No matter how successful the Nordic Model may be in producing and expanding human well-being, it will always be subject to attack as long as human nature remains in its current state of 'evolution.-The Nordic News NetworkScandinavia is a region in Northern Europe that includes Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland. All Scandinavian countries share similar languages, are ethnically homogeneous and are known for being punctual, honest and modest. Even though each country has its differences, they all have one major point in common: the Nordic model. All Scandinavian countries are social democracies, which basically means that citizens pay high taxes, but in return the government offers lots of things to everyone. However, the welfare state also attracts criticism, with complaints ranging from people taking advantage of the system to dissatisfaction with brutal taxation. Although the Nordic model has its problems, the advantages and resulting quality of life outweigh the disadvantages, as the successful Scandinavian states demonstrate. The Nordic model is the term for the economic system of the Scandinavian states. The government also offers the same to each of its citizens. Many things are provided by the government, such as universities, health care, maternity leave and social security. But the Nordic model also has other aspects. Social Democrats support regulated private enterprise, high taxes in exchange for quality public service, strong labor laws, such as minimum wages and working conditions, and a strong policy of equality for all citizens. However, for all this to be possible, citizens must pay high taxes. In Norway, for example, the majority of ...... middle of article ......05, "Looking After Everyone", Gale Research, reproduced in History Resource Center, http://galenet.galegroup .com .Siri Leisson, personal interview, May 27, 2010http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/edu_lit_adu_at_hig_lit_lev-education-literacy-adults-high-levelBecker, New York Times, October 2005, “Nordic Countries Lead in two Business Surveys”, The Economist (United States), June 2003, “Kyrbbe to Grav” http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/peo_gen_dev_ind-people-gender-development-index Siri Leisson, personal interview, May 27, 2010http ://cupe.ca/updir/Public_profile_Sweden.pdfKuehnelt-Leddihn, National Review, December 1988, “Paradise Lost.” IbidNorberg, The National Interest, Summer 2006, “Swedish Models: The Welfare State and Its Competitors.” http://www.johannorberg.net/?page=articles&articleid=151IbidIbid