Understand

Sweden, once a formidable military power, has an intriguing history. Surprisingly, it is one of the two European countries that have managed to stay away from war since 1815, the other being Switzerland. Renowned personalities like Raoul Wallenberg, Dag Hammarskjld, Olof Palme, and Hans Blix have contributed to Sweden's strong commitment to peace. Although Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, King Carl XVI Gustaf holds no executive power. The Swedes were once Pagans until the year 1000 when they embraced Christianity, but later reformed to the Lutheran-Protestant church in the 16th century. Presently, Sweden is a secular state with a small number of church-goers. It is a post-industrial society with advanced social welfare and ranks high in terms of standard of living and life expectancy. Despite joining the European Union in 1995, Sweden decided not to adopt the Euro currency in a 2003 referendum. For most of the 20th century, the Social Democratic Party has dominated Swedish politics, but since the 2014 election, a coalition of left-middle social democratic/green parties holds power. Sweden is known for being an open and discreet country. While there used to be a belief that Swedes were reserved, this is no longer true. They are now known to be warm and friendly once you get to know them. Privacy is highly valued, and even famous individuals can walk the streets undisturbed, as they respect personal space. It is also worth mentioning that the Nobel Prize committee is based in Sweden, overseeing all the prizes except the peace prize, which is awarded in Oslo due to the dissolved Swedish-Norwegian union in 1905.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar) - These savory meatballs are made primarily of ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and seasonings. They are typically served with a creamy sauce and mashed potatoes, accompanied by lingonberry jam or pickled vegetables for added tanginess.

Gravlax (Gravad Lax) - This dish consists of raw salmon fillet cured in a mixture of sugar, salt, dill, and sometimes vodka or aquavit. The flavors meld together over several days, resulting in a delicate, firm texture with a slightly sweet and salty taste. It's often served with mustard sauce, boiled potatoes, and sour cream or caviar for special occasions.

Cinnamon Rolls (Kanelbullar) - These sweet pastries feature enriched dough rolled out and swirled with a filling of cinnamon, sugar, and butter before being baked until golden brown. They can be enjoyed naked or glazed with a simple powdered sugar glaze or an indulgent cream cheese frosting. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for a warm, sticky, and sweet treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing