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Sweden

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Sweden, officially referred to as the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic nation located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe, with a population of around 10.6 million residents. Strategically between Norway to the west and north and Finland to the east is Sweden. Covering an amazing area of 450,295 square kilometers (173,656 square miles) with varied terrain, it is the biggest Nordic country as well as the fifth-largest country in Europe. The low population density of about 25.5 individuals per square kilometer resulting from the great expanse of this land combined with its rather small population defines the Nordic region.

From the lush forests and pure lakes in the south to the grand, snow-covered mountains in the north, the Swedish terrain presents an amazing range of natural beauty. Sweden’s longitudinal range from 55°N to 69°N reflects the geographical variety of the nation in its temperature, which runs rather from the temperate south to the subarctic north. Though Sweden boasts a sizable land area, almost 87% of its population resides in metropolitan areas mostly in the central and southern regions of the country. With Stockholm as the capital and biggest city, the urban centers—which together account for only 1.5% of Sweden’s total land area—show a startling contrast between energetic city life and vast, unspoiled environment.

Rich and varied, Sweden’s history begins in prehistoric times circa 12,000 BC. Various Germanic tribes who would subsequently be known as the Geats (Götar) and Swedes (Svear) gradually settled the area. Celebrated for their maritime prowess, these groups fit into the larger Norse society that would profoundly affect European history. Late in the 10th century, these several tribes came together to form a cohesive Swedish state, so marking the beginning of Sweden’s distinct political development.

Sweden was very important in the larger political scene of Scandinavia during the Middle Ages, which resulted in the Kalmar Union’s founding in 1397 bringing together Sweden, Norway, and Denmark under one king. Still, this alliance was not meant to last; Sweden declared its independence in 1523, opening the path for its ascent to become a major European force. Particularly the 17th century saw Sweden’s amazing rise to prominence since its involvement in the Thirty Years’ War on the Protestant side set off a period of military success and territory expansion.

Sweden’s control over vast areas around the Baltic Sea, so greatly increasing its influence throughout Northern Europe, defined the era known as the Swedish Empire, or Stormaktstiden (the Era of Great Power). Sweden’s influence and reputation were unparalleled during this time since its diplomats and troops profoundly changed the scene of European politics. Still, maintaining such an empire proved challenging; Sweden’s territory dropped gradually in the 18th and 19th centuries and its global profile dropped as well.

Sweden lost a significant portion of territory in 1809 when it gave Imperial Russia its eastern lands—now Finland—after a terrible war. This loss marked a turning point in Swedish history that resulted in a review of the country’s posture in European affairs and a shift toward a policy of neutrality defining much of its modern history. The most recent conflict Sweden directly engaged in was 1814, when it forced Norway into a political union known as a personal union until 1905, when Norway attained complete independence amicably.

Sweden has become a very developed and wealthy country in modern times, regularly ranking among the top nations in many measures of society progress and quality of living. The country is now a benchmark for progressive government and social equality since its commitment to social welfare, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. With a constitutional monarchy and a strong parliamentary democracy, Sweden’s political system has fostered stability and a concentration on consensus in policymaking. Comprising 349 members, the unicameral Riksdag serves as the principal legislative body, so reflecting the ideas of representative democracy firmly ingrained in Swedish political life.

With 21 counties and 290 municipalities, Sweden’s administrative system enables efficient local autonomy inside a unitary state framework. Sweden’s extensive social welfare programs, including tertiary education and universal health care—which have come to define the Swedish model—have been implemented thanks in part to this system. Sweden regularly ranks highly in income equality, gender equality, and general quality of life, showing a strong will to social equality in several spheres.

With a competitive, innovative market economy and the 14th highest GDP per capita worldwide, Sweden has created. Along with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, this economic success has helped Sweden lead the worldwide change toward a more sustainable economic model.

Globally, Sweden has developed a proactive involvement and teamwork policy. The nation joined the European Union on January 1, 1995, so improving its integration into the European political and economic scene. Sweden joined NATO on March 7, 2024, so highlighting the changing geopolitical scene and security issues in the region in a clear departure from its historical posture of military non-alignment. Sweden’s commitment to world cooperation and multilateralism is further shown by its memberships in several international organizations including the United Nations, the Schengen Area, the Council of Europe, the Nordic Council, the World Trade Organization, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Swedish krona (SEK)

Currency

Established as a unified kingdom: 12th century

Founded

+46

Calling code

10,540,886

Population

450,295 km² (173,860 sq mi)

Area

Swedish

Official language

Highest point: Kebnekaise, 2,097 m (6,880 ft) / Lowest point: Kristianstad, −2.41 m (−7.91 ft)

Elevation

CET (UTC+1) / Summer (DST): CEST (UTC+2)

Time zone

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