population, (Q2 2007)	9,150,508
	International dialling code	+46
	GDP (2006 estimate)	SEK 2,828,000m
	Currency	Krona (SEK)
	Key business sectors	Automotive, machinery, ICT, forestry, pharmaceutical
	Main religion	Christian (Lutheran)

Source: Statistics Sweden, National Institute of Economic Research

Top

Home