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Country Information
Key Regions & Cities
Sweden is divided into 25 provinces (landskap) and 21 counties (län).
Top Attractions
Gamla Stan, Stockholm
Medieval old town with colorful buildings, the Royal Palace, and charming cobblestone streets.
Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis visible in Swedish Lapland from September to March.
Vasa Museum
17th century warship that sank on its maiden voyage, now perfectly preserved.
Gothenburg Archipelago
Beautiful islands with car-free villages, perfect for cycling and seafood.
Icehotel
World's first hotel made of ice and snow, rebuilt every winter in Jukkasjärvi.
Visby, Gotland
Medieval walled city with cobblestone streets and rose-covered ruins.
Brief History of Sweden
Viking Age Begins
Swedish Vikings establish trade routes to the east and settle in coastal areas.
Folkung Dynasty
Birger Jarl establishes Stockholm and strengthens central power.
Kalmar Union
Sweden, Norway and Denmark unite under one monarch.
Gustav Vasa
Breaks from Kalmar Union, establishes modern Sweden and Lutheran state church.
Swedish Empire
Period of expansion under Gustavus Adolphus and Charles XII.
New Constitution
Loses Finland to Russia, adopts new constitution separating powers.
Union with Norway
Sweden enters union with Norway (dissolved in 1905).
Parliamentary Reform
Four-estate Riksdag replaced by modern bicameral parliament.
World Wars
Remains neutral in both World Wars.
Folkhemmet
Development of comprehensive welfare state under Social Democrats.
EU Membership
Joins European Union after referendum.
NATO Application
Applies to join NATO following Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Visa Requirements
Schengen visa rules apply. 90-day visa-free entry for many nationalities.
Currency & Payments
Swedish Krona (SEK). Cashless society - cards accepted everywhere. ATMs available.
Transportation
Excellent public transport. SJ trains connect cities. Consider Sweden Rail Pass.
Cultural Etiquette
Respect personal space. Punctuality important. Remove shoes in homes.
Best Times to Visit
Swedish Cuisine
Must-try: Meatballs, gravlax, surströmming (fermented herring), cinnamon buns, lingonberry jam.
Major Festivals
Midsummer (June), Lucia (Dec 13), Walpurgis Night (Apr 30), Nobel Prize Week (Dec).
Health Precautions
High hygiene standards. Tap water safe. EHIC card recommended for EU citizens.
Technology
Excellent 4G coverage. Free WiFi in many public places. Prepaid SIMs available.
Nature & Hiking
Right of public access (Allemansrätten) allows responsible access to nature.
Shopping Tips
Look for Swedish design (IKEA, H&M), Dala horses, Sami handicrafts, and glassware.
Safety & Laws
Very safe country. Strict alcohol laws (Systembolaget monopoly). No smoking indoors.