Scandinavia

A record-breaking tunnel is being built under the Baltic Sea between Denmark and Germany, which will slash travel times and improve Scandinavia's links with the rest of Europe.

The large area of high pressure that has dominated our weather may have brought us clear and sunny skies, but its position to the north of the UK has fed in chillier air from Scandinavia.

Other items, like a shield and drinking horns, also show a connection to Scandinavia.

Every other decade or so, parliaments in Scandinavia — Denmark, Norway and Sweden — have initiated these power inquiries or "power and democracy" studies.

Without government support it has never been likely to pass but its very existence and events in Scandinavia have resulted in cousin marriage being talked about far beyond the communities where it is prevalent.