Sweden is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe, bordered by Norway to the west and Finland to the east. It is known for its vast forests, thousands of lakes, and a strong tradition of design and innovation. Sweden is also famous for its progressive social policies and high quality of life.
- Capital
- Stockholm
- Continent
- Europe
- Region
- Northern Europe
- Area
- 450,295 km²
- Coordinates
- 62° N, 15° E
Country facts
- Sweden has over 100,000 lakes, a landscape shaped by glaciers during the last Ice Age.
- The Swedish concept of 'lagom,' meaning 'just the right amount,' reflects a cultural value of balance and moderation.
- Sweden established Europe's first national parks in 1909, including Sarek, one of nine created that year.
- ABBA, one of the best-selling music acts in history, formed in Sweden in the early 1970s.
- Sweden has been officially neutral in military alliances for most of its modern history, joining NATO only in 2024.
Capital facts
- Stockholm was founded around 1252 and is one of the oldest capital cities in Scandinavia.
- The city is built across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea.
- The Vasa Museum houses a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.
- Stockholm's Gamla Stan, or Old Town, retains a medieval street layout with buildings dating back to the 13th century.
- Stockholm hosted the 1912 Summer Olympics, making it one of the earliest European cities to do so.