Sweden

Which country is Sweden?

Sweden is located in Scandinavia in Northern Europe. This country is covered by vast and green forests, which cover half of the country's area. With more than 100,000 lakes scattered across the country, and more than 24,000 large and small islands.

Sweden is 977 miles (1,572 km) long, has an area of ​​about 449,964 square kilometers, and is the third-largest country in the European Union. The country is bordered by Norway to the west and Finland to the east. The north of Sweden is known as "the land of the midnight sun" because during the summer months the sun never sets.

In autumn and spring, there are spectacular light shows in northern Sweden known as “aurora borealis” or “northern lights”. The bright green or red lights that fill the late-night sky are caused by collisions of microscopic particles in Earth's atmosphere.

Ancient forests, broadleaf pine forests, mountains, and wetlands provide rich habitats for many endangered species of animals and birds. The Swedes like the countryside, and their country was the first in Europe to establish national parks. Today, the country has 29 national parks and many nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries.

What are the Swedish people like?

The official language of Sweden is Swedish. There are also several other minor languages ​​recognized in the country, including Yiddish, Sami, Meänkieli, Finnish, and Romani. Many people in Sweden also speak English and German very well.

Sweden is the world's least religious country. No religion has been recognized since 2000 because there is a separation between church and state. The Christian community is the largest in the country. However, only 19% of Swedes are truly religious. Most Swedes only participate in religious ceremonies during major holidays, such as Christmas, and ceremonies such as weddings or funerals. The second-largest religious community is Islam (5%).

Sweden has a total population of 9.9 million people (2015 data) 1 in 6 people in Sweden are foreigners who have settled in Sweden and the majority of foreign citizens are concentrated in big cities of Sweden.

Sweden is one of the least populous countries in Europe. Before 1900, the majority of people resided in rural areas; but, as the nation industrialized, many relocated to the cities of Malmö, Göteborg, and Stockholm.

Since the 1930s, Sweden has developed a welfare system, known as the "Swedish Model". Under their system, all Swedes have access to publicly funded health care, unemployment assistance, child and elderly care, unemployment assistance, etc.

Swedes are often ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world thanks to their “Lagom” principle. Those are the personal principles of life, which means regulation.

The balance between work and personal life, interest in nature, reasonable minimalist lifestyle in all aspects of life. Swedes from a young age have been raised and educated on how to take care of themselves, balance and harmonize life with relationships, and find their joys to increase creativity and fun.

Things to know about Sweden

The coffee

 Sweden is ranked sixth in the world in terms of coffee consumption, each year Swedes consume a large amount of 8.2kg of coffee. Sweden's two closest competitors, Denmark and Norway, come in second and fourth. Scandinavians love their coffee! Although everyone loves this exotic bean today, coffee was banned in Sweden five times between 1756 and 1817. Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, worried that coffee would cause some adverse health effects. Some are equally worried that the drink, Swedish culture.

Fika

‘Fika’ means “take a break” – but there is so much more to it. According to Swedish culture, Fika is your chance to take a break from the day. More importantly, it's an opportunity to relax and chat with friends. And of course, this is a chance to try some traditional Swedish food. Swedish history contradicts coffee as the reason for this particular tradition. While coffee is banned, some people continue to date for coffee stealthily. For added secrecy, they devised a codeword 'fika', a reverse of 'kaffi' – the 19th-century coffee word.

What is nature like in Sweden?

Despite its vibrant, amazing cities, the most interesting feature of Sweden is its natural beauty. The landscape of this country is sure to leave you in awe. Whether you're adventurous in the summer or winter, Sweden is truly magical.

Abisko National Park – The Northern Lights are one of the Earth's natural gifts, and this beautiful park has been voted the best place in the world to see its stunning beauty. amazing blue aurora lights

Fulufjället National Park – Stunning wetlands dotted with waterfalls and sprawling forests, with countless hiking trails to conquer

Söderåsen – Trees and trees, trees everywhere. The delights of nature here are perfect year-round, whether you're gearing up for a fall trail hike or simply a summer picnic

Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve – Go hiking around Vindelfjällen's winding rivers and towering mountains. You might even spot exotic reindeer if you're lucky!

Vänern is also the largest lake in Sweden, and the third-largest lake in Europe

Sweden is a very woman-friendly country

Sweden may be great for everyone, but it's no surprise that women thrive in this country, both at work and at home. In 2017, Sweden ranked first globally for its commitment to reducing inequality, according to the Oxfam Inequality Index. And in terms of the Global Gender Pay Gap, Sweden has never fallen below fourth place for its efforts. As with work, parents receive 480 days of paid leave, which can be used up until the child is eight years old. Today, 90 of those 480 days of paid leave are only used by dads, which is why the streets are filled with dads pushing carts – with 390 days left for women to use. Unlike much of the world outside of Sweden, this is an opportunity for women to become mothers and succeed in their careers. The best solution for both!

Strange Laws

 These aren't rules you'll have to follow every day, but it's best to know! It's illegal to name your baby 'Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116' – The basis for this law dates back to 1982 when Sweden created a 'naming law' that sets out approved names for children born in Sweden Dictionary. One family decided to oppose the law by naming their baby Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116 (pronounced 'Albin').

It is illegal to post images of the Swedish Krona – This currency is protected by copyright in Sweden. Riksbanken advises that original authors of works used on banknotes and coins can decide to sue if they feel their moral rights have been violated.

It is illegal to paint your house without a permit – As a general rule, if you live in a big city, you need to keep the same colors as before and not change the look of your house too much. This is to keep the look of Swedish cities consistent and relevant to Swedish culture.

What are the highlights in Sweden not to be missed?

Sweden's beautiful green space

Sweden has a sparse population density, extensive forest cover, more than 90,000 lakes, and more than 3,000 km of coastline. It is these things that increase the dream of conquering nature of those who truly love nature. Green space is everywhere, so if you live here, you won't need to travel far or need to go outside the cities to enjoy the lush countryside.

In Sweden's bustling cities, you can also easily find green havens to relax in peace. Even in Stockholm, you can easily escape to the beach or a beautiful park. You can even catch a ferry to a resort island in the Stockholm Archipelago.

Green is also people's thoughts. Environmental consciousness is deeply ingrained in Swedish culture and the Nordic countries in general.

Scandinavia includes some of the cleanest countries in the world. It includes heavy involvement in public transport and recycling as well as the availability of organic (eco) foods.

Södermalm .'s stylish district

Södermalm is one of the trendy neighborhoods of the Swedish capital, Stockholm. This place is known as the paradise of Swedish hipsters and has been listed by Vogue magazine as "the 15 most interesting neighborhoods in the world".

Once a working-class neighborhood, Södermalm is now a bustling hub of trendy restaurants and bars and small, independent boutiques and galleries. If you ever get the chance to come here, don't hesitate to enjoy the relaxed vibe, interesting vintage shops, creative cuisine, and world-class people-watching.

For the best shopping, head to “SoFo”, the area south of Folkungagatan. The Swedish Museum of Photography, Fotografiska, is also located in this residential area along the waterfront.

Interesting things about Sweden

Sweden is the fifth largest country in Europe by area

Sweden has a total land area of ​​447,435 km² and has the second-lowest population density in Europe.

Sweden has about 300,000 - 400,000 wild deer - this is also the pride of this country.

The Swedish passport is one of the most powerful in the world. The Swedish passport can enter 124 countries without a visa and receive visas at the borders of 33 other countries.

 Swedish music is one of the biggest exports. ABBA is one of the most famous bands in the world, however, besides ABBA there are other famous bands like Roxette, Europe, Alcazar and Ace of Base In Flames, Hammerfall, Meshuggah and rock bands like Mando Diao, The Hellacopters, The Hives, and the Sound. There are many Swedish artists such as Zara Larsson, Avicii (deceased), Swiss House Mafia, Alesso, Robyn, Måns Zelmerlöv, and Lykke Li.

Sweden was the first country in the world to ban hitting children, since 1979.

Sweden is one of the countries with the highest value-added tax - VAT in the world: With a rate of 25% (equal to Croatia, Norway, and Denmark; just behind Myanmar, Djibouti, and Hungary).

Sweden has the highest percentage of personal computers and McDonald's restaurants per capita in Europe.

Sweden is the most generous country in the world.

Sweden has contributed more than 1% of its GDP to poor countries.

99% of Swedish waste is recycled: the country also imports garbage from other countries.

In Sweden, same-sex relationships have been legalized: Since 1944.

Sweden has many Olympic medals: Along with the US, Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, and France in the top 7 countries leading Olympic medals.

Sweden has one of the longest life expectancies in the world: with an average life expectancy of 80 years.

Sweden has income inequality between men and women, and the gap in the proportion of men and women working is among the lowest in the world: men outnumber women by 4%, while the share of working mothers reaches up to 76%.

The Thuy spend the most time studying: The average age of students is 25.5 years old. In the country, 40% of women and 30% of men aged 25-64 attend courses, 9% more for men and 10% more for women than the European average.

Sweden related products are available on Printerval.com

Printerval.com has a wide range of products with very unique theme designs from world artists. Products printed with images and motifs related to Sweden are for those who love this wonderful country.

Products are diverse from T-shirts, Hoodies, Tanktops, in addition to decorative products such as Cups, Flags... And the products are also diverse from size, color to quality, to help you there are more choices.

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