Swedes

Swedes are the people of Sweden, a Nordic country in Northern Europe. The term commonly refers to citizens of Sweden and, ethnically, to people descended from the historic Swedes (svenskar). The predominant language is Swedish, a North Germanic language; English is widely spoken as a second language, and many other languages are spoken by immigrant communities in urban areas.

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The Riksdag, a unicameral legislature, passes laws; the prime minister heads the government, and the monarch's role is largely ceremonial. Sweden has a long-standing welfare state and high living standards. The country joined the European Union in 1995 and uses the krona as its currency.

The largest cities are Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Swedes are generally highly educated and open to immigration, which has made modern Swedish society diverse. Urban areas host a mix of cultures, while rural regions retain traditional customs. The country emphasizes gender equality, environmental stewardship, and strong public services.

Swedish culture has made lasting contributions in design, music, literature, cinema, and science. It is the home of multinational companies such as IKEA, Volvo, Ericsson, and Spotify, and has produced many Nobel Prize laureates. The Nobel Prize was founded by Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel and is awarded annually in several categories.