Finland The Country

What can be said of a Scandinavian Country such as Finland, Sweden, or Iceland? I've kind of noticed that Americans don't think much of the Scandinavian countries. When the average American thinks of taking a trip to Europe, in most cases, the first thing popping to mind would be Paris or Rome, London or Amsterdam. Possibly even central Europe ... Germany, Poland, Switzerland. I don't think I've ever heard someone tell me that their family is planning a trip to Helsinki or Stockholm. Perhaps it is because the far reaches of Northeastern Europe are thought to be a world away. I've found that most people know that it's cold there, that they have all or no sunlight depending on the time of year, and most importantly that it's where Santa comes from. But little information is commonly known amongst Americans regarding the cultures of Scandinavian countries. Having looked into study abroad options in the country of Finland, I have found this culture interesting, very different from my own ... but also very high-functioning. A world leader in public education systems and environmentalism, I find this country fascinating and wonder why in America it is so overlooked?