Sweden

Sweden

Country statistics

area:	449,960sq km (173,730sq mi) 8,909,128
capital (population):	Stockholm (754,948)
government:	Constitutional monarchy
ethnic groups:	Swedish 91%, Finnish 3%
languages:	Swedish (official), Finnish
religions:	Lutheran 89%, Roman Catholic 2%
currency:	Swedish krona = 100 ore

Kingdom on the e half of the Scandinavian peninsula, n Europe. Sweden is the largest country in Scandinavia, both in terms of area and population. Most of n Sweden is mountainous; its highest point is Kebnekaise in Lapland, at 2117m (6946ft). The s lowlands contain two of Europe's largest lakes, Vänern and Vättern, and Sweden's largest cities: the capital, Stockholm, and Gothenburg.

Climate

The Gulf Stream moderates the climate of s Sweden. Further n, the climate becomes more severe: at the Arctic Circle, the temperature is below freezing for six months per year.

Vegetation

Forest and woodland cover c.68% of Sweden. Arable land makes up 7% and grass only 1%.

History and Politics

The earliest inhabitants of the area were the Svear, who merged with the Goths in the 6th century ad. Christianity was introduced in the 9th century. Swedes are thought to have been among the Vikings who plundered areas of s and e Europe between the 9th and 11th centuries. Swedes (Varangians), led by Rurik, also penetrated Russia as far as the Black Sea.

In 1319, Sweden and Norway united under Magnus VII. In 1389, the Danish Queen Margaret united Sweden, Denmark, and Norway in the Kalmar Union. Her successors failed to control Sweden, and in 1520 Gustavus Vasa led a successful rebellion. In 1523, he was crowned Gustavus I, king of an independent Sweden. Southern Sweden remained, however, under Danish control until 1660. Gustavus made the monarchy hereditary within the Vasa dynasty and Lutheranism became the state religion. John III's marriage to the King of Poland's sister strengthened Sweden's power. Their son, Sigismund III, a Roman Catholic, came to the throne in 1592, but was deposed (because of his religion) by Charles IX in 1599. Charles' son, Gustavus II, won territory in Russia and Poland, and further victories in the Thirty Years' War established Sweden as a great European power. Charles XII fought brilliant campaigns in Denmark, Poland, Saxony and Russia, but his eventual defeat in Russia (1709) seriously weakened Sweden. Internal friction marred the 18th century. Gustavus IV (r.1792–1809) took Sweden into the Napoleonic Wars. Charles XIII (r.1809–18) lost Finland to Russia in 1809, but the Congress of Vienna granted Norway to Sweden as compensation.

In 1905, the union between Sweden and Norway was dissolved. Under Gustavus V (r.1907–50), Sweden was neutral in both World Wars. In 1946, it joined the United Nations (UN). Carl XVI Gustaf succeeded in 1973. In 1995, Sweden joined the European Union (EU). The Social Democrats have been in government almost continuously since 1932. In 1994, they formed a minority government, led by Ingvar Carlsson. In 1995 Sweden joined the European Union (EU). In 1996, Göran Persson replaced Carlsson. Persson was re-elected in 1998. The cost of maintaining Sweden's extensive welfare services is a major political issue. In 2003, Sweden's popular foreign minister, Anna Lindh, was murdered in an apparently motiveless attack.

Economy

Sweden is a highly developed industrial country (2000 GDP per capita, US$22,200). It has rich iron ore deposits, but imports other industrial materials. Steel is a major product, and is used to manufacture aircraft, cars, machinery, and ships. Forestry and fishing are important. Farmland covers 10% of the land. Livestock and dairy farming are valuable activities; crops include barley and oats.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.sweden.gov.se; http://www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord