Cultural and political bonds
The five countries have mutual agreements on trade and commerce, the employment market, communications and related areas. There is therefore a growing tendency, both within the Nordic countries and outside them, to consider the region as a single market area. Social matters such as environmental issues, sexual equality, education and social welfare receive equal attention and priority within the Nordic countries.

On an international level, the Nordic countries often stand together and are thus able to wield more influence on political and cultural matters than they could ever have individually. This united front is a result of co-operation both at inter-governmental and unofficial levels.

It is common practice for company executives to meet their Nordic colleagues on an informal level to discuss strategies. In the cultural sector, artists in all fields have been meeting and working with their colleagues in the other Nordic countries for decades.