The Quick Read
This is a list of all 'Quick Reads' in the order they were published. Quick Reads are intended to provide quick, evidence-based information on a particular topic. They are generally short, encyclopaedic entries of about 1000 words on, for example, specific, named companies, brands, organisations, themes within a subject area etc, or entries on particular terms used in Nordic languages which are not necessarily easily to translate without further discussion. To customise your search, use the 'category' buttons, or the search function.
2019.04.25 | The Quick Read, Jason Lavery, Minorities, Democracy, Governance
The Åland Islands
The Åland Islands lie at the south-western tip of the Finnish peninsula between Finland and Sweden. This archipelago of 6,500 islands and skerries is demilitarised, an autonomous region and a Swedish-speaking part of Finland.
2019.04.25 | The Quick Read, Inken Dose, Culture, The arts
Danish Cultural Institute
Founded in 1940, the Danish Cultural Institute aims to foster intercultural understanding both at home and abroad, and has branches in seven countries with activities and networks in many more. Financed by the Danish Ministry of Culture, private funds and its own revenue, it focuses on diverse themes.
2019.04.25 | The Quick Read, Inken Dose, Governance, Democracy
Ombudsman
Originating in Sweden in 1809, an ombudsman is generally regarded as an official body of complaint which protects individuals against abuses of power and maladministration. Finland and Denmark were the second and third countries to establish an ombudsman, and the idea later spread to the other Nordic countries and further afield. The idea of a…
2019.04.24 | The Quick Read, William C Miller, Architecture & design
Prominent 21st century architecture in Sweden
21st century cultural and civic buildings in Sweden offer both place-based and neo-modernist styles.
2019.04.10 | The Quick Read, William C Miller, Architecture & design
Prominent 21st century architecture in Greenland and the Faroe Islands
Many civic works in Greenland and the Faroe Islands draw upon the respective countries' dramatic, rugged landscapes and sometimes harsh climate for inspiration.
2019.04.04 | The Quick Read, Dorota Lubińska, Multiculturalism
Urban vernacular in Sweden
Rinkebysvenska or Rinkeby Swedish is a contemporary urban vernacular (CUV) which has developed in multi-ethnic urban areas of Sweden including a suburb of Stockholm called Rinkeby. This speech variety is mainly used by young people in addition to other languages and language varieties depending on context, and its use is reflected in rap and…
2019.04.01 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
Outdoors in the Nordics
A comprehensive infrastructure caters to both domestic and foreign demand for outdoor activities in the Nordic countries, a demand resulting from swathes of both developed and undeveloped nature, and a widespread perception that being outdoors is character-building and healthy. In recent times, the younger and immigrant populations have shown that…
2019.04.01 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
The role of nature in the Nordic countries
With a low population density in all Nordic countries barring Denmark, nature has taken on a central feature of everyday life for many in the region. It has also played a role in the formation of national identity reflected in art and the ideal of being outdoors.
2019.03.27 | The Quick Read, William C Miller, Architecture & design
Prominent 21st century architecture in Denmark
Booming Danish 21st century architecture includes harbour swimming pools, housing, civic buildings and event houses, with neo-modernist design playing a significant role.
2019.03.27 | The Quick Read, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Culture
Whaling by Nordic countries
Iceland, Norway and the Faroe Islands are among the few countries in the world that still permit limited whaling.