stockholm

Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden, situated on the eastern coast where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. The city spans fourteen islands connected by 57 bridges and is surrounded by water and green spaces. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.

Stockholm traces its origins to a medieval settlement, with a city charter granted in the 13th century. It has been the national capital since the 16th century and the seat of government and royal residence in the central Baltic region. The city is the administrative center of Stockholm County and the Stockholm metropolitan area.

The city sits at the confluence of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea and includes a broad archipelago. Stockholm has a humid continental climate with maritime influences, resulting in relatively mild winters and cool summers.

Stockholm hosts national government institutions and a large technology and services sector. It is a hub for startups and research, with major universities such as Stockholm University and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and research institutions like Karolinska Institutet.

Notable sites include Gamla stan, the Royal Palace, Stockholm City Hall, and the Vasa Museum. On Djurgården island lie Skansen open-air museum and Gröna Lund amusement park. The surrounding archipelago and waterfront areas are important recreational and tourism assets.

The public transport system, operated by SL, includes the metro, regional trains, buses, and ferries. The city has a diverse population, and the metropolitan area is home to about 2.4 million people.