Guide to Sweden

The Kingdom of Sweden is the third largest country in the European Union. On the Scandinavian Peninsula, this Nordic country neighbours Norway to the west and Finland to the east, and presumably owes its name to the settlement of a Germanic tribe called Swedes whose arrival in modern Swedish territory was documented before the year 100 AD. The Viking Age put Sweden at the center of world affairs as Swedish Viking vessels sailed around the globe, leading to military expeditions, enhanced trade and overseas settlements.

The twentieth century saw Sweden declare neutrality in the two world wars, even though it allowed German troops to march through Swedish territory on their way to Norway, and even though it welcomed refugees, especially Jews, from neighbouring countries. More recently, Sweden has developed a strong welfare state, leading to a high standard of living and virtual eradication of poverty. After a battle with unemployment and a period of economic crisis, Sweden recovered and joined the European Union in 1995.

Capital City: Stockholm, Sweden's largest city, is renowned for its beauty and modernity. Gorgeous architecture and dazzling blue water and summer skies offer a mesmerizing contrast with the iced city of lights in the winter. There are plenty of leisure opportunities in the capital, ranging from famous nightclubs, to the cozy cobblestone streets of the old town, to countless art galleries. Stockholm is a vibrant metropolis where both the Royal Palace and the seat of the Swedish government touch shoulders with bohemian establishments and sleek boutiques. And if this weren't enough, over 24,000 islands make up an archipelago that extends from Stockholm to the east, providing enchanting cruising experiences through the Baltic Sea.

Government: Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Since 1973, King Carl XVI Gustaf has acted as chief of state, whereas Prime Minister Frederik Reinfeldt has held office since 2010. The Swedish government consists of a cabinet appointed by the prime minister, usually elected leader of the majority party or the majority coalition first in a round of legislative elections.

Culture: Swedish people are known for their politeness friendliness, which translates into a warm embrace of multiculturalism. It is thus no surprise that 16% of greater Stockholm's 1.2 million people are immigrants. This diverse landscape explains the wide variety of icons associated with Swedish culture: Vikings, meatballs, Volvos, eternal snow, and, of course, Absolut Vodka. The pervasive coexistence of modernity and tradition is a staple of Swedish society, the birthplace of the Nobel Peace Prize...and Ikea.

Swedish Media

Aftonbladet: Stockholm based daily newspaper Sveriges Television (SVT): public national television network TV4: commercial national television network                                     Sveriges Radio: public national radio broadcaster

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