Overview of Sweden

Profile

Sweden is located in the eastern Scandinavian Peninsula, with forests and lakes covering most of the country. It maintains international competitiveness with high living standards, inclusive social institutions, and concentration of cutting-edge industries including IT, pharmaceuticals, and environmental technology. It is an EU member but uses its own currency, the Swedish Krona. In recent years, it has attracted attention as a leading country in environmental policy, digitalization, and gender equality promotion, while shifting from neutrality policy to decide on NATO membership.

Official name: Kingdom of Sweden
Common name: Sweden
Numeric code: 752
Alpha-3 code: SWE
Alpha-2 code: SE
Population: approximately 10.45 million (2023)
Population density: approximately 25 people/km²
Primary languages: Swedish
Major religions: Christianity (Lutheran)
National anthem: Du gamla, Du fria (Thou Ancient, Thou Free)
Calling code: +46
Internet TLD: .se

History

Since independence in 1523, went through Baltic Empire period to maintain neutrality, building a high-welfare society in the 20th century.

Following the Viking activity period of the 6th-11th centuries, Gustav I seceded from the Kalmar Union in 1523, establishing the modern state. Expanded influence in the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century, called the "Baltic Empire," but lost hegemony to Russia in the Great Northern War in the 18th century. The Bernadotte dynasty was established in the 19th century, with Norway separating and gaining independence in 1905. Maintained neutrality in two world wars, and established a high-welfare, high-burden model under Social Democratic governments after the war. Continued independent currency after EU membership, and security policy underwent major transformation with NATO membership confirmed in 2024.

Geography & climate

Long north-south country with Scandinavian Mountains in northwest, central lakes and coniferous forests, and southern Scania plain granary.

Cool climate spanning temperate humid to subarctic (maritime influence makes it temperate for latitude)

Area: Europe / 450295 km²
Capital: Stockholm
Largest city: Stockholm
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Vänern, Lake Vättern, Lake Mälaren
Bordering countries: Norway, Finland

Natural resources

Forest resources, Iron ore, Hydropower, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Uranium, Peat, Wind power, Rare earths

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system

Economy

Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)

GDP (nominal): 6,212 hundred million USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 6,980 hundred million international dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Swedish

Time zone: Central European Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Swedes, Swedish Finns, Sámi, Syrians, Iraqis, Iranians, Somalis

Life expectancy

82.4 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Ice hockey, Football, Bandy, Cross-country skiing, Table tennis, Athletics