2. Sweden in Brief

Sweden is among the most modern, progressive industrial nations in the world. Many successful companies, including Ericsson, Volvo and Ikea, have their bases here and Sweden is also a world leader in IT, engineering, medicine, environmental technology and biotechnology.

Sweden is also known for its open, egalitarian and liberal society.

Many Swedes are experienced travellers and most people speak very good English. The Swedish population has one of the highest education levels in the world. In fact, Sweden allocates a higher proportion of its GNP to education and research than any other country, according to the OECD.

In education, as well as in other areas, the government sets up the legal framework and overall policy objectives, while regional authorities and institutions work independently.

System of government: Constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy

Population: 9,3 million

Average life expectancy: men 79 years, women 83 years

Literacy: 100 %

Landscape: 53% forests and 9% lakes and rivers

Languages: Swedish; recognized minority languages: Sami (Lapp), Finnish, Meänkieli (Tornedalen Finnish), Yiddish, Romani Chib

Main exports: Electrical and telecoms equipment, machinery, passenger cars, paper, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel

Average temperature (Stockholm): Jan: -2.8C (+27F). July: +17.2C (63F)

Membership: Council of Europe, European Union, UN, IMF, World Bank, OECD, OSCE, WTO, Nordic Council, PFP, Council of the Baltic Sea States, Barents’ Council

The Swedish Institute (SI)(www.si.se), has been entrusted with the task of spreading information about Sweden to the rest of the world. At the official gateway to Sweden the reader will find more information about Sweden and Swedes (www.sweden.se).

Official statistics of Sweden, including a statistical database and annual reports can be found on the website of Statistics Sweden, SCB. (www.scb.se) .