Sweden: official language, capital, head of state. Sweden. Country Description

Official name- The Kingdom of Sweden (Konungariket Sverige). Located in Northern Europe, in the eastern and southern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The area is 450 thousand km2, the population is 8.95 million people. (2003). The official language is Swedish. The capital is Stockholm (1.7 million people with suburbs, 2001). Public holiday - National Day June 6 (in 1916-83 - Swedish Flag Day). The reason for choosing this date is twofold: on June 6, 1523, Gustav Vasa was elected king, which is considered the date of the foundation of an independent Swedish state, and on June 6, 1809, new constitution established civil rights and freedoms. The monetary unit is the Swedish krona.

Member of the UN (since 1946), EU (since 1995), OECD, IMF, IBRD, EBRD, Nordic Council, etc.

Landmarks of Sweden

Geography of Sweden

It is located between 11° and 24° east longitude and 55° and 69° north latitude. It is washed from the east by the Baltic Sea and its Gulf of Bothnia, from the southwest by the Øresund, Kattegat and Skagerrak straits. The total length of the heavily indented coastline exceeds 7 thousand km. Along the entire coast there are thousands of islands forming large archipelagos. The coast is characterized by an abundance of skerries - clusters of small coastal islands and rocks. A particularly extensive skerry archipelago is located near Stockholm. The Skagerrak coast north of Gothenburg also has a significant indentation. In the Baltic Sea, Sweden owns two large islands - Gotland (3001 km2) and Öland (1344 km2). It borders with Norway in the west (1619 km), with Finland - in the northeast (586 km).

Sweden is dominated by low plateaus and hilly plains. The relatively flat relief is dotted with many lakes - there are more than 100,000 of them. 16% of the territory is covered with mountains. In the northwest, a long mountain range stretches - the Scandinavian Mountains up to 2111 m high (Mount Kebnekaise). In Central Sweden, the Central Swedish Lowland is located - the most populated and economically developed part of the country. Further south is the Småland Upland. The extreme south of the country - the Skåne peninsula - is a vast plain with fertile soils, this is the main agricultural region.

The bowels of Sweden are rich in metals and poor in mineral fuels. Swedish iron ore deposits are among the richest in the world both in terms of ore concentration and metal content. The main iron ore district, where St. 80% of all iron reserves in the country are located beyond the Arctic Circle, in Lapland. The largest deposit is Kirunavaara. Lapland ores are 2/3 metal, but contain a lot of phosphorus, so their industrial use became possible only in the con. 19th century after the discovery of the Thomas method of melting. Another iron ore region - Bergslagen, known since the Middle Ages - is located in Central Sweden. There is less ore here, but it differs in insignificant content. harmful impurities phosphorus and sulfur and has long served as the basis for the development of Swedish quality metallurgy. Among the deposits of non-ferrous metals, the most significant are located on the Norrland Plateau. These are deposits of complex sulfide ores in the Buliden-Christineberg region, containing copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver, sulfur pyrite, arsenic; deposits of lead (Leisvall) and copper (Aitik). Previously, one of the richest copper deposits in all of Europe near the city of Falun in Central Sweden was severely depleted. The reserves of uranium contained in the deposits of bituminous shale in Central Sweden are very large.

Sweden is located almost entirely, except for its extreme south, in the zone of podzolic soils. In the south of the country, especially on the Skåne peninsula, the most fertile brown forest soils on the entire Scandinavian peninsula dominate.

Thanks to the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream and the westerly winds, the climate in Sweden is milder than in other countries located at the same latitudes. Although Stockholm lies almost on the same parallel with South Greenland, the average temperature in July is approx. +18°C. In winter, the average temperature in the capital is only slightly below zero, and snowfall is moderate. In the south, there is a mild, humid climate of the marine type, with significant precipitation. The climate of the eastern regions of Central Sweden is more continental. Winters in Northern Sweden are harsh, snowy and long.

The relief and climate of the country favor the development of a dense network of rivers and lakes. The rivers flow in narrow valleys and abound with rapids and waterfalls. They are mainly used as energy sources. In terms of hydropower reserves, Sweden is second only to Norway in Western Europe. The most energy-rich rivers in northern Sweden, originating on the eastern slopes of the Scandinavian mountains, crossing the stepped Norrland Plateau and flowing into the Gulf of Bothnia. This is primarily Luleelf, Umeelf, Ongermanelven, Indalselven, Dalelven. The longest rivers are: Muonioelven - Turneelven (570 km), Dalelven (520 km), Klarelven - Geta Elv (520 km). Numerous lakes and expansions in river basins serve as natural reservoirs that regulate water flow throughout the year. Rivers and lakes occupy 9% of the total area of ​​the country. The largest of them lie in the lowland part of Central Sweden. The largest lake in Western Europe, Lake Vänern, with an area of ​​5585 km2, stands out in particular. The short but full-flowing river Geta-Elv flows out of the lake and flows into the Kattegat with a high Trollhättan waterfall. Other large lakes: Vättern (1912 km2), Mälaren (1140 km2) and Elmaren (484 km2).

The main type of vegetation is forests, covering more than 1/2 of the country's territory. In terms of forested area (54%), Sweden ranks first in Western Europe. Coniferous forests predominate, the main massifs of which are located in the north of the country. On the slopes of the mountains, they are replaced by birch forests, and even higher - by mountain tundra, occupying approx. 1/8 of the country. To the south of 60-61 ° north latitude, coniferous forests are replaced by mixed ones. Broad-leaved species appear - maple, ash, oak, linden. In the extreme south and southwest there are beech forests. Sweden ranks 1st in Western Europe in terms of timber reserves, with 90% of the total reserves accounted for by conifers. A lot of money was spent on the restoration of cut down forests. The fauna of Sweden is dominated by forest dwellers: elk, roe deer, fox, pine marten, squirrel, hare. Lynx, brown bear, wolverine are found in the taiga forests of Norrland. Wild reindeer live in the polar regions of Lapland, and European deer live in forest parks in the south of the country. Lakes, skerries and sea bays abound with wild ducks and swans that nest in the vicinity of Stockholm. The coastal waters of the Baltic Sea are rich in fish: herring, eel, cod, shrimps, lobsters live in them. In rivers and lakes there are salmon, trout, pike, perch, pike perch, burbot, bream, and in the north - grayling.

Population of Sweden

Growth rates are generally low - 0.02% (2002). Since the 1940s immigration - first from the neighboring Nordic countries and then from other regions of the world - accounted for more than 40% of the population growth. In 2002, net immigration was 0.95‰.

The birth rate in the country is low - 9.81‰ (2002). It increased in the 1980s - 90s, but then decreased again. Mortality 10.6‰, infant mortality 3.44 pers. per 1000 newborns. Life expectancy is 77 years for men and 83 years for women.

The age structure of the population: aged 0-14 years - 18%, 15-64 years - 65%, 65 years and older - 17%. There are more women than men, by about 100 thousand people, especially in old age. 85% of the population lives in the southern half of Sweden Over 80% urban population. The retirement age is 65 years. Literacy is almost complete.

Until the 2nd World War, Sweden was a country with an ethnically homogeneous population. Only the Saami (Lapps), living in the north and traditionally engaged in reindeer herding, were a significant ethnic minority. Now the Swedes are approx. 87% of the population. Approximately 1 million inhabitants are either immigrants or their descendants. These are Finns, immigrants from the former Yugoslavia, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks.

The Swedish language belongs to the northern subgroup of the Germanic group of languages. The linguistic minority are the Sami and Finns.

The dominant religion is Lutheran (87%). In the 16th century Sweden broke with catholic church, and after that the Evangelical State Church operated in the country. The first Swedish Bible was published in 1541. On January 1, 2000, the Swedish church gained an independent position and was equated with other denominations. Among the believing population there are also Catholics, Orthodox, Baptists, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists.

History of Sweden

The first man appeared on the territory of Sweden about 12 thousand years ago. However, only from the 9th c. the Scandinavians were talked about in Europe, where the Vikings began to penetrate by sea, engaging in robbery and trade. The Swedish Vikings managed to reach the Black and Caspian Seas along the Russian rivers (the path "from the Varangians to the Greeks") and trade with Byzantium and the Arabs. In the 11th and 12th centuries. Sweden begins to act as a single state. Christianity becomes the dominant religion, and in 1164 an archbishopric in Uppsala is established. The process of centralization of the state under royal authority continued for two centuries (from the middle of the 12th century). In 1397, the Danish Queen Margareta united Denmark, Norway and Sweden in the so-called. Kalmar Union under the Danish crown.

Constant strife both within the states united by the union and between them gradually led to an open conflict between the Swedes and the Danes. The final collapse of the union in the beginning. 16th century led to a series of fierce wars between Denmark and Norway, on the one hand, and Sweden and Finland, which in the 12-13 centuries. was conquered by the Swedes, on the other. The culmination was the so-called. The Stockholm bloodbath in 1520, when more than 100 famous representatives of various classes in Sweden were executed during the accession to the throne of the Danish king Christian II. This event led to an uprising, as a result of which the Danish king was deposed and the Swedish nobleman Gustav Vasa, who was elected king of Sweden in 1523, was enthroned.

Gustav Vasa, advocating Swedish sovereignty, resolutely stopped attempts to revive the Kalmar Union and carried out a number of important reforms that played a big role in the life of the country. During the reign of Gustav Vasa (1523-60) the foundations of the Swedish nation-state were laid. He breaks with Catholicism and carries out the Reformation. The head of the Swedish church was declared the king. In 1544 he introduces a hereditary monarchy (previously there was an elective one). Attempts high nobility to restore their power during the reigns of Eric XIV (1560-68), Johan III (1568-92) and Sigismund (1592-99) failed. During the reign of Charles IX (1599-1611) and Gustav II Adolf (1611-32) the monarchy strengthened its position. After the death of Gustav II Adolf in the battle of Lützen, the highest nobility managed to introduce a new Constitution - the Form of Government of 1634, according to which a number of central administrative bodies were created and part of the power passed into their hands. However, this Constitution was applied under Christina (1632-54), Charles X Gustav (1654-60) and lost its effect in 1680 under Charles XI (1660-97). After that, the nobility turned into a bureaucratic class, in everything obedient to the will of the king.

After the rupture of the Kalmar Union, Swedish foreign policy was aimed at dominance in the Baltic, which led from the 1560s. to frequent wars with Denmark. After Sweden entered the Thirty Years' War on the side of the German Protestants in 1630, Sweden under Gustav II Adolf became one of the leading European monarchies and defeated Denmark twice: in 1643-45 and 1657-58. These victories allowed Sweden to conquer the former Danish provinces of Skåne, Halland, Blekinge and Gotland and the Norwegian Bohuslän, Jämtland and Härjedalen. Finland, a number of provinces in Northern Germany (Pomerania, Bremen), Estonia, Latvia, Ingermanland (at the mouth of the Neva) also belonged to Sweden. After the Westphalian 1648 and Roskilde 1658 peace treaties with Denmark, Sweden became a great power in Northern Europe. Sweden even briefly established a colony in North America (where Delaware is now located).

However, Sweden remained a purely agrarian country with a subsistence economy (apart from small smelters and copper mining in Falun) and did not have the resources to maintain its position as a great power for a long time. In 1700, Russia, Saxony, in alliance with Poland, as well as Denmark and Norway, together opposed the strengthening of the Swedish Empire. Although the young Swedish king Charles XII (1697-1718) won victories in the first period of the Great Northern War (1700-21), nevertheless, the vast plan to force Russia to surrender by siege of Moscow turned out to be beyond his power. Defeat in Poltava battle 1709, and then the death of Charles XII during the siege of the Norwegian fortress in 1718 and the conclusion of the Nystadt peace treaty with opponents, which were later joined by England, Hanover and Prussia, put an end to the Swedish great power. Sweden lost most of the provinces on the opposite coast of the Baltic, and its territory was reduced to about modern Sweden and Finland.

The Russo-Swedish War of 1808-09 led in 1809 to the loss of Finland. Sweden also lost the last possessions in northern Germany during Napoleonic Wars. Sweden's compensation for its participation in the anti-Napoleonic coalition was the receipt of Norway, which in 1814 passed from Denmark to Sweden by decision of the Congress of Vienna. The union that annexed Norway to Sweden lasted until 1905 and was terminated at the initiative of Norway as a result of peace negotiations.

After a short war with Norway in 1814, when creating the union, Sweden no longer participated in wars and, since World War I, pursued a foreign policy of freedom from alliances in peacetime and neutrality in time of war. After the death of Charles XII and the defeat of Sweden in the Great Northern War, the Swedish Parliament - the Riksdag, has been in constant operation since the 15th century. and originating from the election of tribal elders and leaders among the Vikings, introduced a new Constitution that abolished royal absolutism and transferred power to the hands of the Riksdag. During the so-called. era of freedoms (1719-72) in Sweden there was a government formed by the dominant party in the Riksdag and responsible to the Riksdag. However, Gustav III (1771-92) limited the power of the Riksdag in a bloodless coup in 1772 and later, in 1789, restored absolutism. After the overthrow of Gustav IV Adolf (1792-1809) in a coup d'état in 1809 political development Sweden was already moving more calmly and peacefully.

In 1809 a new constitution was introduced based on the division of power. Soon the Napoleonic marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte was elected heir to the Swedish throne, and in 1818 he became King Charles XIV Johan (1818-44). His policy was conservative, but at the same time there was an influential liberal opposition. During the reign of his son Oscar I (1844-59) and grandson Charles XV (1859-72) many important events, including the introduction of compulsory education in 1842, the abolition of the guild system in 1846, the transition to free trade, the introduction of local self-government in 1862, and, finally, the parliamentary reform in 1866. The last reform replaced the one that had existed since the 15th century. a four-estate riksdag into a bicameral one.

In con. 19th century broad popular movements arose: free churches, sobriety, women and, most importantly, workers. The latter arose with the industrialization of the country and was of a reformist nature. The first representatives of the Social Democracy entered the government as early as 1917. Universal suffrage was introduced in 1909 for men and in 1921 for women. In 1932, the Social Democrats became the ruling party, put forward plans for building a welfare society, and carried them out after World War II.

State structure and political system of Sweden

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. The Constitution is in force, which entered into force on January 1, 1975. Administrative division - 21 lan: Blekinge, Värmland, Västerbotten, Västernorrland, Västmanland, Västra Götaland, Gotland, Dalarna, Gävleborg, Jämtland, Jönköping, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Norrbotten, Södermanland, Skåne, Stockholm , Uppsala, Halland, Örebro, Esterjetland.

The largest cities (thousand people): Stockholm (1700 with suburbs), Gothenburg (800), Malmö (500). The Swedish Constitution consists of 4 separate documents: the Act on the form of government, adopted in 1974, the Act on the succession to the throne, in force since 1810, the Freedom of the Press Act 1949 (originating from 1766) and the Freedom of Expression Act, which came into force in 1991. In addition Moreover, the Riksdag Act 1974 occupies an intermediate position between the Basic Law and ordinary statutory law.

The supreme body of legislative power is the Riksdag.

The highest body of executive power is the government.

The head of state - King Carl XVI Gustaf (since September 19, 1973) is endowed with purely representative or ceremonial functions and is a symbol of the Swedish state and nation.

Since 1971, the Riksdag of Sweden has been unicameral, consisting of 349 deputies elected by universal, direct, and secret suffrage once every 4 years. Residents of the country enjoy the right to vote from the age of 18. Seats in the Riksdag are allocated on a proportional basis to parties that receive at least 4% of the vote in an election. For most of the period from 1932, the Social Democratic Labor Party was in power in Sweden. Only in 1976-82 and 1991-94 bourgeois governments ruled the country. According to the results of the last elections, held on September 15, 2002, the Social Democratic Workers' Party of Sweden is represented in the Riksdag - 144 mandates, 39.8% of the total number of votes; Moderate coalition party - 55% and 15.2% respectively; People's Party - liberals - 48 and 13.3%, Christian Democrats - 33 and 9.1%; Left party - 30 and 8.3%; Center Party - 22 and 6.1%; Guard Party environment- "green" - 17 and 4.6%. The prime minister is no longer appointed by the king, but by the chairman of the Riksdag.

The most famous Swedish politician in the world was Olof Palme (1927-86). In 1969-76 and 1982-86 he was the prime minister of the country, and from 1969 until the day of his death he headed the Social Democratic Labor Party. He was killed on February 28, 1986 in the center of Stockholm. Palme's murder remains unsolved to this day.

Dag Hammarskjöld (1905-61) was Secretary General of the United Nations from 1953 until the day he died. Fulfilling his duties, he died in a plane crash over the territory of Zambia. He sought to ensure that the UN played the most active role in resolving international crises. The Swedish administrative system is characterized by the division of tasks between ministries and central administrative bodies. The central government consists of 13 small ministries (their staff does not exceed 100 people), mainly engaged in the preparation of draft laws for the government. The Council of Ministers meets once a week to approve decisions and is collectively responsible for all decisions made. Law enforcement is entrusted to 100 relatively independent central institutions and the boards of the lahns.

Until 1971, Sweden was divided into 850 communes, each of which had its own elected assembly of commissioners. The number of communes has now been reduced to 288. The rights and obligations of the communes include the construction of various structures and the provision of a wide range of services: housing and road construction, sewerage and water supply, primary and secondary education, social assistance, care for the elderly, child care, etc. . The communes have the right to levy income tax.

Between the state and communal levels there is a regional level of government. At this level, the country is divided into lans. state power represent in each lane the governor and board of the lane. Lan governors are appointed by the government for a term of 6 years and head the board of the lan. The members of the board of the Lane are appointed by the Landsting, which is elected and responsible for health care and certain types of education. Landstings collect income tax.

The political parties are well organized in the Riksdag and outside it. The Social Democratic Labor Party of Sweden, founded in 1889, is the ruling, largest in the country, is closely associated with the movement of workers' trade unions, and represents the ideas of the Swedish model of democratic socialism. The conservative Moderate coalition party was founded in 1904 (until 1969 - the Right Party), expresses the interests of large companies and top officials. The Center Party was founded in 1910 (before 1957 - the Peasant Union), expresses the interests of medium and small landowners, as well as parts of the middle and small urban bourgeoisie. The People's Party - the Liberals - was founded in 1895 (until 1990 - the People's Party), represents the interests of the large, middle and part of the petty bourgeoisie, officials. The Left Party was founded in 1917 on the basis of the left wing of the Social Democratic Party (until 1921 - the Social Democratic Left Party, in 1921 it was renamed the Communist Party, in 1967 - the Left Party - Communists, since 1990 it has its current name). The environmental protection party - "green" - founded in 1981, expresses the ideas of environmental protection. The clerical bourgeois party Christian Democrats was founded in 1964 (until 1987 - the Christian Democratic Union). Since 1966 the state has been subsidizing the political parties that have a seat in the Riksdag.

The largest organization representing business circles is the Association of Swedish Entrepreneurs, founded in 1902.

An important role in the life of Sweden is played by the trade union movement, which unites in its ranks approx. 80% of the total economically active population of the country. However, there is no single trade union center in the country. The Central Association of Trade Unions in Sweden - the largest in the country, founded in 1898, unites approx. 1.2 million people employed in leading industries, utilities and services. The Central Association of Trade Unions of Employees was formed in 1944 and unites employees in the private and public sectors. Central organization Persons with higher education was founded in 1947 and unites teachers, engineers, doctors, etc.

During both world wars, Sweden remained neutral. Thanks to this, and also due to other circumstances, she managed to stay away from hostilities. After World War II, Sweden continued its traditional policy of freedom from alliances in times of peace and neutrality in times of war, and based its security on a strong national defense system. Therefore, politically, Sweden's involvement in European affairs did not go beyond participation in the Council of Europe.

In the 1960s - 70s. Sweden's foreign policy has been focused on helping developing countries and global environmental issues, as well as supporting disarmament efforts within the UN and confidence-building measures in Europe. Support for the UN and its Charter remains one of the fundamental elements of Swedish foreign policy. Sweden allocates approx. 1% of its GDP to help developing countries.

In the 1980s The doctrine of general security, aimed at reducing armaments in Europe and supporting the idea of ​​general and complete disarmament throughout the world, has become a central element of Swedish foreign policy.

For a long time, the policy of neutrality prevented Sweden from seeking EU membership. Sweden was content with membership in a less rigidly organized EFTA. However, changes in Europe and the end of the Cold War have made it possible to reconsider this position. In July 1991, Sweden applied for admission to the EU, in November 1994 the Swedish people approved the EU in a referendum, and in January 1995 Sweden became a full member of the EU.

Sweden announced that it shares the EU's long-term goals and supports its efforts to create an economic and political union. Within the EU, Sweden is focusing on the process of EU enlargement, increased employment, greater transparency in decision-making, gender equality and tighter environmental policies.

The Swedish policy of non-participation in military alliances remains unchanged. This policy contributes to maintaining stability in Northern Europe. Sweden also makes a significant contribution to strengthening security throughout Europe through its active participation in the OSCE and the Council of Europe. Sweden is an observer in the WEU. Traditional northern cooperation is also developing within the framework of the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Sweden has traditionally pursued a free trade policy and is a supporter of an open multilateral trading system based on the principles of the GATT and implemented within the framework of the WTO.

The main function of Swedish defense policy is to maintain peace while maintaining such a degree of readiness and military strength that the losses and casualties of a possible aggressor as a result of an attempt to capture the country markedly exceed the possible gains. The armed forces of Sweden include the Land Forces, the Navy, and the Air Force. Every year, recruits aged 18 years are called up for basic training for a period of 5 to 15 months. Then they are called for retraining every 4 years. In case of war, the Armed Forces can mobilize up to 850 thousand people. The regiments of the Ground Forces in peacetime exist only for training. Sweden does not have a standing army, and the airspace and territorial waters are under constant control of the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. Military spending is 2.1% of GDP. The armed forces, built on the universal conscription of men aged 18 to 47, are being reduced. The decision of the Riksdag adopted in 2000 means a reduction in the number of military units and a simultaneous increase in their combat readiness and mobility. Military aviation is of great importance. Swedish units are in constant readiness to participate in international actions to resolve conflicts. More than 60,000 Swedish military personnel served in UN units in various parts of the world. Sweden actively participates in the NATO Partnership for Peace program and in the peacekeeping forces in the former Yugoslavia.

Sweden has diplomatic relations with Russian Federation(installed with the USSR in 1924).

Economy of Sweden

For 100 years, Sweden from a backward and one of the poorest countries in Europe, as it was in the middle. In the 19th century, where 70% of the population was employed in agriculture, it turned into one of the most developed industrial countries in the world with a high standard of living for the population. The transformation of the economy from a backward to an advanced industrial economy was facilitated by the presence of rich natural resources - iron ore, timber, hydropower, as well as talented engineers and skilled workers. In the 1870s Swedish iron ore and timber were essential for the industrial development of Europe. The expansion of Swedish exports contributed to the industrialization of the country and the growth of the urban population. On the basis of Swedish inventions, new companies in metallurgy and mechanical engineering were created and grew rapidly. With a rapidly growing population importance had emigration, especially in North America(in 1860-1930, 1.2 million Swedes left the country), which made it possible to avoid starvation and mass unemployment.

Sweden avoided participation in both world wars, which allowed it not only to maintain its production potential and labor resources, but also to significantly enrich itself in deliveries to the warring countries and in the restoration of the European economy.

For several decades after the 2nd World War, the Swedish economy continued to develop rapidly. Those were her golden years. A welfare state was built. However, in the 2nd half. 1970s and early 1990s Sweden has experienced serious economic crises. The volume of GDP was reduced, the volume of public debt increased, and in the 1990s. depreciation of the Swedish krona. The economy and public finances have undergone a rigorous reorganization. To the beginning 21st century the state budget became balanced, inflation fell and economic growth accelerated (in 1997-2000 it averaged 4%). High-tech enterprises actively developed.

In 2002, GNP increased by 1.6% and amounted to 2340 billion kroons, and per capita - 262.2 thousand kroons. Inflation - 2.4%, gross capital investment - 400 billion crowns (2002).

Sweden employs 50% of the population. This figure is high because more than 75% of women aged 16-64 are employed. Before the beginning 1990s the unemployment rate was low. However, it has grown significantly since then. In 2002, the economically active population was 4.4 million people, unemployment - 4%.

Sectoral structure of the economy: agriculture - 2%, industry - 29, services - 69 (in terms of contribution to GDP), agriculture - 2, industry - 24, services - 74% (in terms of employment).

Swedish industrial production is often based on local raw materials: timber and iron ore. Mechanical engineering enterprises, including the automotive industry, account for 40% of the total production, the woodworking and pulp and paper industries - a little over 20%, the share of the chemical industry - approx. 12%. In the 1990s pharmaceuticals, production of telecommunication equipment and automobiles developed most dynamically. Information technology is playing an increasingly important role in the economy. Sweden is one of the leading countries in this area.

Sweden's energy consumption per capita is one of the highest in the world as a result of the cold climate, the concentration of energy-intensive industry and the high standard of living. Cheap hydropower was an important factor industrial development of the country. OK. 15% of energy is provided by power plants built mainly on the rivers of Northern Sweden. St. 40% of the energy consumed in the country is provided by imports of oil, 7% - by imports of coal and coke. In 2000, electricity generation amounted to 144.6 billion kWh. HPPs produce 54% of electricity, nuclear power plants - 37%.

Agriculture plays a rather limited role in economic life. Only 8% of Sweden's territory is used in agricultural production. However, agriculture is different. high performance. Sweden satisfies St. 80% of food needs from own production, incl. almost completely in milk, meat, bread, potatoes.

Agriculture is dominated by fodder crops (barley, wheat, oats, and rye), potatoes, sugar beets, and rapeseed. Most of the crops are devoted to barley, oats and winter wheat. Under sown grasses, approx. 1/3 of cultivated land. Agriculture is characterized by its close relationship with forestry. OK. 75% of all farmers combine both activities.

The leading branch of agriculture is meat and dairy cattle breeding, which accounts for approx. 80% income. The role of meat in marketable products is constantly increasing. Of the other branches of animal husbandry, bacon and meat pig breeding are the most developed. Pork makes up more than 1/2 of the total meat production in the country.

Sweden is dominated by small family farms, and ok. 80% of farmers farm on their own land. Farmers receive their main income from the sale of dairy products and meat. OK. 40% of cultivated land is leased.

The heyday of fishing in Sweden came in the 1950s and 1st half. 1960s mainly due to the large stocks of herring in the North Sea. The depletion of fish stocks has led to a reduction in catches. Now more than 1/2 of the catch falls on herring and cod.

The total length of railways is 12,821 thousand km (of which almost 8 thousand km are electrified), motorways - 211 thousand km, gas pipelines - 88 km. Merchant fleet - 174 ships with a total displacement of 2.6 million tons. Main ports: Gothenburg, Stockholm, Malmö. By sea goes 90% foreign trade On July 1, 2000, the Oresun Bridge was opened in Sweden, connecting Malmö and Copenhagen. The country has 255 airports, 6 million telephones and approximately 4 million mobile phones, 169 television stations, 4.6 million televisions, 6.02 million Internet users (2002).

Over the past decades, Swedish trade has undergone significant changes in order to be more accommodating to consumers and their habits. Decreased noticeably total number stores (from 9.2 thousand in 1980 to 6.8 thousand in 1998). During the same period, sales increased by almost 3 times. Now more than 1/2 of the stores selling ready-made goods are open on Sundays. The self-service system has spread widely. Out-of-town self-service stores (hypermarkets) appeared, offering goods at low prices. Supermarkets, among which supermarkets stand out, have a full range of food and ready-made goods. There are large "chain" stores in selected areas. Most of the wholesale trade is carried out by independent enterprises. Cooperatives play an important role in trade.

Tight fiscal policy is aimed at stabilizing the positive balance of the state budget by approving spending ceilings and budgeting for 3 years in advance. The most important issue in economic policy Sweden remains a member of the EMU, from which it abstained in 1999 and by referendum in 2003.

In recent years, Sweden's central bank, Sveries Riksbank, has set an annual inflation target of 2% and is following the European Central Bank in terms of interest rates. Since 1992, the Swedish krona has moved to a floating rate, which has declined significantly over the next decade.

In 2002, state revenues amounted to 56.9% of GNP, expenditures - 55.5%, state budget balance - 1.4%, public debt - 52.4% of GNP, or 1235 billion crowns (2003). Government consumption amounted to 656 billion crowns (2002).

Duration of the working week - 40 hours. Paid vacation - 5 weeks. After the tax reform of 1991, the majority of employees pay only 100 crowns of state income tax (the maximum rate reaches 25%), while the communal income tax rates are approximately 31%. Corporate income tax 28%. Value added tax ranges from 6 to 25%. Employers contribute 33% and employees pay 6% to cover social costs. In addition, enterprises deduct approx. 7% for pension provision in accordance with collective agreements.

The standard of living of the population in Sweden is considered one of the highest in the world. The wages of women relative to men in Sweden are the highest in the world. The hourly wage of a worker in the private sector is 112.7 kroons, the monthly wage of an employee in the private sector is 26,180 kroons (2003). In terms of income equalization, Sweden is ahead of other countries in the world. The richest 10% of households accounted for 20% of income, the poorest 10% for 4%. Personal consumption amounted to 1139 billion crowns (2002).

Sweden's economy is closely linked to the outside world and heavily dependent on foreign trade. OK. 50% of manufactured industrial products are exported. Exports, which amounted to 1012 billion kroons in 2002, are dominated by machinery and equipment (35%), vehicles, paper, pulp, timber, ferrous metals, chemical products. 55% of exports went to the EU countries (Germany - 11%, Great Britain - 9%, Denmark - 6%, Finland - 6%), to the USA - 11%, to Norway - 9% (2001). Imports, which amounted to 871 billion kroons, are dominated by machinery and equipment, oil and oil products, chemical products, vehicles, ferrous metals, food products, clothing (2002). In 2001, 66% of imports came from EU countries (Germany - 18%, Great Britain - 9%, Denmark - 8%, the Netherlands - 7%, France - 7%), from Norway - 9%, from the USA - 7%.

In 2002, the positive balance of payments - 4.2% of GDP.

Science and culture in Sweden

Nine years of education is compulsory. Children go to school at the age of 6 or 7 years. Most children attend community schools, which are free of charge. Almost all students (98%) then continue their education at the gymnasium (3 years) according to one of the theoretical or practical training programs. Slightly more than 1/3 of gymnasium graduates enter institutes or universities. Sweden's total R&D spending is 3.8% of GDP, the most high rate among OECD countries.

In Sweden ca. 40 institutions of higher education, mostly public, and education is free. More than 100 thousand students, a large number of them over 25 years old. They already have work experience, which makes it easier for them to enter a university. OK. 1/4 of the adult population have higher education.

Among the 6 universities, the oldest is the University of Uppsala (founded in 1477), somewhat later, in 1668, the University of Lund was opened. In the 19th century opened universities in Stockholm and Gothenburg. The youngest universities are located in Umeå and Linköping. There are polytechnic institutes in Stockholm and Gothenburg. world fame received the Karolinska Medical-Surgical Institute and the Higher Trade School in Stockholm.

A wide network of public schools for adults makes it possible for adults with insufficient education to receive the same level of education as ordinary students. More than 2.5 million people annually they study at various courses and circles, formed by private educational organizations, but subsidized by the state.

The Swedish people have made a significant contribution to the development of world science and culture. The naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707-78), who founded the Royal Academy of Sciences in 1739, had a tremendous influence on the development of science in Sweden. He laid the foundations for the systematics of flora and fauna. His contemporary astronomer and physicist Anders Celsius (1701-44) created the oldest astronomical observatory in Sweden and introduced the centigrade scale for thermometers. A great contribution to the development of chemistry was made by Jöns Jakob Berzelius (1779-1848), who developed electrochemical and atomistic theories and created scientific mineralogy, and Svante Arrhenius (1859-1927), who created the theory of electrolytic dissociation and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1903. Alfred Nobel (1833-96) invented dynamite, which brought him fame and fortune. Nobel donated the bulk of his fortune to the foundation, from which the Nobel Prizes are awarded annually. The awards are presented in Stockholm and Oslo on December 10, the day of the scientist's death.

In the history of technology, the names of Jon Eriksson (1803-89), the designer of the first ship propellers, steamships and steam locomotives, and the engineer Carl Gustav Laval (1845-1913), who invented the steam turbine and separator, are known.

In the history of Swedish art, a special place belongs to the work of the poet, composer and singer of the 18th century. Carl Mikael Belman (1740-95). The poet's birthday is celebrated every summer with festivities in the Haga and Skansen parks. In literature, the name of the romantic poet of the 1st floor is widely known. 19th century Esaias Tegner (1782-1846). The masterpiece of his work is the poem "The Saga of Fridtjof", written on the plot of the ancient Scandinavian saga. August Strindberg (1849-1912) - colossus of Swedish literature. His extensive creative heritage covers a variety of genres of art. Outside of Sweden, he is best known as an author of dramatic works. Romantic and folklore motifs fill the works of Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940), who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909. Her most famous novel is The Saga of Este Berling. The book “Nils' Amazing Journey with Wild Geese” written for children received worldwide fame. This book is a hymn to the nature and people of Sweden. Wilhelm Muberg (1898-1973) was called a classic of Swedish literature during his lifetime, whose fame was brought by epic novels about Swedish emigration to America. Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002) was one of the most famous Swedes in the world. Her books for children have been translated into more than 60 languages, and 40 films have been made based on them. Carlson, who lives on the roof, and Pippi Longstocking have won the love of children all over the world.

In the fine arts of Sweden, Anders Zorn (1860-1920) clearly stands out, whose paintings reproduce scenes of rural life and nature in the province of Dalarna. The most famous sculptor is Carl Milles (1875-1955). In the park-museum, located in the Stockholm suburb of Lidingo, where he lived, worked and was buried, dozens of his sculptural ensembles are collected. Among them stand out directed to the sky "Man and Pegasus" and "Hand of the Creator". He created a gallery of prominent statesmen of Sweden.

Sweden has made a significant contribution to world cinema. Ingmar Bergman (born 1918) is a theater and film director. During 1946-82 he created 40 films. The film "Smile of a Summer Night" brought him worldwide fame. The last film was Fanny and Alexander. Bergman continues to work in the theater. The "divine" Greta Garbo (1905-90) made her Hollywood debut in 1926. Her beauty and voice made her one of the most popular and attractive actresses in the world. Ingrid Bergman (1915-82) arrived in Hollywood at the beginning of 1940s Her most famous film is Casablanca. She received three Oscars for her roles.

Jussi Björling (1911-60) was one of the world's leading tenors. He made his debut at the Stockholm Opera when he was not yet 20 years old. ABBA in the 1970s marked the beginning of an era of international recognition for Swedish pop music, which has become an important export item for the country. When ABBA ceased to exist in 1982, the number of records sold by them reached 250 million copies.

Björn Borg (born 1956) was named the most popular Swedish athlete of the 20th century, he entered the history of tennis by winning the Wimbledon tournament 5 times in a row. Among other athletes, skier Ingemar Stenmark can be distinguished. Swedish national teams achieved great success in ice hockey and bandy, tennis and table tennis, football and other sports.

Useful data for tourists about Sweden, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Sweden, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Sweden.

Geography of Sweden

The Kingdom of Sweden is a state in Northern Europe, a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement. It borders on Norway and Finland. It is washed by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. In the south, the Øresund, Kattegat and Skagerrak straits separate Sweden from Denmark. Sweden consists of two large islands in the Baltic Sea - Gotland and Öland.

The relief of the country is elevated, the northwestern part of the country is mountainous (the highest point is Mount Kebnekaise, 2111 m) and is framed from the east by a vast plateau, in the south the relief is more even and abounds in rivers and lakes (almost 90 thousand reservoirs in the country). The coastline is heavily indented and replete with skerries and island groups.

State

State structure

A constitutional monarchy, in reality - a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the king. The legislature is a unicameral parliament (Riksdag). The head of government is the prime minister.

Language

Official language: Swedish

English is widely accepted in the tourism industry.

Religion

The majority of the population are Lutherans, Protestants and representatives of other Christian denominations.

Currency

International name: SEK

The Swedish krona is equal to 100 øre. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 kroons and coins of 10, 5, 1 kroon and 50 er. From January 1, 2005, old Swedish kronas in 20, 100 or 500 kroner, as well as coins in 50 øre, are withdrawn from circulation.

A characteristic feature is the widespread rounding of prices to 0.5 crowns. Currency can be exchanged at exchange offices, as well as in hotels, large supermarkets, at the post office or at banks, but usually the exchange rate there is somewhat lower, and the commission is higher than in exchange offices. In some exchange offices, the cost of the service is expressed as a percentage of the exchange amount ("commission"), in others a fixed fee for the transaction is set regardless of the amount ("fee"). The exchange rate and the amount of the commission should always be posted in front of the exchange office. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted everywhere.

History of Sweden

The earliest evidence of human presence on the territory of modern Sweden is a site found near Malmö and dates back to 8000 BC. The Bronze Age (1800-500 BC) left evidence of trade links with Central Europe and the British Isles, evidence high development arts and crafts. Iron Age, from the VI century. BC, marked by contacts with the Celts in Europe. Period from the 1st to the 6th centuries. AD Scandinavian historians call the Roman Iron Age. This is a time of close ties between Sweden and the Roman Empire.

Early Middle Ages (VI - IX centuries AD) - the period of formation of the Swedish state. According to the researchers, it was formed as a result of the fact that the Svei tribe, who lived on Lake Mälaren in Central Sweden (now the historical region of Svealand), conquered other local tribes, including the Getae, who inhabited the province of Gotaland, located to the south.

Around 800, the first Swedish city of Birka was founded on Lake Mälaren, which quickly became one of the major trading centers in the Baltic; trade links extended as far as Byzantium and the Arab Caliphate in the east and the Frankish state in the west. This is where the Viking campaigns began. Detachments of adventurers - merchants and sea robbers (in Scandinavian "Viking" - an inhabitant of the bays, trading in the bays), received the name "Normans" ("Northern people") in Western Europe, in Russia and Byzantium - "Varangians", in Finland - "ruotsi" (hence many researchers deduce the name of Russia, since the well-known princes in our homeland were precisely the Scandinavians - Rurik and his descendants), raided their neighbors who inhabited the southeastern coast of the Baltic Sea and the shores of the Gulf of Finland. VIII - X centuries. were a period of rapid expansion that led to colonization and the creation of a vast Viking domain.

By the middle of the XII century. Sweden became a single state under the rule of the king. Several rulers managed to replace each other before, as a result of the conquest of part of Sweden by the Danes in 1387, Queen Margarita of Denmark was on the throne. Since she was also the ruler of Norway, the three countries were united under the Danish crown. This association, called the Kalmar Union, collapsed after a century and a half under the pressure of the active resistance of the Swedes. The nobleman Gustav Vasa (or Vasa), who proved himself in the struggle for independence, was elected king of Sweden in 1523. During his reign, the country became a strong unified monarchy. On his initiative in 1544; The traditional election of kings was abolished, and from that moment on, the crown could only be inherited.

During the XVI - XVII centuries. Sweden led an active military policy. The period of numerous wars with Russia and Denmark for dominance in the Baltic was a period of endless victories and defeats. The capture of the territory of Ingermanland, Estonia, Livonia, Poland, as well as part of German lands by the end of the 17th century. turned Sweden into huge empire. Attempts to expand further led to its collapse. As a result of the complete defeat of the Swedes by Peter I near Poltava and the defeat in the Northern War of 1700-1721. Sweden lost its German possessions and gave Russia its Baltic provinces and Western Karelia, including the fortress of Vyborg. The Finnish war between Sweden and Russia (1808-1809) ended with the complete defeat of the Swedish army. Russia occupied not only all of Finland, but also part of Northern Sweden.

In 1809, after the death of Charles XIII, who had no children, the reigning family of Goldstein-Gottorp, which was destined to become the last Swedish royal dynasty, ceased to exist. Sweden again faced the problem of choosing the heir to the throne. In the context of the outbreak of war between France and England, in order to maintain the neutrality that Sweden tried to adhere to after the conclusion of peace in 1809, and in order to avoid a war with Napoleon, the best political decision was to elect the king of the French marshal Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, who, according to some sources, was the adopted son of Charles XIII. He received the name Karl XIV Johan.

Contrary to the hopes of the Swedes with his help to win back Finland from Russia, the new king went to rapprochement with Tsar Alexander I. The last military actions of the Swedes were short wars with Denmark and Norway for the accession of Norway to Sweden (Swedish-Norwegian Union - 1814-1905). Since 1814, Sweden did not participate in hostilities. During the First World War, Sweden declared neutrality, managing to maintain it during the Second.

In 1952 Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland formed the Nordic Council. In 1995, Sweden became a full member of the European Union, thus declaring that the leading principle of neutrality in foreign policy was replaced by an orientation towards pan-European cooperation.

The earliest evidence of human presence on the territory of modern Sweden is a site found near Malmö and dates back to 8000 BC. The Bronze Age (1800-500 BC) left evidence of trade relations with Central Europe and the British Isles, evidence of the high development of art and craft. Iron Age, from the VI century. BC, marked by contacts with the Celts in Europe. Period from the 1st to the 6th centuries. AD Scandinavian historians call the Roman Iron Age. This is a time of close ties between Sweden and the Roman Empire....

Popular Attractions

Tourism in Sweden

Where to stay

In Sweden, you can stay in a hotel of one of the world's famous chains, as well as in a typical "Scandinavian" hotel. The classification of hotels is five-star, according to the principle adopted in the Baltic countries: hotels are certified on a voluntary basis.

It is worth noting that Sweden has the most expensive hotels in Europe. The most expensive are hotels located in ancient manors and palaces. Here you will be offered a truly royal holiday at quite appropriate prices. Such castles, as a rule, are located in a rural picturesque area, they have golf courses, magnificent gardens, elite restaurants and wine cellars. More affordable, but no less comfortable, will be accommodation in an estate or a noble estate. Another popular type of outdoor recreation is accommodation in one of the cottages or cottages.

For lovers of recreation on wheels in Sweden there are more than 750 campsites, one of the most comfortable in Europe. Campsites are rated from one to three stars; here you can stay both in a tent and in a rented house. Campsites often have restaurants, laundries, saunas, sports grounds, rental bikes, boats.

Hostels operate throughout Sweden, most of which are open during the summer or winter season. Many hostels include breakfast in the price. B&B hotels are usually a small rural house with rooms for guests.

Usually hotels in Sweden are as practical as possible and without any frills. However, all the details are carefully thought out, since the state also takes part in the functioning of each hotel - this has a positive effect on the service.

Office Hours

Banks are open on weekdays from 9.30 am to 3 pm (sometimes until 6 pm), some banks in the center of Stockholm - from 9 am to 5.30 pm, but on Friday they close earlier. Exchange offices are open seven days a week at airports, train stations, marinas and post offices. ATMs operate around the clock.

Shops are open on weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00, on Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00, on Sundays from 12:00 to 16:00.

Purchases

VAT on goods is 25%. You can get a partial refund of VAT (for tourists from countries outside the EU, it is 14%) using the "tax-free" system on purchases of goods over $50. To do this, when registering the goods, you must present a passport and receive a special export check. It is necessary to take out the purchase within 30 days from the date of purchase, while at a special office of the airport, upon presentation of a check and unpacked goods, a refund is issued (in some cases it is sent by bank transfer to the place of residence).

Wealthy Swedes now travel all over the world. They reached Thailand, Vietnam and New Zealand. Meanwhile, more and more tourists come to Sweden every year than before. Sweden has a long history, in which the Vikings and King Charles XII left a big mark. In this country, you can walk along the amazing medieval streets, take a sea cruise along the coastal waters, fish in Swedish rivers and lakes rich in fish, and, of course, go skiing at local upscale ski resorts.

Sweden is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula, in northern Europe. Sweden borders Finland in the northeast and Norway in the west. The south and east of the country is washed by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. The Øresund, Skagerrak and Kattegat straits separate Sweden from neighboring Denmark. The total territory of Sweden, including the islands, is 229,964 square kilometers, and the total length of the border is 2,333 km.

About 65% of Sweden is covered by forests. In the north of Sweden, where there are a lot of low mountains, there are taiga forests. In the west of the country there are the Scandinavian mountains, which stretch across the entire peninsula for 1,700 kilometers. The highest peak in Sweden is Mount Kebnekaise (2111 m).

There are many rivers in Sweden, the longest of which are Kalix Elf, Tourne Elf, Ume Elf and Skellefte Elf. A significant part of the Swedish territory is occupied by lakes (Venern, Vättern, Elmaren, Mälaren).

The capital of Sweden is Stockholm, which is now home to more than 900 thousand people. In the early Middle Ages, there was a small fishing village on the site of modern Stockholm.

The official language in Sweden is Swedish, belonging to the Scandinavian group of the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family.

Over 71% of Swedes are Lutherans (Protestants) belonging to the Church of Sweden. However, only about 2% of Swedes go to church every week.

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy in which the head of state, according to the Constitution, is the King.

Executive power in Sweden is vested in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers. Legislative power belongs to the unicameral parliament - the Riksdag (349 deputies).

The main political Swedish parties are the Liberal People's Party, the Center Party, the Christian Democrats, the Swedish Democrats, and the Social Democrats.

Sweden is located in the northern latitudes, but in this Scandinavian country the climate is temperate with three pronounced climatic zones:

Oceanic climate in the south;
- Humid continental climate in the central part of the country;
- Subarctic climate in the north.

The temperate Swedish climate is due to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream. In the southern and central regions of Sweden, the average air temperature ranges from +20C to +25C in summer and from -2C to +2C in winter.

The air temperature in the northern part of the country is colder. Already in September, in northern Sweden, the air temperature drops below 0C.

Average air temperature in Stockholm:

January - -3C
- February - -3C
- March - 0C
- April - +5C
- May - +11С
- June - +16C
- July - +18C
- August - +17C
- September - +112C
- October - +8C
- November - +3C
- December - -1С

In the east, Sweden is washed by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. General coastline Sweden is 3,218 km.

Average sea temperature in Stockholm:

January – +3C
- February - +2C
- March - +2С
- April - +3С
- May - +6С
- June - +11С
- July - +16C
- August - +17С
- September - +14С
- October - +10C
- November - +7C
- December - +5C

There are a lot of rivers in Sweden, the longest of which are Kalix Elv (450 km), Skelleft Elv (410 km) and Tourne Elv (565 km) in the north, and Ume Elv (460 km) in the central part of the country.

A significant part of the Swedish territory is occupied by lakes (Venern, Vättern, Elmaren, Mälaren).

Many tourists come to Sweden to go fishing. Salmon, trout, salmon, pike, brown trout, perch and grayling are found in large numbers in Swedish rivers and lakes. But, of course, in Sweden they also fish in the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea.

For the first time, the Swedes as a nation were mentioned in 98 AD. ancient Roman historian Tacitus. By the 7th century, Viking military squads were formed in Sweden, who set off to conquer new lands with the hope of getting rich. The expansion of the Swedish Vikings was directed to the territory of modern Finland, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and further to Constantinople and Baghdad.

Historians still cannot say exactly when the Kingdom of Sweden was formed, and who became its first king.

Christianity appeared in Sweden in 829, but paganism had a strong position among the Swedes until the 12th century.

In the years 1100-1400, Sweden was characterized by an internal struggle for power with numerous wars. In 1335, the Swedish king Magnus Erikson abolished slavery in the country.

The "father" of the modern Swedish nation is considered to be King Gustav I of Sweden, who in the first half of the 16th century broke the Hanseatic League's monopoly on trade in the Baltic Sea. From this time begins the "golden age" of Sweden. It can be rightfully said that already in the 17th century Sweden became an influential European state.

In the era of its "golden age" Sweden conquers several German principalities and invades Poland, and then Russia and Ukraine. In the end, the Swedish Emperor Charles XII is defeated by the Russian troops of Peter I near Poltava. This marked the beginning of the end of the Swedish empire. According to the Peace of Nystad in 1721, Sweden gave up most of the conquered territories.

In 1809, Russia managed to conquer Finland, which was then considered eastern Sweden.

During the two world wars of the 20th century, Sweden remained neutral. In general, the last time Swedish soldiers participated in the war was in 1814. True, now Sweden is sending peacekeepers to the "hot spots" of the world.

In 1946, Sweden was admitted to the UN, and in 1995 this country joined the EU.

Sweden in the Middle Ages dominated the Scandinavian Peninsula for a long time. This means that Swedish culture had a noticeable influence on the traditions and customs of neighboring countries. However, the Swedes also borrowed a lot from the cultures of Finland, Denmark and Norway.

For foreigners, Swedish traditions may seem mysterious and somewhat strange.

Many Swedish traditions are religious in nature (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost), while others are associated with the seasons (Walpurgis Night, Advent and Lucia).

Now Sweden also celebrates Waffle Day (“Waffle Day”) and Cinnamon Bun Day (“Cinnamon Bun Day”) every year.

The main products of Swedish cuisine are fish (especially herring), seafood, meat, potatoes, cheese. Mushrooms, game and berries play a large part in Swedish cuisine, but this is not surprising given that forests cover a large area in this country. The favorite traditional dish of the Swedes is meatballs, served with boiled potatoes and sauce. In the north of Sweden, the fish dish "urströmming" is popular.

The traditional alcoholic drink in Sweden (as in other Scandinavian countries) is Aquavit, which is usually 40% ABV.

Over the centuries, Sweden has accumulated a large number of attractions. Therefore, we advise tourists to visit Sweden to see:

1. Ales Stones
2. Uppsala Cathedral
3. Drottningholm Palace
4. Fortress Karlsten
5. Uppsala Castle
6. Royal Palace in Stockholm
7. Kingdom of Crystal
8. Vasa Museum in Stockholm
9. Hallands Kulturhistoriska Museum in Gothenburg
10. Kalmar Castle

The largest Swedish cities are Gothenburg, Uppsala, Malmö, and, of course, Stockholm.

Sweden has many excellent ski resorts. The skiing season is from December to April.

The top ten Swedish ski resorts include, in our opinion, the following:

1. Salen
2. Vemdalen
3. Branas
4. Tarnaby-Hemavan
5. Idre Fjall
6. Funasdalsfjällen
7. Tarnaby
8. Abisko National Park
9. Riksgransen

Tourists from Sweden usually bring reindeer skins, salted liquorice, cheese, handicrafts, ceramics, chocolate and sweets, silver and gold Jewelry, linens, tablecloths, etc.

Sweden or Kingdom of Sweden- a state in Northern Europe, located in the eastern and southern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula.

In terms of area (449,964 km²), Sweden ranks third among the countries of Western Europe and fifth among the countries of all of Europe. In the west, Sweden borders on Norway (the length of the border is 1619 km), in the northeast - on Finland (614 km), and from the east and south it is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. The total length of the borders is 2,333 km. In the south, the Øresund, Kattegat and Skagerrak straits separate Sweden from Denmark.

Sweden consists of two large islands in the Baltic - Gotland and Öland.

The highest point in Sweden is Mount Kebnekaise, 2111 m. Most of the country is covered with forests (53%), according to this indicator, Sweden ranks first in Europe. About 10% of the country is occupied by lakes. The largest of them - Vänern (5,545 sq. km) and Vättern (1,898 sq. km) - are located in the south of the country.

Climate in Sweden

The peculiarities of the location of the Scandinavian Mountains, which play a barrier role in relation to moist air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean, as well as a significant meridional extent, make the climate of Sweden very diverse.

The climate in the southern and eastern parts of the country, thanks to the warm current of the Gulf Stream, is temperate, maritime, transitional to continental. The average temperature in January is from -15 °C to -3 °C, in July - from 10 °C to 17 °C. Humid maritime air masses from the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea often bring quite changeable weather with precipitation and winds, especially in the off-season.

In the north and east, in the mountainous regions of the country beyond the Arctic Circle, the climate is subarctic. In the mountains, the average January temperature reaches -14 ... -16 ° C, and in July from 6 ° C to 8 ° C. Most of this area is covered by glaciers.

Population

The population of Sweden is 9,354,426 (2010). Life expectancy: men: 78.59 years, women: 83.26 years - 9th in the world. Urban population - 85%.

Despite the traditional Swedish predominance in the population, the modern population of Sweden is quite racially and ethnically diverse due to a new wave of political and economic immigration from developing countries.

The population of the country is actually divided into two large groups: autochthonous and immigrant. Among the indigenous peoples, the Swedes and even more ancient inhabitants of the northern regions - the Finno-Ugric tribes (Finns and Saami) stand out. Ethnic Swedes are of German origin and make up about 7.5 million people. In addition to the Swedes, more than 17 thousand Saami live in the far north of Sweden. More than 50 thousand native Finns live along the border with Finland, which was once part of the Kingdom of Sweden, and in the central regions of the country there are over 450 thousand ethnic Finns who immigrated to the country during the 20th century, as well as their descendants.

At the same time, a significant Swedish minority (about 300 thousand people or 6% of the population) has been living in Finland itself for several centuries, historically more powerful than the Finnish in Sweden. Swedish is the second state language in Finland, but Finnish is used very limitedly in Sweden and has no official status at the state level.

Religion

The majority of the population of Sweden (82%) belongs to the Church of Sweden - the Lutheran church, separated from the state in 2000. There are also Catholics, Orthodox and Baptists. Part of the Saami profess animism.

As a result of immigration, numerous Muslim communities that profess Islam have appeared in the country.

The de facto language is Swedish, belonging to the group of Germanic languages ​​(Scandinavian subgroup) of the Indo-European family, related to Norwegian and Danish, from which it differs in pronunciation and spelling. The country, however, does not have an official language - since Swedish occupies a dominant position, the question of recognizing it as official has never been raised. Most Swedes speak excellent English.

The recognized minority languages ​​are Sami, Meänkieli, Finnish, Gypsy and Yiddish. The first three of them can be used in state and municipal institutions, courts, kindergartens and nursing homes in some parts of Norrbotten county.

Currency

The country's monetary unit is the Swedish krona (SEK), equal to 100 øre. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 kroons, as well as coins in denominations of 50 ere, 1, 5 and 10 kroons.

In Sweden, unlike most other countries, it is most profitable to exchange currency at exchange offices. Banks have a rather high fee, not the most favorable rate.

Major credit cards are accepted throughout Sweden at banks, hotels, shops, restaurants, taxis, car rental companies, to pay for railway and air tickets, as well as tickets for passenger ships. You can withdraw cash from Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus cards at any ATM of the Bankomat or Minuten system. You can withdraw cash from your American Express card at currency exchange offices. FOREX systems.

Bank opening hours

Weekdays, except Thursday, from 10.00 to 15.00. Thursday from 10.00 to 16.00 or 17.30. In some cities, banks may be open until 18.00. All banks are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Communication and communications

Phone code: 46

Internet domain: .se

Firefighters, police or ambulance: 112

Phone codes of cities

Stockholm - 8, Gothenburg - 31, Malmö - 40

How to call

To call from Russia to Sweden, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 46 - area code - subscriber number.

To call from Sweden to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Fixed line

In Sweden, pay phones are common, accepting special telephone cards, as well as credit cards. Phone cards can be purchased almost anywhere, from newsstands and Pressbyrån kiosks to supermarkets.

mobile connection

Cell phones widespread in Sweden. You can connect to TeliaSonera, Tele2, and Telenor networks.

In the southern regions of Sweden, almost the entire territory is in the mobile coverage area, with the exception of a limited number of areas where reception is difficult. In northern Sweden mobile connection secured along the coast and major highways. Mobile phones cannot always be used in emergencies, because in the mountains, for example, there is no reception.

All operators offer the opportunity to buy prepaid mobile communication cards.

Post offices operate approximately the same hours as shops (from 9.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 10.00 to 13.00 on Saturdays), although some offices may have a different schedule. Postage stamps are sold at all post offices and at most kiosks selling printed matter.

In most localities of the country, postal services are also provided at grocery stores, tobacconists and petrol stations.

Shopping in Sweden

In Sweden, it is worth buying glass and crystal products, as well as ceramics. If possible, you should definitely visit the glass shops of Småland - Orreforse, Costa Bode.

Everywhere in Sweden, even in the smallest villages, you can find handicraft shops, knitwear, embroidery, wooden figurines. In Sweden, annual traditional fairs are held, which attract thousands of visitors.

The inscriptions REA, Fynd and Extrapris mean a discount.

Shop opening hours

Weekdays from 10.00 to 18.00. Saturday from 9.30 to 14.00 or 16.00. In large cities, department stores are open until 19.00 and later. Some shops are open on Sundays from 12.00 to 16.00. Grocery stores are open daily, usually until 20:00, and some even longer.

On the eve of public holidays, shops usually operate on a Saturday schedule.

VAT and tax-free

Persons residing outside the European Union (EU) are eligible for a tax refund on goods purchased in Sweden. In Sweden, as in most European countries, value added tax is included in the selling price of the goods indicated on the price tag. The duty-free system, organized by the Global Refund network, allows the tourist to receive a tax refund in cash at the time of departure from the EU. The tax refund on purchases is 12 - 17.5%, with a minimum purchase amount of 200 SEK.

When buying, you need to present your passport and ask for a special check for a tax refund (Global Refund Cheque). The goods will be given in a sealed package, which cannot be opened until an export permit is received. The goods must be exported from the country within three months from the date of purchase. When leaving Sweden or the last country of the itinerary within the European Union, a passport, goods in sealed packaging and tax refund checks must be presented, after which an export permit (stamp) can be obtained. They give permission for export and pay the checks presented by the tax refund office. They are available at points of departure from Sweden, Finland and Norway, as well as at Copenhagen Airport.

Where to stay

Hotels in Sweden do not have an official classification. All the "stars" that can be seen in the catalogs of operators and on travel sites reflect only the subjective assessment of their authors. Service in hotels of a good "European" level, the staff is very friendly, but somewhat slow.

Hotels and apartments in ski resorts are being built in alpine style, many apartments (90% of them with a sauna). World and Scandinavian "chains" are widespread in the country.

Swedish tourist houses or youth hostels

Swedish tourist homes are spread throughout the country, including the mountainous regions. They offer excellent amenities at low prices. Everyone is welcome here. More than 300 tourist houses are united by the Swedish Tourist Club. Members of this club or the Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) may receive discounted accommodation.

The average price ranges from 100 to 200 CZK per night. For children, a 50% discount is provided, provided that the parents have an international youth hostel card or an appropriate other.

Many of the tourist camps are open all year round. Here you will be offered a variety of accommodation options from simple cabins to fully equipped self-catering cottages. It is possible to stay in youth hostels. It remains only to choose from the many smaller and larger campsites scattered throughout Sweden, the one that will appeal to you more than others.

Sea and beaches

Malmö is the only major city in Northern Europe that boasts its own beach in the city center - and a very good one at that, having received the international Blue Flag award for its clear waters. This is the classic Ribbersborg beach, 2.5 km long, which is often called the "Scandinavian Copacabana".

On warm summer days, the beach is filled with sun worshipers, mostly families. There is a place for everyone on Ribbersborg Beach - there is a nudist beach, an area for dogs, and an equipped swimming area for the disabled. A local landmark leading to the classic cold bath, Ribbersborg Pier is one of several piers for swimmers who don't want to walk the shallow water halfway to Denmark.

In recent years, Ribbersborg Beach has come under fierce competition from a new deep sea bath in the new urban area of ​​Västra hamnen (Western Harbour). The wooden decks, strewn with lounge chairs, are reminiscent of the Côte d'Azur. Here the people are usually younger and more stylish, people come here to meet friends, show themselves and fearlessly dive from high piers.

If you want to get out of Malmö, there are many fantastically beautiful beaches in these places, more than we can mention here, located within an hour's drive from the city. A beautiful beach in the stylish Skanör Falsterbo, a superb and cozy resort ideal for strolling, this is the closest of many classic beaches, some of which are about twenty minutes drive from the center of Malmö. In a 45 minute drive you can reach beaches longer and wider than you would ever expect to find in these latitudes, with sand so fine and clean it creaks under your feet. The beaches of Ljunghusen, Stenhammaren, Åhus, Stenshuvud in the famous National Park - the list of wonderful beaches in the province of Skåne is endless.

History of Sweden

Primitive hunters and fishermen began to appear within present-day Sweden and move deeper and deeper north during the era of melting glaciers that had covered the Scandinavian Peninsula for many thousands of years. The earliest evidence of human presence on the territory of modern Sweden is a site found near Malmö and dates back to 8000 BC.

The settlements, where agriculture and cattle breeding were already the basis of human existence, date back to the late Stone Age (2500-1800 BC). Rock paintings, caves, and burial mounds have survived from this time.

The Bronze Age (1800-500 BC) left evidence of trade relations with Central Europe and the British Isles, evidence of the high development of art and craft.

Iron Age, from the VI century. BC, marked by contacts with the Celts in Europe. Period from the 1st to the 6th centuries. AD Scandinavian historians call the Roman Iron Age. This is a time of close ties between Sweden and the Roman Empire.

Early Middle Ages (VI - IX centuries AD) - the period of formation of the Swedish state. According to the researchers, it was formed as a result of the fact that the Svei tribe, who lived on Lake Mälaren in Central Sweden (now the historical region of Svealand), conquered other local tribes, including the Getae, who inhabited the province of Gotaland, located to the south.

Around 800, the first Swedish city of Birka was founded on Lake Mälaren, which quickly became one of the major trading centers in the Baltic; trade links extended as far as Byzantium and the Arab Caliphate in the east and the Frankish state in the west.

This is where the Viking campaigns began. Detachments of adventurers - merchants and sea robbers (in Scandinavian "Viking" - an inhabitant of the bays, trading in the bays), received the name "Normans" ("Northern people") in Western Europe, in Russia and Byzantium - "Varangians", in Finland - "ruotsi" (hence many researchers deduce the name of Russia, since the well-known princes in our homeland were precisely the Scandinavians - Rurik and his descendants), raided their neighbors who inhabited the southeastern coast of the Baltic Sea and the shores of the Gulf of Finland. VIII - X centuries. were a period of rapid expansion that led to colonization and the creation of a vast Viking domain.

From the Middle Ages, when a busy trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks" developed, Russian-Swedish relations originate. The peaceful trade of neighboring states did not stop their stubborn struggle for the Baltic lands.

In 1240, the Swedes sent their fleet under the command of Jarl (Duke) Birger to the mouth of the Neva to capture Staraya Ladoga and Novgorod with its possessions, but were defeated by the squad of Prince Alexander Yaroslavich, who received the nickname Nevsky. By the end of the XIII century. The Swedish state subjugated the Finnish lands, the border with Russia passed along the Neva River. The city of Vyborg was founded (a Swedish fortress still towers over the city today).

By the middle of the XII century. Sweden became a single state under the rule of the king. Several rulers managed to replace each other before, as a result of the conquest of part of Sweden by the Danes in 1387, Queen Margarita of Denmark was on the throne. Since she was also the ruler of Norway, the three countries were united under the Danish crown.

This association, called the Kalmar Union, collapsed after a century and a half under the pressure of the active resistance of the Swedes. The nobleman Gustav Vasa (or Vasa), who proved himself in the struggle for independence, was elected king of Sweden in 1523. During his reign, the country became a strong unified monarchy. On his initiative in 1544; The traditional election of kings was abolished, and from that moment on, the crown could only be inherited.

Often in its history, Sweden has pursued an active military policy. The period of numerous wars with Russia and Denmark for dominance in the Baltic was a period of endless victories and defeats. The capture of the territory of Ingermanland, Estonia, Livonia, Poland, as well as part of German lands by the end of the 17th century. turned Sweden into a huge empire. Attempts to expand further led to its collapse. As a result of the complete defeat of the Swedes by Peter I near Poltava and the defeat in the Northern War of 1700-1721. Sweden lost its German possessions and gave Russia its Baltic provinces and Western Karelia, including the fortress of Vyborg. The Finnish war between Sweden and Russia (1808-1809) ended with the complete defeat of the Swedish army. Russia occupied not only all of Finland, but also part of Northern Sweden.

In 1809, after the death of Charles XIII, who had no children, the reigning family of Goldstein-Gottorp, which was destined to become the last Swedish royal dynasty, ceased to exist. Sweden again faced the problem of choosing the heir to the throne.

In the context of the outbreak of war between France and England, in order to maintain the neutrality that Sweden tried to adhere to after the conclusion of peace in 1809, and in order to avoid a war with Napoleon, the best political decision was to elect the king of the French marshal Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, who, according to some sources, was the adopted son of Charles XIII. He received the name Karl XIV Johan. A curiosity in the history and fate of the king himself is a discovery that shocked his contemporaries: after the death of Bernadotte, a poorly etched tattoo "Death to Kings" was found on his body.

Contrary to the hopes of the Swedes with his help to win back Finland from Russia, the new king went for rapprochement with Tsar Alexander I.

The last military operations of the Swedes were short wars with Denmark and Norway for the annexation of Norway to Sweden (Swedish-Norwegian Union - 1814-1905). Since 1814, Sweden did not participate in hostilities. During the First World War, Sweden declared neutrality, managing to maintain it during the Second.

In 1946 Sweden became a member of the UN.

In 1952 Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland formed the Nordic Council.

In 1995, Sweden became a full member of the European Union, thus declaring that the leading principle of neutrality in foreign policy was replaced by an orientation towards pan-European cooperation.

The Swedish state is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. King Carl XVI Gustaf, as head of state, performs only ceremonial functions. The throne will be inherited by the eldest child of the royal family - Crown Princess Victoria. All political functions of state administration are entrusted to the unicameral Rigsdag parliament, in which about 50% of the deputies are women.

Swedish homeless Kurt Degerman left behind a fortune of more than a million dollars. The story took place in the town of Skelleftea. In local beggarly circles, Degerman was known by the nickname "Kurt the Tin." His life was no different from the lives of other homeless people. He ate the remnants of fast food, which he found in the garbage. That's where he found his clothes. Most of the time he collected cans of beer and other drinks, which he subsequently rented. Unlike other homeless people, Kurt did not spend the money he earned on alcohol and drugs, but kept it for investment. As it turned out after Degerman's death, he preferred to invest in the shares of the best companies in Sweden.

Kurt Degerman died of a heart attack in the fall of 2008 at the age of 60. Before that, he made a will in which he bequeathed all his property to a cousin who sometimes visited him. The Swedish press does not disclose the name of the relative.

When the will came into force, to the surprise of all Degerman's acquaintances, it turned out that after himself he left 8 million crowns ($1.1 million) as shares and other securities in a Swiss bank account. In addition, Degerman kept 124 gold bars worth 2.6 million crowns ($300,000) in a safe deposit box. In addition, the homeless man had $6,500 in Skelleftea's bank account, while Degerman kept only about $450 in cash in his house.

According to the cousin of the deceased, he was able to become a financial genius by regularly reading newspapers. “He went to the library every day because he didn't buy any press,” Degerman's relative said. “There he read Swedish Business Daily and Dagens Industri – so he was thoroughly aware of the processes on the stock exchange.”

After Degerman's death, his cousin failed to inherit the beggar's entire fortune. The uncle of the deceased intervened in the case, who expressed interest in the relative only after he learned about his condition.

The man sued, challenging the soundness of the will. According to Uncle Degerman, he also has a right to the wealth of a beggar. The hearings lasted about 4 months, and as a result, in March, the parties came to an amicable agreement. How Degerman's money was divided is not reported, however, according to relatives, both parties were satisfied.

According to Degerman's family members, he was a very capable boy as a child. Kurt was the first student in the class, and he was destined for a great future. However, due to a personal crisis, Degerman decided to leave society and ended up at the bottom of the social ladder.

Northern lights

In the northernmost region of Sweden, beyond the Arctic Circle, there is a fabulous land - Lapland. Lapland's light differences attract travelers from all over the world. In the summer beyond the Arctic Circle - 100 sunny nights. In other words, more than three months of constant daylight with no sign of night. The phenomenon of the "midnight sun" is when, when looking north, the observer sees the very center of the sun directly in front of him. The light of the midnight sun gives the landscape a magical depth. At such a time, hiking on the mountain slopes of Lapland gives a truly unique experience.

The white nights show a completely different side in winter, when the sun leaves Lapland for three whole months and the polar darkness gives way to faint glimpses of light for only a few hours a day. It is at this time of the year that you can enjoy the northern lights (Aurora Borealis), restless rays against the dark purple polar sky. Many consider this spectacle to be the most picturesque and breathtaking light show in the world.

The northern lights are born when electrified particles, driven by the solar wind, enter the Earth's magnetic field at great speed. In this regard, the northern lights are most visible near the magnetic poles.

The northern lights last all year round, but you can only see them against the background of a dark winter sky. The visual drama of the Northern Lights gave rise to numerous myths and legends in ancient times.

In Lapland, the best time of the year to see the Northern Lights is mid-winter. The staff at Abisko Mountain Station, one of the most popular northern lights spotting sites, "almost guarantees" its guests that they will see the phenomenon at least once every three days.

Useful information

Sweden occupies one of the first places in the world in terms of the quality of water treatment. Tap water in Sweden is clean and drinkable without boiling. Therefore, do not be surprised if you are served tap water in a bar or restaurant.

All public toilets(with the exception of the airport and some museums) are paid. The cost is usually 5 SEK. In some places, you have to pay directly at the entrance to the toilet, in other establishments - only for using the cabin (in this case, there is a price machine on the cabin door or next to it). Using the toilet in a restaurant or cafe is free only for customers of the institution, often it is simply locked. In this case, contact the service personnel.

Literally exemplary order is maintained on the streets, so you should absolutely not litter or throw garbage in the wrong place. Violation of cleanliness standards threatens with serious fines.

Fishing is not allowed everywhere. In the lakes Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren and Elmaren you can fish for free, in other waters you need to obtain a special permit ("fiskekort") from the local information office or sports shops. Fishing is strictly prohibited in privately owned water bodies.

You can not cross the borders of the reserves without special permission. It is strictly forbidden to walk on crops (including restorative forest plantations) and household plots, leave garbage on the road or near the house, damage buildings and nature, fell trees, break or saw branches on a fire (even if it is dry wood or brushwood), ruin bird nests, drive a car into the forest where there is no road, burn fires (even on rocky areas), wash cars in natural reservoirs, etc.

In a number of institutions (museums, theaters, etc.) it is forbidden to use cell phones (special signs at the entrance announce this).

In many grocery stores, banks, ticket offices, currency exchange offices, information bureaus, etc., coupon numbers are used to form a queue. Coupons are "issued" by special machines, usually mounted on the wall next to the counter. In order to use it, you just need to tear off the coupon and remember the number displayed on the scoreboard. The coupon is presented to the seller, and if the queue is accidentally skipped, a new coupon should be taken.

Smoking is prohibited in most interior spaces and transport. Hotels provide special non-smoking rooms. Since June 2005, smoking has been banned in all restaurants and cafes. Some establishments have closed smoking areas where it is forbidden to bring food and drinks into the territory.

Alcohol in Sweden is under strict state control. Wines and spirits with a strength of more than 2.8° and beer with a strength of more than 3.5° are sold only in special state stores "Systembolaget" (Systembolaget). The minimum age for the right to purchase liquor is 20 years. Restaurants and bars in Sweden must have a special permit to sell liquor.

Alcoholic drinks and cigarettes are very expensive, even by Swedish standards. A bottle of wine costs from 20 EUR and more. A pack of cigarettes - an average of about 5 EUR.

How to get to Sweden

By plane

Aeroflot and SAS Scandinavian Airlines operate daily flights from Moscow to Stockholm (journey time 2 hours 10 minutes). SAS also flies 6 times a week from St. Petersburg (1 hour 30 minutes). STC "Rossiya" has 2 flights a week from St. Petersburg. A number of airlines offer flights with transfers in other European cities.

For a trip to the southern part of Sweden, it is better to use Copenhagen Airport (20 minutes by train to Malmö).

By train

There are no direct trains to Sweden from Russia, but you can travel by train from Finland (Helsinki or Turku), where you can transfer to the ferry to Stockholm. The whole journey from Moscow takes one and a half days, from St. Petersburg - a day. Trains to Sweden also run from Germany, Denmark and Norway.
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Attention! Transit visas for these countries are required.

By bus

One of the most economical options to get to Sweden is to use the Finland-Sweden organized group tour by bus from St. Petersburg. Such tours are organized daily by several major travel agencies. Such a tour usually involves leaving in the evening, crossing the border at night, arriving in Helsinki in the early morning, and a small excursion program. Next, the bus goes to Turku, where the group transfers to the ferry to the Swedish Kappelskør and, having arrived there in the early morning, leaves by bus for Stockholm (90 km). In the evening the group leaves back to Kappelsker and further to St. Petersburg. The tourist is free to leave the group at any stage and follow his own itinerary.

By car

You can drive to Sweden from Russia by car through Finland. To do this, you must have a "green card" (green card), a driver's license (a certificate and international rights are not required for temporary stay), an international vehicle registration certificate or a power of attorney (if the car belongs to another person).

Distances from Stockholm by road: to Moscow (excluding ferry crossing) - 1390 km, Oslo - 750 km, Copenhagen - 620 km, Hamburg - 920 km.