countriesSweden

Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is bordered by Norway to the west, Finland to the northeast, and seas to the east and south, with Denmark across the Øresund Strait. The landscape includes forests, mountains in the north, thousands of lakes, and a long Baltic coast. The capital and largest city is Stockholm, located on several islands.

As a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, Sweden has a unicameral Riksdag of 349 members elected for four years; the Prime Minister is the head of government and the monarch is ceremonial. The country joined the European Union in 1995 and uses the krona (SEK). Since 2024 it has been a member of NATO.

Sweden has a high-income, diversified economy with a strong welfare state. Key sectors include manufacturing, telecommunications, and services, with notable global companies in automotive, engineering, and forestry. It ranks highly in indicators of human development, education, and gender equality. Sweden emphasizes sustainable energy and innovation.

Historically, Sweden emerged as a medieval kingdom, rose as a great power in the 17th century, and developed its modern welfare state in the 20th century. It maintained neutrality in most wars and is known for diplomatic activism and humanitarian aid.

Swedish culture includes design, music, literature, and film. The official language is Swedish, with English widely spoken. The country experiences a range of climates, from temperate in the south to subarctic in the north, and is known for its natural landscapes and outdoor recreation.