Executive Summary

This report includes our comprehensive analysis of Finland and Norway, including the physical factors, human factors and international trading system and so on of the two countries. At the same time, we chose a Canadian coffee cold brew company named kicking horse coffee and made a specific analysis of the foreign trade sales of the products of this local Canadian company to Finland and Norway. After a lot of research, we finally chose Norway as our final main sales country. Here's what our report is all about.

1. Strategic Overview:

(1). Physical Factors:

Finland:

Finland is a country located in northern Europe, with a population of approximately 5.5 million people. It is known for its cold climate, stunning natural landscapes, and unique culture. Some of the key physical factors that shape Finland include:

a. Location: Finland is located in northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland. Its proximity to the Arctic Circle means that it experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers.

b. Climate: Finland has a subarctic climate, characterized by cold temperatures and long winters. The average temperature in Helsinki, the capital city, ranges from -3C in January to 19C in July. In the northernmost parts of the country, temperatures can drop to as low as -50C in winter. (Henrik Enander, Carl Fredrik Sandelin, Markku Ilmari Henriksson, Susan Ruth Larson, Gudmund Sandvik, Ilmari Sundblad, Jrgen Weibull and The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica)

c. Landforms: Finland is primarily a flat country, with more than 70% of its land area covered by forests, lakes, and wetlands. The country is also home to thousands of islands, and its coastline is dotted with bays, fjords, and archipelagos.

d. Geology:Finland is located on the Fennoscandian Shield, a region of ancient bedrock that was formed more than 2.5 billion years ago. This geology has contributed to the country's rich mineral resources, including iron, copper, zinc, and gold.

e. Vegetation: Finland's vegetation is characterized by dense forests of coniferous trees, such as pine, spruce, and birch. The country is also home to a variety of wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms, which are an important part of Finnish cuisine and culture.

Overall, these physical factors have shaped Finland's unique landscape, culture, and way of life, making it a fascinating and diverse country to explore.

Norway:

Norway is a country located in Northern Europe and has a diverse range of physical features. Some of the key physical factors of Norway include:

a. Mountains: Norway is known for its mountains, including the Scandinavian Mountains, which run through the country's western region. The highest peak is Galdhpiggen, which stands at 2,469 meters.

b. Fjords: Norway is famous for its fjords, which are long, narrow inlets of the sea surrounded by steep cliffs. Some of the most famous fjords in Norway include Geirangerfjord, Hardanger fjord, and Sognefjord.

c. Glaciers: Norway has many glaciers, which are large masses of ice that move slowly over time. Some of the largest glaciers in Norway include Jostedalsbreen and Folgefonna.

d. Rivers and lakes: Norway has numerous rivers and lakes, including the Glomma, which is the longest river in Norway, and Mjsa, which is the largest lake in Norway.

d. Coastal areas: Norway has a long coastline that stretches over 83,000 kilometers, including many islands and archipelagos.

e. Plateaus and plains: Norway also has several plateaus and plains, including the Hardangervidda plateau and the Hedmarken plains.

Overall, Norway's physical factors have shaped the country's landscape and provided many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.

(2). Human Factors:

Finland:

a. Language: The primary cultural language of Finland is Finnish, which is spoken by the majority of the population, and is also the official language of the country. Swedish is the second official language and is spoken by a minority of the population, particularly in coastal regions. In terms of business language, English is widely used and is the most important language for international business dealings. Finnish is also important for conducting business within the country, particularly in more traditional or government-related industries. Swedish may also be useful for business dealings with companies or individuals who speak Swedish in Finland.

b. Population: In 2022 there is an estimated 5,601,547 people in Finland. Demographic statistics according to the World Population Review in 2019.

c. Age: As of 2021, the average age in Finland is around 43 years. The average lifespan in Finland is around 81 years.

d. Technology: Finland has a long history of technological innovation, and the country is home to many successful tech companies. The use of technology is integrated into many aspects of daily life, from online banking to mobile ticketing for public transportation.

e. Belief: Finland is a country with a diverse set of beliefs, both religious and non-religious. The majority of Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, which is the largest religious group in the country. Other Christian denominations, such as the Orthodox Church of Finland, also have a significant presence. However, the number of people who identify as religious in Finland has been declining in recent years, and a growing number of Finns identify as non-religious.

Norway:

a. Language: The official language of Norway is Norwegian. Norwegian is a North Germanic language and is closely related to Danish and Swedish. There are two official written forms of Norwegian: Bokml and Nynorsk. Bokml, which translates to "book language," is more commonly used and is based on the language spoken in and around the capital city of Oslo. Nynorsk, which translates to "New Norwegian," is based on the dialects of rural areas and is used by about 10-15% of the population. Both Bokml and Nynorsk are taught in schools and used in official documents, and most Norwegians are able to understand and speak both forms.

b. Population: The current population of Norway in 2023 is 5,474,360, a 0.74% increase from 2022. The population of Norway in 2022 was 5,434,319, a 0.58% increase from 2021. The population of Norway in 2021 was 5,403,021, a 0.43% increase from 2020.

c. Age: The current average age in Norway is around 40 years, according to Statistics Norway. As of 2021, the average life expectancy worldwide is approximately 73 years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, life expectancy can vary by country and by factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. As for Norway, according to the Norwegian Directorate of Health, the average life expectancy in Norway is around 84 years for women and 81 years for men.

d. Technology: In terms of technology, Norway is at the forefront of many fields, particularly in the areas of energy and environmental sustainability. The country is a world leader in hydropower and has made significant investments in wind power and other renewable energy sources. Norway is also home to many successful technology start-ups and has a thriving tech industry.

e. Belief: Norway is a country with a diverse set of beliefs and worldviews. Historically, Norway was primarily a Christian country, with the majority of the population being members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway. However, in recent years, the country has become more secular, and there has been a significant increase in the number of people who do not identify with any religion. Despite this, many Norwegians still practice their faith and attend church regularly. In addition to Christianity, there are also other religions present in Norway, including Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism. These religions are practiced by small but growing communities in the country. Overall, Norway is a tolerant and accepting country, and people are free to practice their beliefs without fear of discrimination or persecution. The country's constitution guarantees religious freedom, and the government is committed to promoting religious diversity and interfaith dialogue.

(3). Primary Trading Partners:

Finland:

As a country located in northern Europe, Finland has developed close partnerships with several other countries, particularly those in Europe. Here are some of its primary partners:

a. Sweden: Sweden is Finland's closest neighbor, and the two countries have a long history of close cooperation in trade, tourism, culture, and education.

b. Germany: Germany is Finland's most important trading partner within the European Union, and the two countries cooperate closely in fields such as technology, innovation, and renewable energy.

c. Russia: Russia is Finland's largest trading partner outside the EU. The two countries have a long history of economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of energy, forestry, and transport.

d. United States: The United States and Finland have strong economic ties, and the US is one of Finland's largest export markets outside the EU. The two countries also cooperate in areas such as defense, education, and research.

e. China: China is an important trading partner for Finland, particularly in the fields of technology and tourism. The two countries also cooperate in areas such as environmental protection and education.

Overall, Finland maintains strong partnerships with a range of countries, reflecting its position as a small but economically and technologically advanced nation with a global outlook.

Norway:

Norway has several primary partners, both in terms of trade and political alliances. Some of Norway's most important partners include:

a. European Union (EU): Norway is not a member of the EU, but it has a close relationship with the bloc through the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Agreement. The EU is Norway's largest trading partner.

b. United States: The U.S. and Norway have a strong diplomatic and economic relationship. The two countries cooperate on a range of issues, including defense, energy, and the environment.

c. United Kingdom: Norway and the UK have a close relationship, both economically and politically. Norway is the UK's largest supplier of natural gas.

d. Russia: Norway shares a border with Russia, and the two countries have a history of trade and cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.

e. China: Norway has been developing economic ties with China in recent years, particularly in the areas of seafood exports and tourism.

Other important partners for Norway include Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.

(4). Primary Market:

Finland:

In Finland, the primary markets are typically concentrated in the major urban centers, such as Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, and Oulu. These cities have a large concentration of businesses, investors, and other market participants, making them the most active centers of economic activity in the country.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is the largest city in the country and the center of its economy. It is home to the Helsinki Stock Exchange, which is the primary market for Finnish equities. The exchange lists a range of companies, including large multinational corporations and smaller, domestic firms.

Tampere, located in southern Finland, is another important economic hub. It is home to several high-tech companies, including Nokia, and is considered a leading center for research and development in the country.

Turku, located on the southwest coast of Finland, is also an important economic center. It is home to a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which are focused on the technology and services sectors.

Finally, Oulu, located in northern Finland, is a growing economic center. It is home to several high-tech companies, including Nokia and Microsoft, and is also a center for research and development.

Overall, while primary markets are concentrated in these major urban centers, there are also many active secondary markets and niche markets throughout the country.

Norway:

The primary markets in Norway are mainly concentrated in Oslo, which is the capital and largest city of Norway. Oslo is the financial and economic center of the country and is home to the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE), which is Norway's only stock exchange. The OSE is where most of the primary market activities in Norway take place, including initial public offerings (IPOs) and the issuance of new stocks and bonds. However, there are also some other important financial centers in Norway, such as Bergen and Trondheim, which also have active primary markets.

2. Governmental and Diplomatic Factors

(1). Governmental Factors:

Finland:

a. Name of the head of the country and political party:Finland is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. The President of Finland is the head of state and is elected for a six-year term. Now, Sauli Vinm Niinist is the President of Finland. And the political parties are as below: Centre Party (KESK), Social Democratic Party of Finland (SDP), National Coalition Party (KOK), Left Alliance (VAS), Green League (VIHR), Finns Party (PS), Swedish People's Party of Finland (RKP), Christian Democrats (KD).

b. The symbolism of the national flag: The national flag of Finland, also known as Siniristilippu or "Blue Cross Flag," is a blue Nordic cross on a white background. The blue cross is offset towards the hoist side of the flag, which means that the vertical arm of the cross is closer to the left edge of the flag than to the right. Here is a picture of the Finnish national flag: