QuoteOriginally posted by: almosteverywhereMy understanding has always been that Scandinavia, Canada, and the US Upper Midwest have the highest quality of life in the world. Cold climates seem to lead to be conducive to this. I've never been to Finland, but I badly want to see Scandinavia at some point in my life.Just a remark. Finland is not in Scandinavia. Scan is Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Not so sure where Iceland fits in.

QuoteOriginally posted by: CuchulainnJust a remark. Finland is not in Scandinavia. Scan is Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Not so sure where Iceland fits in.I don't think there exists a universal definition of Scandinavia. I've heard many different versions myself, although they all include the three countries Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

QuoteOriginally posted by: RobertgQuoteOriginally posted by: CuchulainnJust a remark. Finland is not in Scandinavia. Scan is Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Not so sure where Iceland fits in.I don't think there exists a universal definition of Scandinavia. I've heard many different versions myself, although they all include the three countries Norway, Sweden and Denmark.Let's ask Ola Olsen. Ola?

Scandinavia is Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Iceland and Finland are included in the wider term "the Nordic countries". I don't know why but it might have something to do with the languages. Finnish has very little to do with other Nordic languages (even though Swedish is an official language and is considered the language of the upper class). the Icelandic language has not been changed for the last 1000 years (yes really...). I don't understand a word while they understand everything I say.On alcohol...The thing is, Finland has had a serious alcohol problem since the tax on alcohol was lowered. Not only the down and out are lying in the gutter but also "respected member of society".Another funny thing is that quite a few Swedes (including me and my best mate ahead of his wedding) are driving to Germany only to buy cheap booze. I didn't drive more than a couple of hundred meters in Germany before I reached the giant booze store....Also, the Danish prices on alcohol are quite low compared to the rest of the countries and more than a million Swedes live less than an hours drive away from the Danish capital (especially now with the bridge). In some of the Swedish cities close Denmark the state owned stores are making huge losses..

> the Icelandic language has not been changed for the last 1000 years (yes really...). I don't understand a > word while they understand everything I say.OlaThanks for the feedback.Icelandic is highly inflected in much the same way as Latin and this makes it difficult I suppose. The famous Icelandic sagas are ancient but a modern Icelander can read them as easily as the Morgunbladid. One thing I noticed is a deep sense of history, Vikings especially. I beliebe there is a special task force that introduces new foreign words into the language. They have a name for the computer I believe but I do not have any more details. How is this done on Sweden? Of course, Swedes speak perfect English from what I have heard, so they probably just use the English word directly?In Iceland there is 100% literacy. Icelanders read more than any folk on the planet.

There is a Swedish word for computer and that is "dator". I think you'll be able derive its origin.Due to the size of the language, Swedes always needed to learn other languages. For instance, all the foreign TV programs have subtitles.Before the Icelandic financial raids of late (Baughur, Kaupthing et al), Iceland was a isolated country where fishing was the main source of income. Considering the size of the population (less than 400 000) the financial sector is very big nowadays.

olaolson,how is nordic education system? In terms of quantitative finance research, are they pretty strong? Are there financial derivatives markets there?

I would say that in Sweden, unlike UK, the university students already know what kind of career they want and tend to stay at uni at bit longer.If you want a job as a grad in Sweden you need relevant education. Even though you have been to the best uni you won't get a job in finance if you have been studying biology.If you want to do QF you should head towards the insitutes of technology.The derivatives market is growing but is way off the levels in mainland Europe.

By the way,since (from what I understand) the quality of chicks is your main or only criteria, I would suggest you head towards my old uni, Lund. It is a good, old and big one with loads of bloned Scandinavian chicks who are all crazy for quant wannabes like you.

QuoteOriginally posted by: olaolson It is a good, old and big one with loads of bloned Scandinavian chicks who are all crazy for quant wannabes like you.LOL.... Lund is indeed a well reputated uni, but you ommited a short description of Lund's strip clubs

The thing is that there are less than 10 official strip clubs in Sweden. In my home town Malmö (the third biggest city) there were plans of setting up a topless bar but they did not get the alcohol licence (imagine a strip club offering coffee and cookies!!).Indeed, you need to keep your search for strip clubs to yourself, otherwise you risk being beaten up by militant lesbian feminists. I am not kidding!!Some years ago there was an ambush outside one of the Stockholm clubs at the closing time. I am not kidding.Forget places like Stringfellows!If you want to taste loose Scandinavian chicks there are regular Scandinavian parties in London like "Nordic by Nature". You don't need to visit strip clubs.

What about Spearmint Rhino. Anyone been ?

QuoteOriginally posted by: olaolsonIn my home town Malmö (the third biggest city) there were plans of setting up a topless bar but they did not get the alcohol licence (imagine a strip club offering coffee and cookies!!).It's not unheard of.My acquaintances who frequent such places have told me of alcohol free ones from time to time. When they went, they'd have a two-four of beer in the back of their car and go out to the parking lot once in a while.

Go hunting in swedenIt's now legal to hunt the Storsjo monster in the event that it actually exists

QuoteOriginally posted by: olaolsonThe thing is that there are less than 10 official strip clubs in Sweden. In my home town Malmö (the third biggest city) there were plans of setting up a topless bar but they did not get the alcohol licence (imagine a strip club offering coffee and cookies!!).Indeed, you need to keep your search for strip clubs to yourself, otherwise you risk being beaten up by militant lesbian feminists. I am not kidding!!Some years ago there was an ambush outside one of the Stockholm clubs at the closing time. I am not kidding.Forget places like Stringfellows!If you want to taste loose Scandinavian chicks there are regular Scandinavian parties in London like "Nordic by Nature". You don't need to visit strip clubs.Few stripper clubs,.....I'm thinking how single men there without any partners relax their sextual desire "Nordic by Nature" is a video game (google it then you will find out)