Malmö

Malmö is a city in southern Sweden, located in Skåne County. It is the third-largest city in the country by population and the seat of Malmö Municipality. Malmö lies on the eastern shore of the Öresund strait, opposite Copenhagen, and is connected to Denmark by the Øresund Bridge and regional rail lines.

The town originated in the medieval era as a market and trading port. It grew through trade and industry and was part of Denmark until 1658, when Skåne became Swedish. In the 19th and early 20th centuries Malmö developed as an industrial centre, particularly in shipbuilding and engineering, before transitioning to services and knowledge-based industries.

Today Malmö has a diversified economy focused on services, logistics, information technology, and life sciences. The city hosts Malmö University (Malmö universitet), founded in 1998, and participates in the Öresund Region, with strong ties to Copenhagen. The Western Harbour district is a notable example of urban renewal and sustainable development.

Cultural institutions include Malmö Opera and Museum, and the city is known for landmarks such as Turning Torso, a sculptural skyscraper by Santiago Calatrava. Malmö hosts annual events such as the Malmö Festival and supports a growing arts scene across neighborhoods like Västra hamnen and Möllevången.

Malmö is ethnically diverse, with a substantial immigrant population that contributes to a multicultural urban fabric. The city experiences a temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters and cool summers, and rainfall throughout the year. It remains a major hub of southern Sweden and the Öresund Region.