Where do Swedes live? Category archive: Swedes - what they are like. Best time to visit

23.06.2020

Let me present to you a generalized portrait of a Swedish man, drawn up with a somewhat ironic touch. The article is the result of a generalization of my own impressions from communicating with Swedes, reading literature and watching Swedish television programs.

I have already written that in the north of the country, where the rural population predominates, the most popular equipment, used almost every day throughout the year, is the tractor. Swedes can buy a tractor both on specialized sites and through advertisements.

The country's territory is 447,420 sq. km, of which the area of lakes and rivers is 40,080 sq. km, the area of agricultural land and forests is 282,760 sq. km. State system The country is a constitutional monarchy. King Carl XVI Gustaf does not have any political power; supreme power belongs to the country's parliament, the Riksdag.

An interesting fact about Sweden is that the country is a member of the EU, but has retained its national currency, the krona. The population was polled several times, but the Swedes “firmly” opposed the introduction of the euro. The country is not yet a NATO member, although discussions about membership are ongoing.

The outback of the country is characterized by the presence of small towns with a large number of small settlements located nearby. The public transport schedule is most intense in the mornings and afternoons. At other times, Swedes have only two options for traveling “decent distances” - riding a bicycle or using a personal car.

It must be said that the communes ( local authorities local governments) do a lot to popularize the bicycle as a means of transportation; suffice it to say that all public buildings are equipped with bicycle parking. Now I would like to talk in more detail about the practice of using a bicycle in the north of Sweden.

The peculiarities of the Swedish mentality began to appear, literally, from the first days of my stay in the country. Even before coming here, I read that abroad it is not customary to visit friends and even relatives without prior agreement, and having received an invitation “for coffee”, you can only count on being treated to coffee. Do you think Swedes are hospitable?

There are so many homonyms in the world with their various homoforms, homophones and other “homonyms”. This also applies to country names. Latvia – Lithuania, Sweden and Switzerland. It would seem that the names are identical. But don't confuse them.

Here we go Sweden and Switzerland requires clarification, because these are completely different countries. Yes, of course, both of them belong to the most developed countries of Western Europe and have high economic development. Both are great destinations for tourists and travelers. But how is Sweden different from Switzerland, besides the fact that one country has “fewer letters”?

Distance from the capital of Switzerland to the capital of Sweden - approximately 1,900 kilometers.
Travel time:~22h.
Fuel consumption: about 200 liters.

Sweden and Switzerland are countries that are so often confused by our Russian-speaking compatriots. However, this must be refuted erroneous opinion, which often turns into an argument. Sweden and Switzerland are two different European countries located in northern and central Europe, respectively. Each country has its own official languages. In Sweden, Swedish is spoken as both an official language and English, while in Switzerland the official language is German, where French and Italian are also spoken, thanks to its close borders with Italy and France. In Switzerland, for example, there is a small town of Lugano, which is Italian-speaking. For Sweden, corresponding “mixes” are also possible, but already having their own Scandinavian roots, for example, in Lapland there are settlements that can speak Finnish or Norwegian.

Looking at the map we will see that Switzerland is a small state with an area of 41,284 square meters. kilometers, and Sweden, located in the very north of Europe, on the Scandinavian Peninsula has an area of 449,640 square meters. kilometers. Who cares, right?

Speaking about brands, or things that so often remind us of a particular country, here we can list the following. Sweden is the birthplace music group ABBA, manufacturer of the safest cars in the world Volvo, homeland of the writer for children - Astrid Lindgren, who gave the world such fairy tales as “Baby and Karlsson”, “Pippi Longstocking”, Karlsson can be mentioned twice, because he is so famous and widely loved in Russia, and what country do we think about when we remember good friend Karlsson? Switzerland is a “precision” country, well known for the most accurate watches Rado, Swiss, Swatch, etc., banks, expensive and prestigious universities.

Sweden is a country with almost untouched nature, and the people here live in perfect balance with it. The second is home to colorful towns and major centers, making it one of the leading countries in the world. But this does not mean that the first is behind the second in development. Rather, Sweden’s tranquility has a plus that gives it undoubted primacy: its economy is famous for its model of sociality (i.e., providing the population with the necessary resources and support with benefits), while in Switzerland it is better to live with “built-up capital.”

And now geographical comparison of Sweden and Switzerland on the map. You need to remember this big difference, and never confuse the two countries, it's NOT the same thing. Take a look at the map where you can notice the location of these two states. You can often find disputes where one of the parties argues that “this” is the same thing. If you disagree, you can proudly provide the address from this page, with all the evidence available :)

The Swedes are the titular nation of the Kingdom of Sweden, its indigenous people. This is the largest Scandinavian state, with a population of approximately 10 million. The Kingdom extends over an area of 447,435 square meters. km. Of the 10 million inhabitants, 8 million are Swedes, the remaining 2 million are citizens of foreign origin (Germans, Finns, Estonians, Danes). The obsolete name of the nation is Sveian Germans. The capital of Sweden is the city of Stockholm. The name translates as “city-island”. Words stock And holme mean “log, pile” and “small island, hill” respectively. All together can be interpreted as an island on stilts. There is a historical part with a royal palace. Large cities: Malmo, Gothenburg, Uppsala.

Language

The official language of the kingdom is Swedish. It belongs to the Scandinavian group of Germanic languages. Norwegian and Danish are considered close. The following dialects are distinguished: Gutnian, Norlan, Goethic, Eastern.

Number of people, where they live

There are 15 million people of Swedish nationality. Of these, approximately half live in the kingdom itself, where the vast majority of residents make up 85%. These people were born within the country to indigenous parents (pure-blooded Swedes). The rest are settled in European countries and the American continent. Main habitats:

USA. The largest part of emigrants is located here - 4.5 million people. These are the descendants of 19th century settlers who flocked to America to discover the New World. The state of Delaware was originally a Swedish colony (mid-17th century) and was called New Sweden. There are currently only 56,000 native-speaking immigrants in the United States.
Norway. Almost 29,000 Swedish citizens live here.
Finland - 280,000 people (approximately 5% of the total population).
Canada - 341,000 emigrants whose ancestors are native Swedes.
Argentina - 200,000.
Spain - 65,000.

There are 100,000 Swedish citizens living in Australia and the UK. Percentage composition the population of other countries is insignificant.

Story

The first mentions of humans inhabiting the territory of the modern Kingdom of Sweden concern the Neolithic era (6th century BC). This was the time of primitive communities engaged in fishing and hunting. The ethnogenesis of the Swedes was influenced by the Goeths and Svei (ancient Germanic tribes). Scientists believe that the word “Swei” is translated as “our own,” which was further transformed into the name of the nation “Swedes.”

The communal clan structure existed until the 1st century, when a division into classes occurred. Around the 6th century, the Svei principality was formed. It is considered the first Swedish state. The principality was widely engaged in trade. The 9th-11th centuries were marked by the development of military relations. At the same time, Viking raids on neighboring countries intensified, which led to the seizure of Finnish lands. The 12th-14th centuries are characterized by the economic rise of the state. Crafts actively developed and trade intensified. The Swedish principality was greatly influenced by the Germans and Danes, who had a developed economy.

At the end of the 14th century, Denmark and Norway, together with Sweden, formed a coalition called the Kalmar Union. For some time the Swedes were under the influence of the Danes, but then broke off this relationship (1523) and became independent. Then begins a long campaign for supremacy in the Baltic region. The Swedish state seizes the northern lands of Estonia and Revel (modern Tallinn) - its capital, which becomes the largest commodity city. The result of the wars with Russia is the acquisition of the Russian Baltic states in 1617. Then a number of German territories, as well as Danish and Norwegian ones, go to the Swedes. From the 16th to 17th centuries they dominated the Baltic coast. At this time, the state is a capitalist power with a strong economy.

Further wars weakened the country's development. The Swedes fail in the Northern War, which has been going on for more than 20 years for the possession of the Baltic lands. After that they lost part of the territories of the Baltic states and Karelia. The mid-19th century saw the rise of industry, but also a time of discord between the high class and the peasants. People emigrated en masse to America new life. That is why there are now so many people in the United States with Swedish roots.

After the end of World War II, Sweden had a better economic position than its neighboring countries. This fact is explained by the neutral position that the state occupied during the war years. In 1960, it became a member of EFTA - the European Free Trade Association, formed by the states of northern Europe. The modern structure of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy headed by a king. He governs the country together with a parliament whose members are elected by the citizens. Now the kingdom is ruled by Carl Gustav, a descendant of the Bernadotte dynasty.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

Religion

Like many European countries, Sweden is Christian country. Most of the population professes Lutheranism - a separate movement in Christianity. The doctrine is named after the theologian Martin Luther. It is related to Protestantism.

Life

Thanks to its developed economy, the kingdom has a high standard of living. Local residents work in industrial production, are engaged in administrative, educational activities. Most of the population is urban. Geographical location has a strong influence on the traditional occupations of Swedes. A significant part of the territory is occupied by mixed, coniferous forests, pine forests. The southern part of the state is filled with plains, where the bulk of the population lives. There are many rivers and freshwater lakes in the flat area. Numerous rivers and lakes are filled with valuable species of salmon fish. In the forests there are:

bears;
foxes;
roe deer;
lynx;
deer.

Thanks to the presence of these natural resources, agricultural activities, fishing, forest maintenance, and folk crafts are well developed. Traditional occupations of the population are:

making wooden figurines;
leather production;
weaving;
lace weaving;
jewelry making;
painting on bone and wood.

Climatic conditions played a big role in the way of life and traditions of the Swedes. Winter in Sweden is cold and long. Summer is shorter the further north of the country you go. Rainfall is frequent in coastal areas, strong winds. Rural residents traditionally form small villages or settle on farms. Northern Swedes build strong, warm wooden houses from logs with 2-3 rooms. For heating and cooking, stoves and fireplaces heated with wood are used.

Due to the proximity of the warm Gulf Stream, cold air masses heat up and soften the climate of the central regions. In the south of the country, where the climate is warmer, dwellings made from frame modules are common. They are heated not by fireplaces, but by electric stoves. The warmest territory of the kingdom is the area around the city of Malmo. In summer the average daily temperature is +23 degrees, in winter - 18-20°C below zero. Modern buildings have a minimalist design. They are neat, no frills. Swedish villages are very clean, quiet, and not crowded.

Local residents love nature, appreciate it, care about the environment, animals and flora. The Swedish population is distinguished by caring about their own health and striving for proper nutrition. good ecological situation, a conscious approach to organizing everyday life has a positive effect on increasing people’s life expectancy. Women live on average 84 years, men - about 80, which is high among developed countries. Under the influence of feminist sentiments that came from the American continent, women achieved equality with men. They do not accept subordination or concessions based on gender. Going to the cinema and restaurant are paid separately. Do not strive to live at someone else's expense - distinguishing feature all Swedes.

Appearance

The Swedes are a very attractive nation. Girls and men are tall, tall, and have a good physique. They have regular facial features, a high forehead, and clearly defined cheekbones. Most people have blond hair and eyes. Swedish girls are famous for their beauty. These are tall blondes with charming open smiles. The attractiveness of the female half of the population is explained not only by natural data, but also by the ability to take care of themselves. They eat organic foods, drink a lot of water, and use natural cosmetics based on herbal ingredients.

Cloth

The traditional clothing of rural men is the following set:

linen shirts with stand-up collars and wide sleeves;
a vest worn over a shirt;
double-breasted jacket;
breeches;
knee socks;
shoes with buckles;
hat with a medium brim.

Girls wear:

blouses with puffy sleeves and a wide turn-down collar;
a bodice decorated with embroidery is fastened over the blouse;
the figure is emphasized by long flared skirts with aprons in a contrasting color, the bottom of the apron is decorated with ornaments;
a linen scarf covers his head;
shoes - low-heeled shoes.

Modern national costume, which has the colors of the Swedish flag, is a design development. It is modeled after peasant clothing from the 19th and 20th centuries. There is also an option in red and white. This clothing is festive; it is worn for folk festivals and official events. Costumes are national treasure, so even members of the royal family (mostly women) wear it.

Culture

The Swedes are a very musical nation. These people love to sing and dance, they have a rich folklore with legends and epics. During the holidays you can often hear music played by improvised street orchestras. There are a lot of musical styles; polkas and waltzes predominate in folk works. Such famous groups as Roxette and ABBA come from Sweden. These are also popular in the world:

Ace of Base;
Alcazar;
Blue Swede;
The Cardigans;
Europe;
Icona pop.

The literature is presented by such famous authors as:

Ingmar Bergman is an internationally recognized writer, screenwriter, and theater and film director.
Selma Lagerlöf is the first female writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Astrid Lindgren is the author of the world-famous books about Carlson and Pippi Longstocking.
August Strindberg - publicist, founder of modern Swedish literature.
Spouses Mai Schöwall and Per Vale are authors of books in the detective genre.

Traditions

Sweden has many holidays, both historical and introduced from outside. Neighboring countries (Germany, Denmark, Norway) had a great influence on customs. Some traditions were brought to the Swedish kingdom by Protestant clergy and European merchants in the Middle Ages. Main holidays celebrated by the population:

Walpurgis Night. The arrival of spring, the beginning of the fruiting period in nature, is celebrated. Bonfires are lit in the streets, girls dance in circles, men perform folk songs.
Feast of the Three Kings. This is an analogue of baptism; it takes place on January 7 according to Christian custom.
Midsommar. Day summer solstice. This is the same as Ivan Kupala Day, or the solstice holiday. It belongs to pagan traditions.
Saint Lucia's Day. Celebrated in Catholic and Protestant countries. This is a great martyr, blinded for her faith in Christ.
New Year. Celebrated in the same way as in Russia. On the night of January 1, Santa Claus comes and gives gifts to children.

Walpurgis Night

Food

National cuisine Swedes are distinguished by their simplicity. Its formation was influenced climatic conditions, Scandinavian way of life. It contains peasant food, including cheese, sausages, and pastries. There is a lot of fish, meat, and game, since the main methods of obtaining food for many centuries were hunting and fishing. There are dishes containing gifts of the forest: berries and mushrooms.

Harsh weather conditions forced the Swedes to stock up on food that could be stored for a long period. Therefore, a significant part of Swedish cuisine consists of pickles, smoked meats, and marinated dishes. Interesting feature- frying is done using lard, not vegetable oil, as in Russian cuisine. Swedes prefer monotony in food. Since they have quite a lot of products used for cooking, the kitchen cannot be called meager. Swedish customs regarding cuisine and food culture:

Practiced homemade baking bakery products.
Housewives everywhere prepare not only homemade pickles, but also berry mousses and confitures.
When visiting, it is not customary to wait until the owner of the house puts the food on plates. Everyone cuts a piece of pie or meat for themselves.
It is considered bad manners to leave uneaten food. The hosts may think that the guest did not like the treat.
When there is alcohol at the table, the host makes the first toast, after which everyone drinks. Then each guest fills the glass at his own discretion.

Traditional Swedish dishes are: whole baked goose, fried venison, elk cutlets, cookies, apple pie. In general, the cuisine resembles Russian. Here they also like a side dish of potatoes, vegetable salads, fried mushrooms, and pickled cucumbers. Dairy products make up the daily diet. Swedes love cheese, yogurt, kefir, and milk. The drinks are varied. Herbal tea, weakly brewed coffee, and mineral water are popular. Large selection of alcoholic drinks. These are sweet beer, berry liqueurs, liqueurs with herbs, punch.

Swedes have a special relationship with fish. This product makes up the majority of the diet, along with meat. Especially in this northern country they love herring. Not a single holiday is complete without it. A variety of herring appetizers are placed on the table. different options. It is baked, pickled, fried, smoked, dried, and soaked in wine. A national product known to gourmets different countries, is a dish called surströmming. This is a favorite Swedish treat made from canned pickled herring.

The dish has such a sharp and unpleasant smell that many foreigners run out from the table. This is a very specific product that often only Scandinavians can eat. Nevertheless, it is considered a delicacy. Surströmming is usually eaten alone, on fresh air. The jar is opened in the yard and consumed right there, picking up pieces with a fork. Garnish: onions, potatoes, tomatoes. Wash down the dish with beer, milk, kvass.

The specific taste and aroma of fish is achieved thanks to a special cooking recipe. Gutted and headless herring are placed in barrels with a strong solution of caustic salt. She lies there for several days. Next, they take it out and transfer it to a weaker solution for two months. There the fish becomes softer, limp, its meat is well saturated with salt. Next, the herring is rolled into jars and placed in the cold. The fermentation process continues even in a closed container. You need to open it very carefully, otherwise the liquid, splashing out of the can under pressure, can splash your clothes with a caustic solution.

Famous people

Sweden has produced many talented people who have gained worldwide fame. Here are some of them:

Greta Garbo is an actress, a star of world cinema of the first half of the 20th century, and an Oscar winner.
Carl Linnaeus was a botanist, naturalist, and physician who lived in the 18th century. He was the first to create a universal classification of flora and fauna. His nomenclature system is still used today.
Dolph Lundgren - actor, director, screenwriter. Known for starring in American action films of the 90s of the last century.
Alfred Nobel - Ph.D., chemist, inventor. He founded charitable foundation to reward scientists and writers who have made a great contribution to the development of science and literature.

Character

The Swedes have a special mentality that can be called Nordic. The main character trait is restraint, which foreigners may mistake for coldness. Thanks to this, Swedish citizens do not aggravate personal and industrial relations. They never make rash decisions, carefully weighing all sides of the issue. Germans mistake this trait for uncertainty, while Norwegians attribute it to indecisiveness. Meanwhile, the Swedes are concerned not to offend a person or hurt their feelings with a random phrase.

These are extremely polite people who observe all decency. They don't like to talk to strangers on the street. Only an extraordinary event can cause a Swedish citizen to turn to a stranger. This is regarded as a violation of personal space. Representatives of this nationality like to plan everything ahead so as not to find themselves in a stupid situation. They pay great attention little things, as this can affect the outcome of events. You need to invite a person to visit a month in advance so that he can gather his thoughts and adjust his other affairs.

In Sweden, children are not punished. Assault is completely unacceptable here, even if it is a light slap. This state was one of the first to abolish corporal punishment in schools, which was common practice in Europe. It is not customary to speak in a stern tone with a child. Remarks should be made in a friendly tone even when the children are completely naughty. The child himself must understand what is allowed to do in society and what is not.

The citizens of this country are very punctual. They are not late for work and return from their lunch break on time. People exactly follow all the instructions written in instructions or on signs. Not one of them will step on the lawn or throw garbage right on the street. This indicates the high awareness of all members of society. Cities and villages have clean, well-groomed streets that are pleasant to walk through.

Sweden is a beautiful country that attracts the eye beautiful scenery, neat urban architecture. And its residents endear you with sincere smiles and a friendly disposition.

Swedes are tireless planners. For peace of mind, it is important to be prepared for the situation and know in advance, down to the smallest detail, what will happen. Vacations are planned six months in advance, parties a month or two in advance. In almost any company, planning devotes the majority of working time. If you invite a Swede to visit you only a couple of days in advance, he will most likely refuse. A visit to grandma in Malmö or a trip to the veterinarian with the cat was planned five weeks ago, and there is no way to reschedule: grandma and the cat won’t understand.

2. They love to bask in the sun.

The northern climate does its job: Swedes are obsessed with being outdoors and preferably in the sun. From mid-spring to early autumn, Swedes cannot be lured indoors until they are outside. it's raining with hail. As soon as the May sun peeks out uncertainly, there is nowhere for an apple to fall on the lawns - they are already occupied by blissful Swedes in shorts and T-shirts with picnic sets. For this reason, it’s not a sin to take time off from work: who knows, maybe it’s the last sunny day of the year?

3. Avoid strangers

Only something extraordinary will force a Swede to meet a stranger on the street. Unless the phone breaks down or the GPS fails. Or everyone you know who you can ask will be out of reach. It is not easy for pathologically polite Swedes to cross the boundaries of someone else's personal space. A win-win strategy is to speak to the Swede first, keeping your distance in a friendly and respectful manner.

4. They love fika.

– this word resonates with a sweet thrill in any Swedish heart. The meaning of “fiki” (from the word “coffee”, in which the syllables are reversed) is to drink coffee and communicate, as well as eat your favorite cookies, cookies and all kinds of baked goods. This is certainly done in the company. Fika works wonders with the Swedes: they become more relaxed and make contact easier. At work, fic inevitably happens several times a week, or even a day. From a Swede’s point of view, skipping fika is bad form: it’s not something that can be postponed.

5. Counting down the days until vacation

The Swede lives from vacation to vacation. Thoughts about help while away the long winter evenings. In the spring, with the approach of X-day, the imagination already draws sunny seascapes. There is, of course, no time for work here. No higher power will force the Swedes to do business in the summer. Public sector employees have a vacation of up to 35 working days. From the end of June until mid-August, the country closes for the holidays - the streets are extremely sparsely populated, and random passers-by are busily rushing with their suitcases to the airport, train station or the nearest ferry pier.

6. Children are not punished

It is not customary in Sweden to pull down children, especially strangers. Parents make comments to their child in a friendly manner - and only when it is absolutely necessary. They reason with words only. Any spanking is excluded: the country in the world that has banned physical punishment of children. It is not customary to strictly tell children how they should behave in society. It is believed that future citizens should gradually understand for themselves what is appropriate and what is not. Until then, adults are ready to give tips - and train patience.

7. They eat sweets on Saturdays

Every Saturday, in front of the TV, both adults and children selflessly gorge themselves on sweets: the average Swedish family eats 1.2 kg of sweets per week! Why does the main peak occur on Saturday? Apparently, in order to somehow limit the irrepressible craving for sweets.

8. Follow the rules

If the sign says “Do not walk on the lawn,” then the Swede will under no circumstances set foot on the forbidden territory. If it is said that paper packaging must be thrown into a special trash bin, then no one would think of throwing a cigarette butt or bottle there. And from 08:00 to 16:30 with a 45-minute break for lunch, then the Swedes will spend exactly 45 minutes on lunch and not a minute more. After all, rules are there to be followed. Even in thoughts of violating some order or, God forbid, a law - this is out of the question.

9. Discussing the weather

Swedes are ready to talk endlessly about the weather. You can notice that today is a beautiful sunny day, which has not happened for a long time: it is unlikely that any of the interlocutors will question this fact. If the weather is terrible, then this must also be emphasized and noted with satisfaction that everyone agrees with you. I can't think of a more convenient subject of conversation. If you start a conversation on a topic that does not imply unanimity, most likely, instead of an answer, hesitant interjections will be heard. Swedes avoid discussing issues on which opinions may differ unless there is an urgent need for it. God forbid we start talking about political leanings or income. Eventually, someone present will change the topic and inevitably talk about the weather.

10. Honor gender equality

All people - Swedes hear this mantra from kindergarten. And therefore both boys and girls school activities learn to sew and knit, carpentry and iron forging. Most Swedish dads eagerly take maternity leave to babysit the baby and change diapers while the mother is at work. They also enjoy baking saffron buns and growing pelargonium in pots. Who said it's not a man's job? She doesn’t interfere at all with going to football or a motorcycle race - and mom, by the way, will also be happy to take part in this.

11. They are afraid of viruses

In Sweden people are afraid of flu and colds. By the way, Swedish medicine does not believe that draft or cold can be to blame for the disease. Every fall, there are queues for vaccinations in clinics: after all, bacteria and viruses and poorly ventilated rooms are to blame. That’s why children and adults wear light jackets in winter, and if someone gets sick, it’s because they communicated with a carrier of the virus. Stay as far away as possible from those who cough and sneeze, even if it is. And even more so, they won’t appreciate the work ethic of a colleague who went to work despite a cough and runny nose.

12. Obsessed with the environment

And recycling food waste is only... People often go to the supermarket with rag string bags or backpacks - so as not to buy plastic bags that are harmful to the environment. It’s better to buy used furniture: consumerism is ruining environment. Each package is meticulously examined: are there any additives harmful to the environment? If the news flashes that some factory or poultry farm pollutes the air or water, or, even worse, keeps hens in cramped conditions, people will immediately stop buying its products. No compromises.

13. Watching the same thing at Christmas

- an event of great importance. It is always celebrated in the same way, in the same circle, with the same set of dishes on the table, and always with the same TV program, which has not changed for the last 50 years. This Disney cartoons about Donald Duck, whom the Swedes call Kalle Anka, excerpts from “Snow White”, “Ferdinand the Bull” and other cartoon classics. No one would think of changing the channel: from 15.00 to 16.00 the whole country, with bated breath, watches cartoons that they know by heart. Moreover, adults are perhaps more interested than children.

14. Bring food and drinks to the party.

Swedes often come to the holiday with alcohol. Thus, the hosts save on hosting guests, and they, in turn, treat themselves to what they themselves would like to try. And everyone is happy. To avoid getting into trouble, it’s worth asking the hosts in advance: “What should we bring with us?” After all, a party is a communal affair, everyone must contribute.

15. Get up early and go to bed early

A traveler who comes to Sweden for the first time will be surprised: the streets die out at nine in the evening, the bars are empty after midnight. Swedes rush home to go to bed early. Here they like a clear daily routine - and have not completely abandoned peasant traditions. The country is located on the easternmost border of the Central European Time Zone: in Sweden it gets light relatively early and gets dark early. Therefore, by the standards of southern Europe or Russian megacities, Swedes go to bed early and get up early. There's no time for nightly entertainment here.

Sweden is the most detailed information about the country with photos. Sights, cities of Sweden, climate, geography, population and culture.

Sweden (Konungariket Sverige)

Sweden is the largest state Northern Europe, located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and borders other Scandinavian countries - Norway and Finland. Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, a member of the European Union and a member of the Schengen Agreement. It is one of the richest countries in the world with stunning nature and rich history.

Sweden is a country of endless forests and majestic lakes, numerous islands along the Baltic coast and cozy cities. This is a state with a distinctive history from the legendary Vikings to one of the most powerful powers in Europe. Until the 17th century, Sweden was a strong kingdom, and the size of the state was 3 times larger than today. It is all the more surprising that the country has not directly participated in military conflicts since 1815 (like Switzerland) and still shuns any military alliances. The Swedes were pagans until the 11th century. Nowadays, the majority of Swedish residents are Protestants.

Useful information about Sweden

Population - more than 10 million people.
Area - 447,435 km2.
Language - Swedish.
The currency is Swedish krona.
Time - UTC +1, in summer +2.
Forests occupy 63% of the territory, lakes and rivers - 9%, swamps - 8%.
Sweden is a secular state. About 70% of the population professes Christianity (Protestants).
Popular souvenirs: Dala horse, glass and crystal, home goods and interior items. Sweden is also famous for its minimalist furniture.

Geography and nature

Sweden occupies the eastern and southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula and is washed by Baltic Sea. Largest islands The Swedish Baltic are Gotland and Öland. The country's topography is predominantly hilly. In the north, the Scandinavian Mountains stretch along the border with Norway. Here is the highest point in Sweden - Mount Kebnekaise (2126 m). The southern part of the country is flat.

Thanks to geographical features and quite a large extent, Sweden has quite a variety of natural landscapes. In the north there are tundra and taiga forests, in the south there are mixed forests, in the far south there are broad-leaved forests. Forests occupy more than 60% of the country's territory. Sweden has a fairly rich fauna: moose, roe deer, foxes, hares, wolves, bears, wild boars, lynxes, wolverines.

Sweden is rich in lakes. The largest of them are Wenern and Wettern. Most rivers flow into the Baltic Sea. Largest rivers- Kalikselven, Skellefteelven, Umeelven and Turneelven. Cod, mackerel, and herring live in the sea, and salmon, trout, perch, and grayling live in lakes and rivers.

Climate

Most of Sweden has a temperate climate due to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream and topography. Summers are quite warm, and winters are cool with slight frosts. In the south, the average winter temperature is about 0 °C. In the north of the country the climate is colder - subarctic, with cold winters and cool summers.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Sweden is from May to September. During the off-season it can be cool and rainy. It is very beautiful in Sweden in winter, especially during the Christmas period.

Story

In the third millennium BC. Sweden was inhabited by Germans. In the early Middle Ages, the tribes of the Goeths and Svei dominated. This period in Swedish history is called Vendelsky. The tribes were divided into small principalities ruled by kings. By the 8th century, Sweden was united by the Uppsala king Ingjald the Insidious. The Viking Age begins. The Vikings become a powerful force. They engage in navigation, trade, and fight a lot. The Vikings were pagans and had a great influence on all of Northern Europe. Their era ended when the “court of the gods” in Uppsala was burned and Christianity began to penetrate into Sweden.

In the 11th century, supreme power passed between the families of kings Stenkil, Sverker and Erik. In 1250, the Folkung dynasty replaced the elected government. During this period, the nobility strengthened. Last period medieval Sweden is called the era of the Kalmar Union. According to this document, the king was elected jointly by representatives of the clans. But in fact, the Danes had a great influence on this process. During this period, against the backdrop of the struggle against Danish influence, the emergence of national identity, and Sweden itself is increasingly united.

In 1523, Gustav Vasa was proclaimed king of Sweden. Under him, the Kalmar Union was broken, the monarchy became hereditary, the rise of the peasantry and the flowering of knighthood took place. After Vasa's death, several coups followed until Charles IX came to power. Under his rule, the Reformation won in Sweden, and the country itself embarked on the path of conquest. By the 17th century, Sweden became an empire and acquired lands from Poland, Norway, and Germany. Based on the results Northern War With Russia, the country lost many lands, lost its imperial status and became a minor power.

In the 18th century and early 19th century, Sweden tried to regain its status as one of the most powerful powers in Europe, but defeat by Russia in 1743 put an end to Swedish ambitions. The era of Riksdag rule begins, which is called the “era of freedoms.” During this period, science and culture developed in Sweden. As a result Napoleonic wars Denmark ceded Norway to the Swedish state. The Swedish-Norwegian Union was concluded, which was in force until 1905.

In 1809, Sweden adopted a new constitution, which laid the foundations parliamentary monarchy. In the 19th century, industrialization began, which contributed to the growth of the economy and population. During World War II (despite its declared neutrality), Sweden collaborated with Nazi Germany.

Administrative division

Sweden is divided into 21 counties, which in turn are divided into communes. Len is governed by a governor and a regional duma.

Regionally, Sweden can be divided into the following regions:

Norrland is the sparsely populated northern part of the country, comprising nine fiefs. There's a lot here wildlife with forests, lakes, rivers, swamps and high mountains that stretch along the border with Norway.
Sveland is the central part of the country with the cities of Stockholm and Uppsala.
Götaland is the south of Sweden with the cities of Gothenburg and Malmö.

Population

Most of the population of Sweden are ethnic Swedes. They speak Swedish and are Protestants. Moreover, 90% of the population speaks English in one way or another. Large diasporas: Finns, Sami. Sweden is a highly urbanized country. 85% of the population lives in cities. Despite their friendliness and calmness, Swedes are quite closed and isolated. Although this does not mean that they are indifferent and will not come to the rescue.

Transport

Sweden's largest airports are located in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. This Scandinavian country can be reached by train from Norway, Finland, Denmark and Germany. Ferry connections are available with Poland, the Baltic countries, Germany, Russia and Belgium.

Swedish cities and popular destinations

Capital and largest city Sweden with the charming old town of Gamla Stan. Stockholm is located on an archipelago of 14 islands connected by dozens of bridges. This beautiful city with diverse architecture, interesting sights, rich cultural and nightlife.

The second most populous city in Sweden, a large industrial center and port. It was founded in 1621 during the heyday of the Swedish Empire and for a long time was a stronghold of the Swedish fleet. Gothenburg is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and the country's largest university.

The third largest city in Sweden, located in the south of the country. It is an ancient trading city with a Hanseatic past, an industrial center and a port.

One of the most important historical cities in Sweden, located 80 km north of Stockholm. Famous for the largest cathedral in Scandinavia and two major universities.

One of the most beautiful cities in Sweden, located in the southern part of Lake Vättern.

Abisko - national park, located beyond the Arctic Circle with stunning northern nature.

Sarek is one of the oldest national parks in Europe, located in Northern Lapland. There are more than 200 mountain peaks and more than 100 glaciers.

Goeta Channel is one of the largest and most famous engineering structures Sweden. This is a 190 km long shipping canal connecting Stockholm and Gothenburg, as well as lakes Vänern and Vättern with the Baltic Sea.

Åre is one of the best ski resorts in Europe, located in the Jämtland region. It has more than 100 ski slopes and 40 lifts.

Sights of Sweden

Gamla Stan is the historical core of Stockholm, located on the island of Stadsholmen. This is the oldest part of the city, where the capital of Sweden began to grow in the mid-13th century. Gamla Stan has charming Scandinavian medieval architecture, narrow cobbled streets, several ancient churches and Stortorget Square, surrounded by beautiful merchant houses.

The Vasa Museum is Sweden's most popular museum, opened in 1990 and located in Stockholm. Its most famous exhibit is a real warship and the pride of the Swedish imperial fleet- Vasa.

Stockholm City Hall is one of the most famous buildings in Sweden. The Town Hall was built at the beginning of the 20th century from 8 million bricks. The 106-meter-high tower is topped with three crowns. Within the walls of this building every year is awarded Nobel Prize.

Drottningholm is the official residence of the Swedish royal family. This is a beautiful 17th century palace with a picturesque park, which is included in the list of objects World Heritage UNESCO. Located 11 km from Stockholm.

Uppsala Cathedral is the largest church in Scandinavia and one of the tallest religious buildings in Northern Europe (118.7 meters). It is a beautiful Gothic brick building with two towers. Construction of the cathedral lasted from 1287 to 1435.

Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum. This is a large ethnographic complex that introduces Swedish rural and urban culture of the 18th - 20th centuries. Here you can see traditional churches, schools, manors, shops, mills, workers' houses, craft workshops, bakeries. Museum workers in traditional costumes demonstrate the work and life of old Sweden.

Kiruna is the northernmost city in Sweden, located in Swedish Lapland. 17 km away is the famous ice hotel, which is built every winter from the ice of the Torne River.

Visby is a medieval fortress town on the island of Gotland, filled with ruined churches, medieval trading houses and surrounded by walls with dozens of towers that bear the scars of past wars. It is one of Sweden's most interesting attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lund Cathedral

Lund Cathedral is the oldest and most beautiful Romanesque church in Sweden, located in the province of Skåne. The current building dates from the 12th century and is famous for its magnificent towers, 14th century astronomical clock with figures of Three Kings, carved stone columns.

Gammelstad is an old 15th-century ecclesiastical town located in Norrbotten County in Swedish Lapland and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main feature is the old stone church, which is surrounded by hundreds of traditional wooden houses.

Sigtuna is a small charming village that was founded by the Vikings. Here you can see medieval churches, ruins of Viking buildings and objects of their cult (rune stones).

Kalmar Castle is one of the oldest castles in Sweden, built in the 12th century. In addition, it has been perfectly preserved to this day.

Ales Stenar is the "Swedish Stonehenge", a huge stone ship created by 59 large sandstone boulders during the Scandinavian Iron Age.

Accommodation

Sweden is one of the most expensive countries to live. A hotel room can easily cost 1000 SEK. To save money, you can stay in a campsite or cottage. A popular hostel chain is Svenska Turistföreningen.

Kitchen

Swedish cuisine is rich in fish and meat. Potatoes are most often used as a side dish. One of the most famous and strange dishes of Swedish (and Scandinavian) cuisine is surströmming (fermented herring). Other popular foods:

Köttbullar - meatballs with potatoes and cream sauce(probably the most popular dish at any Ikea).
Pytt i panna - meat with potatoes and onions.
Artsoppa - pea soup with pork.
Blodpudding - blood sausage.
Pickled herring.
Tunnbrödrulle is a traditional Swedish fast food.
Kroppkakor - potatoes stuffed with pork.
Smörgåstårta - layer cake with salmon.
Desserts: Spettekaka, Rabarberkräm, Semla.

You can eat cheaply in pizzerias, Asian restaurants and Ikea.