The Country of Sweden – Geography, Population, and Society

Geography and Landscape

Sweden is located in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula, bordering Norway to the west and Finland to the northeast. The country is elongated – approximately 1,572 km from Treriksröset in the north to Smygehuk in the south – and is traditionally divided into three major regions: Götaland, Svealand, and Norrland.

Sweden is one of Europe's largest countries by area, yet its population is relatively small. This means the country boasts vast forests and natural areas, numerous lakes (including Vänern and Vättern), and a long coastline along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia.

Population, Languages, and Cities

Sweden is home to over 10.5 million people. The largest cities are Stockholm (the capital), Gothenburg, and Malmö. Swedish is the main language, and five languages are recognised as national minority languages: Finnish, Meänkieli, Sami, Romani Chib, and Yiddish.

Sweden is a multicultural society where a significant portion of the population has a background in other countries. This is reflected in language use, food, religion, and traditions.

Climate, Nature, and the Right of Public Access

The climate varies from mild and coastal in the south to subarctic in the northernmost parts of Norrland. In mid-summer, the midnight sun prevails above the Arctic Circle, while winter can bring polar night.

The Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) grants everyone the right to roam freely in nature, pick berries and mushrooms, and camp temporarily – as long as one shows consideration and does not disturb or destroy.

Symbols and Form of Government

Sweden's flag is blue with a yellow cross. The national anthem is 'Du gamla, du fria'. Sweden is a constitutional monarchy where the King is the head of state without political power; political governance emanates from the Riksdag (the Swedish Parliament) and the government.