Europe Chronicle |
SwedenSweden is a prosperous industrial nation in northern Europe. The people of Sweden have developed highly prosperous industries based on their country's three most important natural resources--timber, which makes up about a fifth of the country's exports, a very high grade iron ore, and water power. Since the devaluation of the Swedish crown, Sweden has become quite affordable, and the simple joys of fresh air, landscape and culture are free. Its forests are starkly beautiful, its lakes giant. Stockholm, the country's capital, is a progressive city with pockets that maintain a village feel...More Information on Sweden.Also Read: Special insight on background of Sweden Full country name: Kingdom of Sweden History of SwedenDuring the seventh and eighth centuries, the Swedes were merchant seamen well known for their far-reaching trade. In the ninth century, Nordic Vikings raided and ravaged the European Continent as far as the Black and Caspian Seas. During the 11th and 12th centuries, Sweden gradually became a unified Christian kingdom that later included Finland. Queen Margaret of Denmark united all the Nordic lands in the “Kalmar Union” in 1397. Continual tension within the countries and within the union gradually led to open conflict between the Swedes and the Danes in the 15th century. The union's final disintegration in the early 16th century brought on a long-lived rivalry between Norway and Denmark on one side and Sweden and Finland on the other...more on history of Sweden. Overview of Sweden's EconomyGDP: US$230.7 billion Also read: An insight into the economy of Sweden Political System of Sweden- Political Conditions in Sweden Climate, Vegetation and FaunaAlpine and arctic vegetation prevail in northern Sweden. The highest mountain areas are barren of vegetation; the next highest regions are moorlands with various kinds of mosses and lichens. Below the moorlands is a zone of birch and willow trees, often dwarfed and stunted. The next lower, and largest, zone is covered with coniferous forests, primarily of spruce and Scotch pine. In the south, deciduous trees, including oak and beech, are found.Roe deer and elk are plentiful in Sweden's forests. Reindeer are common in the north, where they are herded by the Saami. Bears, lynx, and wolves are now quite rare. Lemmings are extensive in the upland moorlands. Various wild birds are plentiful, with many rare species protected in nature preserves. People: Sweden's population is composed principally of Scandinavians of Germanic descent and a comparatively small number of ethnic Finns...more on people living in Sweden. Culture: The genuine rural folk traditions are disappearing with increasing settlement in urban areas...Culture Of Sweden. Education: In 1842 education in Sweden was made free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 7 and 14...more on education in Sweden. Languages: Swedish Language, language of Sweden and of Swedish settlers in other parts of the world, notably in Finland...languages spoken in Sweden. Life and Lifestyle: The principal cities of Sweden include Stockholm, the capital and largest city, with a population (1998 estimate) of 736,113; Göteborg (459,593), an industrial center and seaport; and Malmö (254,904), a commercial center and seaport. Other major cities include Uppsala, Linköping, Örebro, Norrköping, and Västerås. Facts for the TravelerVisas: Stays of up to 90 days (unlimited for Nordic citizens) are usually visa free, but South Africans, Hong Kong residents with Chinese passports and residents of many African, Asian, South American and some Eastern European countries should check requirements with Swedish embassies.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 Dialling Code: 46 Electricity: 230V ,50Hz Weights & measures: Metric Also Read: Money and Cost Required | Transportation and Traveling in Sweden When to Go to SwedenIf you want sunshine, visit between late May and late July, bearing in mind that August can be both hot and wet. Many youth hostels, camping grounds and attractions open only in summer, from late June to mid-August. Summer in Sweden can be hot, sunny and beautiful, but travel in winter should be better planned and restricted. Big cities are in full swing all year-round. Also Read: Getting Around Sweden | Sweden: Getting There and Away What to See in SwedenMajor Tourist Attractions in Sweden Other Tourist Attractions in Sweden
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