[20190826]IF10740_北欧国家与美国关系.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated August 26, 2019The Nordic Countries and U.S. RelationsPolitical and Economic Overview The five Nordic countriesDenmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Swedenshare deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties and many political and economic similarities. They are all stable democracies with parliamentary systems of government and prosperous market economies with relatively high standards of living. With a total population of roughly 27 million people (see Figure 1), the Nordics collectively form the worlds 12th-largest economy. They have extensive social welfare systems and relatively high tax rates but are considered to be innovative, business-friendly countries. The Nordics generally rank high on global competitiveness indexes. Foreign trade plays a key role in their economies. They also enjoy substantial natural resources. Norway in particular benefits from vast North Sea oil and natural gas deposits. Despite many advantages, the Nordic countries face some challenges. The Nordics struggled economically following the 2008-2009 global recession and subsequent European financial and banking crisis. Economic growth has rebounded since (to arou