Have you ever wondered what Sweden is known for? Here is some interesting information about Sweden:
Sweden is the third largest country in the European Union based on its territory. In the past was the land of Vikings, but now it is well known for its innovative inventions and sustainable lifestyle.
It is officially a kingdom; the Government of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy based on parliamentary democracy. The Swedish government affairs are directed by a cabinet of ministers headed by the prime minister. The cabinet and the prime minister are accountable for their actions to the Riksdag (the parliament).
The capital of the Scandinavian country is Stockholm, which is one of the greenest and cleanest cities in the world, with actions like buses fueled by methane from sewage systems instead of oil; recycling rate is around 90 per cent; parks in all the city; car sharing to move inside and outside the city; people leave in green buildings; high standard waste management system; among others.
A long time ago, Sweden was a substandard country, in which its inhabitants sought to leave there to have a better life in other countries such as the United States. The government began to invest in infrastructure and its people, allocating a substantial amount of resources collected from taxes to develop creative ideas, high education, health, and innovation. This allows economic and social growth of the country, founding companies like Skype, Spotify, H&M, Ikea, Volvo, etc; and every time there are more innovative companies that contribute to the 2030 goals of becoming a more sustainable country using technology.
According to Forbes Magazine, as of October 3, 2022, Stefan Persson is the wealthiest man in Sweden, with an estimated net worth of 14.2 billion U.S. dollars by owning 36% of global cheap chic fashion retailer H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), including accessories, underwear, cosmetics, sportswear, and other apparels for men, women, and kids. In 1947 H&M was founded by Persson's father. His son Karl-Johan succeeded him as Chairman in 2020.
The 10th annual World Happiness Report released on March 2022 revealed Sweden as number seven of 146 countries as the happiest countries in the world based on GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, social support, generosity and perceptions of corruption. A publication from the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network this year focused on the COVID pandemic and how the positive attitude remains in most of the world's population as well as a sense of volunteering and help. The Swedish are happy because they have a balance in their life, working only 40 hours a week and have plenty of time to do what they love to do (like sports, spend time with family and friends, etc.), living in a sustainable country with a lot of beautiful landscapes.
Each year, since 1901, the prestigious Swedish academy awards the highly coveted Nobel Prize to the most valuable scientist, writers, economists and great thinkers of the world. Was Albert Nobel, a Swedish man born October 21st 1833 and died December 10th 1896 who in his testament written in Paris on November 17 1895, settled the foundations of the Prize: writing that a portion of his fortune should be divided into five parts and used for prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace to those who have conferred the benefit to humankind. Different men and women have won the prize; one of them is Malala Yousafzai, who was 17 years old when she was awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, making her the youngest Nobel Prize ever.
Abba, the pop music group conformed by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad, is the most beloved export, sold 500 million records and was the biggest best-selling artist in the non-English speaking world. By the end of the seventies, they were one of the most famous pop numbers in the world, with singles like Dancing Queen, Fernando or Mamma Mía. The ABBA song that exploded in nightclubs back then was Gimme Gimme Gimme (a man after midnight). They even recorded their songs in Spanish for the Latin American public making the Chiquitita song the first.
Sweden is among the top 20 countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites within 15 sites across the country:
Royal Domain of Drottningholm - stands on an island in Lake Mälar in a suburb of Stockholm, and is a well-preserved ensemble of gardens and buildings inspired by the Palace of Versailles. It is the current home of the Swedish Royal Family.
Birka and Hovgården- Brika is located on Björkö Island in Lake Mälar and Hovgården are situated on the neighbouring island of Adelsö. Together they show an archaeological site of the Viking age.
Engelsberg Ironworks- situated in the mining area of Norberg shows an industrial iron-working complex estate.
Rock Carvings in Tanum - located in the northern part of Bohuslän, reveal the life and beliefs of people living in the Nordic region of Bronze Age Europe.
Skogskyrkogården-a modern cemetery located south of central Stockholm using design blends vegetation and architectural elements.
Hanseatic Town of Visby- Visby is located on the Island of Gotland, founded in the Viking era; it is well conserved and shows how it was to live back then.
Church Town of Gammelstad, Luleå- a well-preserved church village used only on Sundays and in specific ceremonies or festivals.
Laponian Area- northern territory is home to the Saami people surrounded by high mountains, forests, marshes, lakes and river systems.
Naval Port of Karlskrona- a naval city, situated on the Baltic Sea archipelago, founded in 1680 by King Karl X.
Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland- a living agrarian landscape, situated on an island in the Baltic Sea.
High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago- was formed by the melting of the continental ice sheet, situated in the Gulf of Bothnia.
Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun- is an industrial monument that illustrates the activities of mining and metals production in the Dalarna region.
Grimeton Radio Station, Varberg- is an early wireless transatlantic communication technology following the First World War (built-in 1922-1924).
Struve Geodetic Arc-it helped to measure the exact size and shape of the planet and marked a crucial step in the development of earth sciences and topographic mapping.
Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland- are decorated (art fusion of folk, Baroque and Rococo) wooden farmhouses that represent the wealthiness of farmers and social status.
These facts about Sweden make it an attractive country to live in. At Iknal Semikan we can support you with your process to live the Swedish way of life.
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