Sweden is the largest country in Northern Europe, with Stockholm as its capital city (the most populous city in Scandinavia). Sweden has a population of about 10.4 million people.

Economy

• Sweden has a highly developed, export-oriented economy with a strong emphasis on manufacturing and engineering.
• Major Swedish companies include IKEA, Volvo, Ericsson, and H&M.
• The Swedish Krona (SEK) is the official currency. There are plenty of opportunities for skilled professionals.

Social Welfare

• Sweden is renowned for its comprehensive welfare system, which includes free healthcare and education for its citizens.
• For parents, the parental leave policies are very generous, allowing up to 240 days for each parent.
• Sweden has a rich cultural heritage with notable contributions to music (e.g., ABBA, Avicii), literature (e.g., Astrid Lindgren), and film (e.g., Ingmar Bergman).
• Swedish design and architecture are known for their minimalist and functional style.
• Fika, a coffee break with pastries, is a cherished tradition in Sweden.

Education and Innovation

• Sweden has a high standard of education and is home to several prestigious universities, such as Uppsala University and Lund University.
• The country is known for its innovation and has a strong startup culture, particularly in tech and digital industries.
• Some world-renowned Swedish innovations include GPS, Skype, Spotify, seat belts, Bluetooth technology, adjustable wrenches, zippers, flat-screen monitors, safety matches, the Celsius temperature scale, computer mice, and dynamite.

Nature and Environment

• Sweden is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including vast forests, numerous lakes, and a long coastline.
• The country is committed to environmental sustainability and aims to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.
• The Northern Lights can be seen in the northern parts of Sweden, particularly in Lapland.