Sweden Overview

With a population of over nine million and ranking as the largest of the Scandinavian countries, Sweden has a lot to offer visitors. Consisting of 25 provinces, which are divided into three regions – Norrland, Svealand and Götaland – the country has large areas that are sparsely populated. This makes it the perfect destination for those looking to get off the beaten track, while also offering a healthy selection of bustling metropolises.

Norrland offers abundant wilderness and nature; ideal hiking territory. Meanwhile, the south-central Svealand is the most popular region to visit, being host to the capital, Stockholm. The southern region of the country is where you will find Malmö and Gothenburg, also popular among visitors.

Sweden is bordered by Finland in the northeast; Norway is the west; the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia in the east; and the Skagerrak Strait and the Kattegat Strait in the southwest. Its land and sea links are excellent, making Sweden easily accessible by all forms of transport.

The capital, Stockholm, is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, spread across several islands. Like the rest of the country, the capital is characterised by its modern and clean appearance, with residents enjoying a high although expensive standard of living, and sharing liberal views.

While the major cities in Sweden offer plentiful accommodation options, the sparsely populated areas, largely consisting of wilderness, have significantly less lodgings. Smaller towns have just a few hotels on offer.

While Sweden’s territory stretches to the far northern reaches of Scandinavia, most of the country has a remarkably temperate climate. The southern parts of the country receive the warmest weather, with flora and fauna being predominant, while in stark contrast, the north bears pine forests and more hardy birch trees.

While the north is generally cooler, the mountains in this region can reach sub-artic temperatures. Areas north of the Arctic Circle experience a period of darkness in the winter, while in the summer there is a short spell of endless daylight.

Along the east coast, which adjoins with the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia, the weather is generally moderate, with these expanses of water being sheltered from extremes in weather.

In the early years, Sweden did not develop as fast as some European countries. With Sweden’s early history documented in Norse sagas and Beowolf, little is known about these times until the Swedish Vikings began to trade with Russia and other Baltic countries. At the end of the Viking period, Sweden (which at that time encompassed Finland) came under the control of the Kalmar Union, along with Denmark and Norway.

In the 14^th century, Sweden suffered from the Plague, along with other European nations. The beginning of the 16^th century marked a new era for Sweden, as it left the Kalmar Union, rejected Catholicism and fell into conflict with its neighbours.

The outcome of these battles, two centuries later, was Sweden becoming a Great Power, with a vast territory under its belt. However, this didn’t last and the empire crumbled and was reduced in size to its current dimensions by 1814, with the loss of Finland, which became an autonomous nation in 1809, being a big blow. Norway also declared itself as independent, but remained in a union with Sweden until 1905.

Since the unstable years of the 17^th and 18^th centuries, Sweden has remained at peace and even kept its neutrality in both world wars. The population since the 18^th century has doubled, with poverty being prevalent at the turn of the 20^th century as a result of this mushrooming of citizens.

The population increase caused mass immigration, mainly to the United States at this time, while the first half of the 20^th century saw a complete reversal, with Sweden obtaining one of the highest living standards in the world. Now a member of the European Union, Sweden has not aligned with any military associations such as NATO, like its neighbouring countries.