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).
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. You can enjoy free education in world's best universities.
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.
Swedish people are generally polite, friendly, and well mannered. However, talking to strangers in Sweden is not something that one does. Swedes try avoiding social interactions with strangers almost at all costs meaning that moving here can feel quite isolating.
Being loud and flamboyant is the quickest way to irritate the locals in Sweden and you might even be gently reprimanded if your voice carries over to the next table. If you see Swedes turning their body away from you and shading their eyes, take this as a sign to lower your voice and tone it down.
Studies do confirm that Swedes behave in ways that can be interpreted as being a sign of shyness. However, research about national character draws a sharp line between the behaviour and the feeling of shyness. There is actually no evidence that Swedes feel shyer than any other nationality.
One of the key characteristics of Swedish culture is that Swedes are egalitarian in nature, humble and find boasting absolutely unacceptable. In many ways, Swedes prefer to listen to others as opposed to ensuring that their own voice is heard. When speaking, Swedes speak softly and calmly.
Sweden, the country of abundant forests and picturesque lakes, is mainly known for its breathtaking views and severe winters. But did you know that Sweden is also the country of pop music, great design, recycling, and many more?
In 1995, Sweden became one of the first countries in the world to initiate a carbon tax. This excise tax is placed on carbon-intensive fuels such as oil and natural gas, and has heavily cut down Sweden's dependency on fossil fuels. Instituting a carbon tax is a cost-effective means of lessening CO2 emissions.
The Good Country Index (GCI) is a yearly study that examines and measures how nations contribute to the common good of humanity. Of the 149 countries included in the 2020 GCI, Sweden ranks 1st.
Sweden doesn't have an official national dish, but many Swedes consider meatballs and lingonberries to be the national fare.
Sports and recreation
Swedes are very interested in sports, with nearly one-half of the country's inhabitants belonging to sports clubs. Outdoor recreation is important throughout the year. Facilities for mountain hiking were developed by the Swedish Touring Club about the end of the 19th century.
Swedish mens' flirting cues are a bit more subtle than in other countries. For example, they won't stare at you or even try to say more than three sentences. Basically you can divide male Swedish flirting activities into two categories: Standing on one spot, looking nice and groomed.
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.
Equality comes hand in hand with respect. Swedes respect other people's space and time. They don't like to intrude. They respect that time is precious and has to be used to everybody's benefit.
The Scandinavian countries are well-known for their gorgeous blonde hair, stunning blue eyes, and pale skin. While the genes for these features may be something that you are born with, there are still some things that you can do to help achieve a flawless complexion like the Scandinavians.
The most common greeting in Sweden is a handshake. It is usually firm and accompanied with direct eye contact. Most adults will shake hands with each person present when entering or leaving a social setting. In rural areas, the custom of handshaking is not as common on a casual basis.
The government has requested a study of the “3:12 rules” that limit the ability of closely-held or family-owned companies to pay preferentially-taxed dividends, instead of higher-taxed employment income, to its owners.
"Swedes are in fact the biggest BiB-drinkers in the world". But historically Sweden hasn't been a big producer of wine. Has that changed? "There was actually quite a lot of wine produced from fruits –and berries in the 19th to early 20th century.
They have a natural glow: As well as a nutrient-rich diet - including a lot of herring and other fish oils which help maintain glowing skin - the Swedish tend to have higher cheekbones, giving them natural contour and highlights.
Swedes often swear quite freely in English in a way that may seem strange to native English speakers.
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.