Along the coast of which European country are deep glacial inlets called fiords or fjords most abundant?

Introduction / Context:
Fiords or fjords are spectacular coastal landforms created by glacial erosion, often shown in geography textbooks and travel photographs. They are long, narrow inlets with steep sides, formed where glaciers carved deep valleys that were later flooded by the sea. This question tests whether you can correctly associate these classic fjord landscapes with the country where they are especially numerous and famous.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Fiords or fjords are common along certain high latitude coasts that experienced strong glaciation.

• The options list Sweden, France, Norway, and Germany.

• One of these countries is globally known for its rugged fjord coastline.

• The question asks where fiords abound, meaning where they are particularly numerous.

Concept / Approach:
Fjords are most typical of high latitude regions that had thick ice sheets in the past and now have deeply indented coastlines. In Europe, the western coast of Norway is world famous for its fjords. While Sweden and other countries have some glacially influenced coastlines, the classic fjord scenery used in books and tourism campaigns is strongly associated with Norway, especially in its western and northern coastal regions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that fjords are deeply indented, glacially carved sea inlets. Step 2: Remember that western Norway, facing the North Atlantic, is especially known for dramatic fjord landscapes. Step 3: Note that Sweden coastal landscape around the Baltic Sea has many islands and skerries rather than the classic long steep sided fjords seen in Norway. Step 4: Recognise that France and Germany are not renowned globally for fjord coasts. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is Norway, where fjords abound along much of the western coast.

Verification / Alternative check:
When you look at photographs or travel brochures featuring fjords, names like Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and Geirangerfjord appear repeatedly. All of these are in Norway. Physical maps also show the Norwegian coastline as deeply indented with long narrow arms of the sea. This strong association between fjords and Norway in both academic references and popular media confirms that Norway is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Sweden has glacial landscapes and an indented coastline but is better known for archipelagos then for classic fjord scenery.

• France has varied coasts along the Atlantic and Mediterranean, yet it is not famous for fjords.

• Germany also has coasts along the North Sea and Baltic Sea, but deep fjords are not a hallmark of its shoreline.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may choose Sweden simply because it is a Nordic country, or they may not clearly distinguish between different coastal landforms like fjords, rias, and archipelagos. To avoid such confusion, it is helpful to remember a simple rule of thumb: when you think of fjords and dramatic glacial sea inlets in Europe, think of Norway.

Final Answer:
Fiords or fjords abound along the coast of Norway.