Topic: Nordic Countries

Focus Why combat role for US women could reverberate worldwide

In many countries, women have historically served in combat when demographics demanded it. But the US move is based on equal opportunity for women – and could become a model for others.

Britain debates: What should European welfare look like?

The debate in Parliament, which today passed a measure to temporarily cap most welfare benefits, is part of a larger debate in Europe over how to handle welfare amid the debt crisis.

Opinion: As fiscal cliff approaches, don't be fooled by the great Nordic myth

The Nordic countries are some of the happiest and most prosperous, which many attribute to socialist policies. That's a myth. As John Boehner and President Obama's 'fiscal cliff' debate over spending cuts continue, lawmakers should remember that socialism did not spell prosperity.

Netflix uses 'poison pill' to prevent hostile takeover

Netflix is making moves to prevent a hostile takeover from billionaire Carl Icahn, who disclosed a nearly 10 percent stake in the company. Netflix adopted a poison pill defense, aimed at preventing an outsider without board approval from acquiring too large a stake in Netflix.

Modern Parenthood Parent engagement, not policing, best policy for Internet use

Parent engagement, not harsh policing may be the best policy for Internet use, according to a recent study of the habits and techniques of thousands of teens and their families in over two dozen countries.

College rankings: Which countries have the best education systems?

A new higher education ranking focuses on evaluating quality by countries as a whole, rather than specific academic institutions. Here are some of the findings:

Sweden cash-free? It's getting there.

Sweden cash-free moves include public buses, a few stores, and even some bank offices that don't handle cash anymore. But it could take 20 years before consumers see a Sweden cash-free. 

The irony of China bashing

China has the strongest currency in the world. So why is Congress targeting China for having currency that is too weak?

DocPoint festival celebrates Finnish documentaries in New York

Notes on the DocPoint Encounters in NYC at Scandinavia House in New York City, June 9, 2011.

Secret to happiness: big government?

New study finds that happiness is highest in nations with the most government intervention. Of 15 nations, Norway ranks No. 1 in happiness; US, only No. 10.

A Nordic feast of spring in 'Noma'

Chef René Redzepi strives to revive and reinvent the distinctive tastes of Nordic cuisine through his restaurant 'Noma' and cookbook of the same name.

Coca-Cola earnings: US sales continue rebound

Coca-Cola sales in North America increased for the second quarter in a row after four years of declines.

Opinion: Obama and Medvedev: Does Russia have the courage to change?

To become a truly prosperous and democratic nation, Russia must be willing to abandon cultural obstacles to progress. Based on a meeting I had with Russia's president last month, Moscow may not be ready to do that.

Ash cloud from Iceland volcano shuts down air traffic

Ash cloud from Iceland's spewing volcano halted air traffic across a wide swath of Europe on Thursday.

The best and worst housing markets in Europe

Norway ranked as the best housing market in 2009 according to a new survey of 24 countries in Europe.

Hijab debate lifts veil on limits of Norway's tolerance

A Muslim woman's request to wear a hijab with her police uniform has sparked national controversy.

Reporters on the Job

Opinion: The end of multiculturalism

The US must be a melting pot – not a salad bowl.

Britain eyes Swedish law on sex workers

Government minister Vernon Coaker arrives Thursday in Stockholm, where the number of street prostitutes has declined by one-third since 1999.

Sri Lankan government minister killed amid an upsurge in violence

Following Colombo's withdrawal from a 2002 truce with Tamil rebels, nation-building chief DM Dassanayake was fatally wounded in a roadside bombing.