Sweden is located in Northern Europe, sharing borders with Norway to the west and north, Finland to the northeast, and Denmark to the southwest across the Øresund Bridge. It is bounded by the Baltic Sea to the east and the Gulf of Bothnia to the northeast.
Geography
Climate
Sweden experiences a varied climate, with mild summers and cold winters influenced by its northern latitude. The southern regions have a temperate climate, while the north has a subarctic climate characterized by long, harsh winters and short, cool summers. Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with snowfall common in winter months.
Fauna
Sweden is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, reindeer, brown bears, wolves, lynx, and wolverines. Its extensive forests provide habitats for numerous bird species, such as capercaillies, black grouse, and golden eagles. The surrounding seas teem with marine life, including seals, porpoises, and various species of fish.
Longest Rivers
The longest river in Sweden is the Klarälven, which flows for approximately 460 kilometers (286 miles) through the western part of the country. Other significant rivers include the Dalälven, Göta älv, Lule älv, and Indalsälven.
Highest Mountains
Sweden’s highest mountain is Kebnekaise, located in the Scandinavian Mountains in the far north of the country. The summit of Kebnekaise has two peaks: the southern peak, which reaches an elevation of 2,106 meters (6,909 feet), and the northern peak, which stands at 2,097 meters (6,880 feet) above sea level.
History
Prehistory
The area now known as Sweden has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Stone Age. The earliest inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants for sustenance.
Viking Age
The Viking Age, which lasted from the 8th to the 11th centuries, saw the emergence of Swedish Viking warriors who raided and traded across Europe. The Vikings established trade routes, founded settlements, and played a significant role in shaping European history.
Medieval Era
Sweden gradually transitioned from a pagan society to a Christian kingdom during the Middle Ages. The formation of the Kalmar Union in the 14th century united Sweden, Norway, and Denmark under a single monarch, although Sweden gained de facto independence in the following centuries.
Modern Age
Sweden emerged as a major European power during the 17th and 18th centuries, with territories stretching across the Baltic region. The country remained neutral during both World Wars and experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization in the 20th century. Today, Sweden is known for its commitment to social welfare, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
Demographics
Sweden has a population of approximately 10.4 million people, with a relatively homogeneous population of ethnic Swedes accounting for the majority. The country has seen significant immigration in recent decades, particularly from other European countries, the Middle East, and North Africa. The largest immigrant groups include Finns, Iraqis, Syrians, Iranians, and Somalis.
Administrative Divisions
Sweden is divided into 21 counties (län), each with its own county administrative board (länsstyrelse) and governor (landshövding). Here are the administrative divisions along with their respective populations:
- Stockholm County – Population: 2.4 million
- Västra Götaland County – Population: 1.7 million
- Skåne County – Population: 1.4 million
- Östergötland County – Population: 470,000
- Uppsala County – Population: 390,000
- Södermanland County – Population: 300,000
- Värmland County – Population: 280,000
- Dalarna County – Population: 280,000
- Gävleborg County – Population: 280,000
- Västernorrland County – Population: 250,000
- Jämtland County – Population: 130,000
- Västerbotten County – Population: 270,000
- Norrbotten County – Population: 250,000
- Kronoberg County – Population: 200,000
- Jönköping County – Population: 360,000
- Kalmar County – Population: 245,000
- Halland County – Population: 330,000
- Blekinge County – Population: 160,000
- Gotland County – Population: 60,000
- Västmanland County – Population: 275,000
- Örebro County – Population: 300,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
The largest cities in Sweden by population are:
- Stockholm – Population: 975,000
- Gothenburg – Population: 600,000
- Malmö – Population: 340,000
- Uppsala – Population: 160,000
- Linköping – Population: 160,000
- Västerås – Population: 150,000
- Örebro – Population: 150,000
- Helsingborg – Population: 145,000
- Norrköping – Population: 145,000
- Lund – Population: 125,000
Education Systems
Education in Sweden is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 16, with the option of attending preschool from the age of 1. The country has a well-developed educational system, with a focus on equality, innovation, and critical thinking. Sweden is home to several top universities, including Uppsala University, Lund University, and Stockholm University.
Transportation
Airports
Sweden has several major airports, including Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, and Malmö Airport. The country has a total of around 40 airports.
Railways
Sweden has an extensive railway network operated by the state-owned company SJ (Swedish Railways). The total length of the railway network is approximately 13,000 kilometers (8,078 miles), including high-speed lines connecting major cities.
Highways
Sweden has a well-developed network of highways and roads, including the E4, E6, and E20 motorways. The total length of the road network is approximately 98,000 kilometers (60,895 miles).
Ports
Sweden has several major ports, including the Port of Gothenburg, which is the largest port in Scandinavia. Other significant ports include the Port of Stockholm, the Port of Helsingborg, and the Port of Malmö.
Country Facts
- Population: 10.4 million
- Capital: Stockholm
- Languages: Swedish (official)
- Religion: Christianity (Lutheranism)
- Ethnicity: Swedish
- Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
- ISO Country Code: SE
- International Calling Code: +46
- Top-Level Domain: .se