Nordic refers to the countries of Northern Europe that share cultural, historical, and geographic connections: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. These nations sit in the far north, where winters are long and dark, and summer days stretch late into the evening.

The Nordic countries are known for their stunning natural landscapes: Norway's dramatic fjords (deep, narrow inlets carved by ancient glaciers), Sweden's vast forests, Finland's thousands of lakes, Denmark's green farmland and coastline, and Iceland's volcanoes and geysers. Despite harsh climates, these nations have built prosperous, innovative societies.

Nordic also describes things characteristic of these countries. Nordic skiing, for example, developed in Scandinavia centuries ago as a practical way to travel across snow. Unlike downhill skiing, Nordic skiing emphasizes endurance and cross-country movement. The Vikings, the seafaring Norse people who explored and settled vast territories from around 800 to 1100 AD, are part of Nordic history.

You might encounter Nordic design, known for its clean lines and functionality, or Nordic mythology, featuring gods like Thor and Odin. When someone mentions the Nordic region or Nordic model, they're talking about this family of northern nations that, while distinct, share common threads of culture and geography.