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Sweden in brief

Sweden is a modern and multicultural country in northern Europe, with a long-standing tradition of welcoming international students from all over the world. It is the third largest country in the European Union by area, with a modest population of 10 million. Sweden is often described in terms of contrasts: ground-breaking innovation and historical traditions; individual ambition and a strong sense of community; magnificent countryside and modern cities.

This is Sweden

Map of Northern Europe with Sweden in the middle.

Good to know

  • Sweden's neighbouring countries are Denmark, Norway and Finland.
  • The official language is Swedish, but almost everyone also speaks English.
  • The currency is Swedish krona (SEK) but Swedes rarely use cash.
  • The time zone is GMT+1, one hour ahead of the UK.

Fun to know

  • 70 % of Sweden's surface is covered by forest.
  • Sweden has 267,570 islands, more than any other country.
  • All Swedes have at least 25 work days paid holiday.

Explore the Scandinavian lifestyle

Become one with the seasons and nature 

Thanks to its high latitude and unique geographical position, Sweden offers clear and distinct seasons. In winter, Stockholm transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for cosying up with a warm drink. Spring breathes new life into the city with cherry blossoms and vibrant greenery. Summer offers endless daylight and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, while autumn paints the town in stunning hues of gold and red.

In Sweden, nature isn't just something you visit; it's a natural part of everyday life. If you seek adventure in Stockholm, you can explore various landscapes, from the lush forests in the west to the rocky archipelago in the east. Every season unveils new ways to embrace the outdoors, from hiking and kayaking to skiing and ice skating. And if you're just somewhere peaceful to be, there is a lot of nature even in the urban areas, as Stockholm has numerous parks and the world's first National City Park, seamlessly blending city life with serene nature.

Two persons on a bathing jetty getting ready to jump in the water.
Summer holiday on an island in the Stockholm archipelago.

Work-life balance 

In Sweden, the concept of work-life balance isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a cultural value that shapes the daily lives of Swedes. Sweden is known for balancing productivity with personal well-being, creating a lifestyle that extends to physical health, too.

At the heart of this balance is the famous Swedish "fika", a coffee break that's so much more than just grabbing a quick cup. Fika is a social time to pause, connect with colleagues or friends, and recharge. It's not uncommon to see offices were coworkers gather for this cherished tradition at least once or twice a day.

Equality and diversity 

Sweden is a free and open society, with a tradition of trying to provide equal opportunities for everyone. All Swedish citizens are entitled to basic social security through the tax-financed welfare system. This means that the state is responsible for all or most of the costs related to education and healthcare, for example. Apart from social security, Swedes have the right to take part in demonstrations, freedom of speech, a free press and the right to scrutinise those in power. In fact, Sweden became the first country in the world to write freedom of the press into its constitution in 1766.

Sweden consistently ranks high on gender equality, making the top five countries in the world in the Global Gender Gap Report since its start in 2006. The 480 days of paid parental leave to which Swedes are entitled are shared between the parents, so expect to see a lot more men walking strollers than in most other countries.

Since the start in 1998, Stockholm Pride has grown into one of Stockholm's largest and most appreciated festivals. In 2024, KTH's President Anders Söderholm joined the Pride parade.

Tradition of innovation 

Sweden isn't just about IKEA, Ericsson, and H&M. Ranked 2nd in the Global Innovation Index 2020, it's a powerhouse of groundbreaking ideas. This success stems from a rich history of invention, a nurturing start-up ecosystem, and strong industry-research partnerships. From Spotify to Minecraft, Sweden is the center of innovation.

Sweden also dominates the music scene, being the world's top exporter of chart music relative to GDP. From ABBA and Roxette to Icona Pop and Zara Larsson, Swedish melodies continue to captivate global audiences.

Sustainability leaders 

Recycling is so sacred to Swedes that it might almost seem to be a religion. From a young age, Swedes are taught to protect nature by keeping it clean and to save on energy and resources in order to limit their impact on the environment. Today, Sweden is considered one of the greenest countries in the world, making environmental technology a growing export industry. One example is waste management, where, thanks to innovative solutions, only one per cent of municipal solid waste is put into landfills.

Transportation is another big challenge being tackled. Trains in Sweden are mainly powered by renewable electricity from hydropower or wind power, producing minimal emissions. The newest trams in the sustainable city of Stockholm run on green energy and are at least 98 per cent recyclable, and the fleet of green buses runs on biogas and ethanol. Carrying your recycling to the nearest recycling station may be an effort, but staying hydrated is both easy and free of charge, as Sweden has one of the cleanest and most refreshing tap water supplies in the world.

Get to know some Swedes

Swedes have a reputation for not being the most outgoing people, and the main reason might be the country’s historical seclusion in the north. Around fourteen thousand years ago the first settlers came to Sweden as the ice cap covering the Scandinavian Peninsula melted. Pre-historic ages, the Viking era, Christianisation, kingdoms and industrialism passed as these settlers made their way into modern society. During the last century, Sweden has gone from being among the poorest nations in Europe to being a prosperous welfare nation.

Today, Swedes are exploring the world and different cultures as Sweden has become an open and multicultural society, with almost one-fifth of its population having roots in other countries. Still, the Swedes can be perceived as a bit reserved, and it may take some time to get to know them, but once you do, you will have a friend for life. Most Swedes speak excellent English, although learning Swedish is a great way of meeting new people.

Images: Magnus Liam Karlson/imagebank.sweden.se and Tina Axelsson/imagebank.sweden.se