Sweden Facts and Information

Sweden was one of the most powerful military nations of the 17th century, but the country has not participated in any war since 200 years. At 450,295 square kilometers, Sweden is the third largest country in the European Union. Over 85% people in Sweden live in urban areas and today Sweden is governed by constitutional monarchy. Approximately 9.4 million people reside in Sweden. Many historians still debate on the fact that Sweden is the only country which was not a participant in both World War I and World War II. However, many historians say that it supported Germany in World War II. Swedish land was under heavy German influence for major part of the war and its ties were cut from rest of the world. The Swedish economy survived by exporting industrial and engineering parts to Nazi Germany.

Interesting Facts About Sweden

Situated in the Northern part of Europe, Sweden is located to the west of Baltic sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. The country shares maritime borders with Denmark, Germany, Russia, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Swedish land is also home to a large number of World Heritage Sites and almost 65% of the country is still covered by forests. To have a better understanding about this country and its people, here are some facts and information.

• Sweden is the fifth largest European country in terms of land area after France, Russia, Ukraine and Spain.
• The Head of the State is King Carl XVI Gustaf since 1973 and the country's present Prime Minister is Fredrik Reinfeldt who was elected in 2006.
• The official language of Sweden is Swedish.
• The official name of Sweden is "The Kingdom of Sweden" and in spite being a member of the European Union, the country's official currency is Swedish Krona (SEK) and not the Euro (EUR).
• The most common religion in Sweden is Lutheran which is followed by Roman Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Baptism, Jewish, Buddhism and Islam.
• Sweden has the highest number of nuclear plants, per capita in Europe.
• Both the men and women of Sweden are considered to be very tall.
• Stockholm is not only the largest city in Sweden, but is also the country's capital.
• The Nobel Prize ceremonies are held every year in Sweden in Norway on 10th of December.
• The first ice hotel of the world was built near the village of Jukkasjärvi, in the Kiruna district of Sweden. Sweden is also home to the largest shopping mall of Europe; Nordstan. This mall is situated in Gothenburg which is the second largest city in Sweden.
• Swedish people have the longest life expectancy in Europe.
• Women in Sweden normally start a family when they complete 30 years of age.
• The Swedish land has produced some of the greatest musical bands and singers like Abba, The Cardigans, Roxette, Ace of Base, Carola Häggkvist, Army of Lovers, Robyn, A*Teens, Europe and Alcazar.
• Sweden is set to become the first country in the world to stop the usage of petrol and bio-fuel.
• A very interesting fact about the Swedish land is that, the country has the highest number of McDonald restaurants, per capita, in Europe.
• Sweden currently is the second most technologically advanced country in Europe.
• Sweden was one of the first countries to allow married women to vote in local elections.
• The favorite food of Swedish people is meatballs with potatoes and lingonberry sauce.
• Every year on the 23rd June Sweden celebrates Midsummer. This day is often regarded as the longest day in Sweden and many parts of the country have sunlight for 24 hours.
• The number of personal computers in Swedish land, per capita, is higher than the rest of Europe.
• Swedish people are known as master inventors and have created some amazing devices such as marine propellers, pacemakers, computer mice, refrigerators, astronomical lens and the zipper.
• Sweden is ranked as the second best country for children to live in this world, according to a report published by the UNCIEF on child well-being.

In-spite of being one of the technologically advanced countries in the world, Sweden has still preserved its natural forests very well. A major part of the country is covered with lush green forests which help keep the country's atmosphere clean and healthy. It's something that every country should learn.