Sweden

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Sweden's Information


Capital	Stockholm
Languages	Swedish (official)
Ethnic Groups	Indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities; most common countries of origin among immigrants: Finland, Syria, Iraq, Poland, Iran
Religion	Church of Sweden (Lutheran) 63%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 17% (2016 est.)
Government	Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Independance	6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king of Sweden marking the abolishment of the Kalmar Union between Denmark, Norway, and Sweden)
Area	450,295.00 km²
Water Area	39,960.00 km²
Land Area	410,335.00 km²
Population	9,880,604.00 Most Swedes live in the south where there the climate is more mild and there is better connectivity to mainland Europe; population clusters are found all along the Baltic coast in the east; the interior areas of the north remain sparsely populated
Location	Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway
No. Bordering Countries	2
Bordering Countries	Finland 545 km, Norway 1,666 km
GDP(PPP)	$498,000,000,000.00 (USD)
GDP (Per Capita)	$49,700.00 (USD)
Export Partners	Its major export partners are Norway, Germany, and the United States.
Export Commodities	Its main exports are machinery, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp, and wood.
Import Partners	Its major import partners are Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway.
Import Commodities	Its major imports include machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, and chemicals.
Climate	Temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers
Terrain	Mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Where is Sweden?

Located in Northern Europe, Sweden has a 2,211.00 km border with Finland (545 km) and Norway (1,666 km). It has a 3,218.00 km coastline.

Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm, is spread out over fourteen islands as well as the areas of Södermanland and Uppland. The city’s metro area includes twenty six municipalities while the population of the city itself is estimated to be 942,370 with a density of 13,000 per square mile. Along with being home to Parliament House, the city also features an array of historic sites and cultural institutions such as Tessin Palace, Riddarholm Church, Bonde Palace, and Vasa Museum. Because of Stockholm’s oceanic climate average temperatures are mild across all seasons.

Geography

Sweden has a mean elevation of 320 m above sea level.

It has a temperate climate that varies greatly with altitude, from cold and cloudy and humid summers. Its terrain is mostly flat with gentle rolling lowlands, and mountains in the west.

Population

Sweden has a population of 9,880,604 making it the 89th largest in the world. The majority of the population lives in the southern region.

Swedish is the official language. The major ethnic groups are described as Swedes, Finnish, and Sami minorities. A large percentage of the population belongs to the Church of Sweden.

Swedish is the official national language of Sweden and is spoken by the majority of Swedish citizens. Linguistically, Swedish is very similar to Danish and Norwegian. The alphabet is made up of twenty nine letters with three added during the 16th century. Sweden is home to six local dialects which are spread out over the entire geographical area of the large northern European country. Swedish officially gained the status of official national language in 2009 following the adoption of a new language law. Common useful phrases include, “Välkommen” for “welcome” and “Hej” or “Hallå” for a casual “hello”. Traditional minority languages include Finnish, Sami, Romani, Meänkieli, and Yiddish.

Government

Sweden is an independent country. It gained independence in 1523. Its constitution was last ratified in 1974.

Officially, The Kingdom of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy. Its legislative governing body is known as the Riksdag which is made up of 349 members who conduct the business of the nation in a building called the Parliament House. Members of the Riksdag serve four year terms with elections taking place every fourth year on the second Sunday in September.

Economy

Factoring in Purchasing Power Parity, Sweden's GDP is $498,000,000,000.00 (USD) with $49,700.00 (USD) per capita. This makes it the 38th largest economy and its citizens the 25th richest in the world. The currency of Sweden is the Krona (SEK).

Its major export partners are Norway, Germany, and the United States. Its main exports are machinery, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp, and wood. Its major import partners are Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway. Its major imports include machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, and chemicals.

Flag

The history, traditions, and national identity of the Nordic country of Sweden are all reflected in its flag. The yellow and blue colors which make up the flag symbolize generosity, loyalty, justice, and truth. The cross reflects the Christian history and beliefs of the Swedish people. The official flag was also heavily influenced by the many monarchs who ruled the country over its lengthy history. The most notable of whom, at least in regards to the inspiration behind the flag’s design, was King Eric IX who is said to have had a vision of a cross in the sky during 1157’s First Swedish Crusade. Officially adopted in 1906, the modern Swedish flag features elements inspired by the neighboring Scandinavian nation of Denmark.