What is 'Nordic noir' and why is it so popular? What are the Nordic societies really like? What do Nordic countries have in common and how are they different? This Encyclopaedia is a ground-breaking reference work containing over 800 entries on contemporary life and culture in the Nordic region, ranging from crime to crime fiction; Ingmar Bergman to IKEA; winter sports to the welfare state. Written by experts from within the Nordic region and beyond it, the entries discuss both country-specific issues and pan-Nordic perspectives. Longer essays offer broad historical surveys, though the emphasis throughout is on the most recent developments. Extensive cross-referencing adds to the usefulness of the work and entries also provide suggestions for further reading. An Encyclopaedia of Contemporary Nordic Culture will be an invaluable tool for students, teachers and anyone seeking to get to grips with a part of the world whose soft power and cultural impact vastly outstrip its size.