Scandinavia

Ed Dutton looks at how the experience of Finland during the period 1945 to 1989 has led to a historical identity crisis for the nation that remains unresolved.

Patricia Cleveland-Peck goes on the trail of the scientist Linnaeus, whose tercentenary this year is being marked in Sweden at a variety of locations associated with the great man.

Stuart Burch considers the significance to Norway – both in terms of the past and the present – of the anniversary of 1905, when the country at last won its independence from Sweden.

Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Finland, Matthew Kirk, describes the impact of the Crimean War on that country and how it is being commemorated.

Christina abdicated her throne on June 6th, 1654.

A.D. Harvey recalls the career of the Swedish king whose assassination inspired a famous opera.

The Danish astronomer died on October 24th, 1601.

Richard Cavendish marks the anniversary of an important Scandinavian battle, which took place on April 2nd, 1801.

A key battle in the Great Northern War was fought on November 29th, 1700.

Finland's longest-serving president was born on September 3rd, 1900.