Huvudstaden

Huvudstaden is a Swedish term meaning "the capital" and is used to refer to the capital city of a country—the seat of government and the primary urban and economic center. In everyday language, the definite form huvudstaden is common, while Huvudstaden can function as a proper name in literary or journalistic contexts.

In Sweden, the best-known use is for Stockholm, which is the country's capital and largest city. Stockholm sits on multiple islands on the Baltic Sea and across Lake Mälaren, and serves as Sweden's political, cultural, and economic hub. The term Huvudstaden is often used in media and discussion to evoke Stockholm's status or identity.

Etymology and other uses: The word is composed of huvud ("head") and staden ("the city"), literally "head city" or "capital." The phrase also appears as a title for artistic works, including a Swedish silent film from the early 20th century that references Stockholm.