Sweden is known throughout the world for its neutrality. With the ending of the Cold War, Sweden felt able to join the European Union in 1995. It further altered its long-standing neutrality in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and, with Finland, applied to join Nato in 2022.
Sweden is known for its natural environment, its beautiful castles, its high standard of living, its powerful economy, its literature and music.
Sweden has the best social welfare in the world. With the well-developed health care system and free education, Sweden has the best social welfare in the world.
Sweden became known to the rest of the world through the Vikings who emerged in the 9th century to raid much of northern Europe. In the centuries to come, Sweden would become a Christian kingdom. In 1397 Sweden united with Denmark, Norway, and Finland in the Kalmar Union led by Queen Margaret of Denmark.
Sweden: One of the happiest countries in the world
A strong economy, good education, and excellent healthcare are very important factors in why Sweden performs so well in the happiness index (as each of the Scandinavian countries also tends to do).
Swedish society is based on equality and individualism. Swedes are proud of their nation and its accomplishments. Lagom, which means “not too much, not too little…just right” is a word often used and heard in Sweden. Swedes also have a profound respect for integrity.
Sweden is famous for its abundant forests and lakes. It's a nation of keen recyclers, hikers, and Fika takers, and it's the Pop Music Capital of the World. Sweden is also known for brands such as IKEA, Spotify, and Volvo.
The Kalmar Union
In 1389, the crowns of Denmark, Norway and Sweden were united under the rule of the Danish Queen Margareta. In 1397, the Kalmar Union was formed, with the three Scandinavian countries under a single monarch.
The economy of Sweden is a highly developed export-oriented economy, aided by timber, hydropower, and iron ore. These constitute the resource base of an economy oriented toward foreign trade.
Sweden emerged as a great European power under Axel Oxenstierna and King Gustavus Adolphus. As a result of acquiring territories seized from Russia and the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, as well as its involvement in the Thirty Years' War, Sweden found itself transformed into the leader of Protestantism.
Capitalist Country with a Welfare System
Sweden pursued an economic policy consisting of a capitalist economy mixed with a quality welfare system. Sweden is a blend of the free market and an extensive welfare system which few countries have been able to achieve.
' According to the World Bank, a key feature of the Swedish economy is its openness and liberal approach to trade and doing business. Sweden has traditionally been an export-orientated nation, and typically maintains a trade surplus, i.e. the value of goods and services it exports is greater than the value of imports.
That's because some Swedes think feeding a guest creates a sense of obligation, explains Tellström. And in a society that values equality and independence, people don't want to put a burden on someone or feel like they owe someone something, he says.
Sweden has a well-funded and comprehensive healthcare system, with universal access to healthcare for all citizens. According to OECD data, Sweden spent 9.9% of its GDP on healthcare in 2019, which is higher than the average healthcare spending for OECD countries.
The country has a 1,000-year-long continuous history as a sovereign state, but its territorial expanse changed often until 1809. Today it is a constitutional monarchy with a well-established parliamentary democracy that dates from 1917.
On 17 September 1809, the period of Swedish rule over the rest of Finland came to an end when the Treaty of Hamina was signed, ending the Finnish War. As a result, the eastern third of Sweden was ceded to the Russian Empire and became established as the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland.
Sweden's last war was the Swedish–Norwegian War (1814). Sweden was victorious in this war, leading to the Danish king being forced to cede Norway to Sweden. Norway was then forced to enter into a personal union with Sweden that lasted until 1905.
The modern English name Sweden was loaned from Dutch. Before the gradual introduction of Sweden in the 17th century, English used Swedeland or Sweathland. It is based on Middle Dutch Zweden, the Dutch name of Sweden, and in origin the dative plural of Zwede "Swede".
Sweden is a major world exporter of forest products. Timber is transported via a dense road and rail network.
Sweden doesn't have an official national dish, but many Swedes consider meatballs and lingonberries to be the national fare.
Julmust and Coca-Cola
In Sweden, julmust outsells Coca-Cola during the Christmas season; in fact, the consumption of Coca-Cola drops by as much as 50% over the holiday.
The Official National Animal of Sweden. Sweden's national animal is the Eurasian elk (Alces alces), which is known as a moose in American English. The moose is the largest member of the New World deer family.
Basic Etiquette
Much etiquette in Sweden is based on maintaining equality throughout interactions. For example, thanking people for their efforts and reciprocating actions that occur regularly. Everyone is expected to form an orderly queue when waiting to be served.