Sweden is a European nation that is in the region known as Scandinavia. It is a long but rather thin country bordered by Finland and Norway. It is also connected to Denmark. It is one of the largest nations in Europe by size, but one of the smallest in population. It has only 9 million people.
Sweden’s government is a constitutional monarchy. That means that they still have a king, but they also have officials in government that the people elect to the parliament. The king does not have a lot of power; the parliament does.
Nature is incredibly important in Sweden. It is a major part of the country and the culture. About 50 percent of the country is covered in forests. It also has about 100,000 lakes and 24,000 islands. The government makes it very easy for the people to access and enjoy the country’s natural beauty. All of the land owned by the government, unless it is in use by the military, is open for free camping and hiking. Also, public transportation makes it easier, cheaper and more environmentally friendly for anyone to see any of the beautiful places in Sweden.
Facts about Sweden
• It is the third-largest country in the European Union by land.
• The capital is Stockholm.
• The currency is Krona.
• It was the first European nation to have national parks.
• Until 1544, the people elected their king.
• Companies are legally required to provide workers free massages at work.
• Sweden has been neutral for 200 years.
• The six official languages are Swedish, Finnish, Yiddish, Sami, Meänkieli and Romani.
• Ice hockey and football are the major sports.
• The official name is the Kingdom of Sweden.
• The Svea were some of the first people to live in Sweden.
• The Svea became known as Vikings.
• The Swedish people call their country Sverige.
• Sverige means “Land of the Svea.”
• Sweden is known for the incredible Northern Lights displays that happen every year.
• IKEA and Volvo are Swedish companies.
• Most Swedish people live in the southern part of the country.
• The Samis are an indigenous people in Sweden.
• Samis raise reindeer.
