Normally, when an adjective modifies a definite noun in Swedish, you include a freestanding definite article (den, det, or de). However, when modifying a geographical proper noun—like a continent or country—Swedish drops this article entirely.
Regional Compass Directions
When describing regions, the adjective still takes its definite -a ending (like norra for "northern" or södra for "southern"). Just place it directly in front of the geographical name.
| More than half of the population lives in northern Europe. | Mer än hälften av befolkningen bor i norra Europa. |
| I know that it does not snow in southern Asia. | Jag vet att det inte snöar i södra Asien. |
Touring the Continents
This rule applies across the map for all directions, including east (östra), west (västra), and center (centrala).
| The tourist visited eastern Africa recently. | Turisten besökte östra Afrika nyligen. |
| The map that she looks at shows western North America. | Kartan som hon tittar på visar västra Nordamerika. |
| They built the hospital in central Australia in one year. | De byggde sjukhuset i centrala Australien på ett år. |
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