SWEDEN

Sweden
Sweden is in Scandinavia, a region in Northern
Europe.
Sweden joined the EU in 1995.
Swedish population is 9.910 million (2017).
Swedish currency is the Swedish Krona. It is one of
the countries that kept it's original currency rather
than changing to the Euro when it was introduced in
1999.
Capital city of Sweden is Stockholm.
Swedish is the official language of Sweden.
The Swedish flag shows a yellow or gold Nordic cross
on a field of blue.
Sweden uses Central European Time.
Swedish life expectancy 88.52 years old (2015).
Swedish Flag
 History of Sweden
In the years 8000BC to 6000Bc Sweden was populated by hunter-gatherers
and fishermen who used stone tools and weapons.
During the early Iron Age the population of Sweden settled. Agriculture
formed the basis of economy and society.
The Viking Age lasted from 800AD to 1050AD led to exponential growth and
activity largely focused towards the east of Sweden. Viking expeditions set off
along the Baltic coast and rivers to partake in trade and to raid. The Vikings
traveled as far as the Black and Caspian seas where they established trade
links with the Byzanthian Empire and the Arad kingdoms which led to influx in
the Swedish economy.
Sweden converted to Christianity in the 11th century.
Sweden had various provinces during the early Viking age which merged
together later in 1000AD. The monarchy of Sweden gained significant power
and influence when in 1280 King Magnus Ladulas established a nobility and
the organisation of society based on the fuedal system.
In the 14th century trade with German towns. Many towns were built in
Sweden in the 16th century due to boom in trade however the Plague in 1350
led to economic and population decline.
In the 18th century the Swedish parliament, Ricksdag were strong enough to
abolish the royal family's absolutism and gave power to the parliament.
Sweden kept neutral throughout both world war 1 and 2.
 Education in Sweden
Preschool is offered from age 1 to 5. The importance of play and a
child's development is highlighted in preschool. Once a child turns 6
they can move onto preschool class which helps make an easier
transition into compulsory schooling. Preschool is not compulsory
however most children attend it.
Compulsory schooling starts at the age of seven where children leave
preschool and join year 1 . Compulsory schooling is a nine year
program.
Upper secondary school is a further 3 years that is given to those who
complete compulsory schooling and receive good grades in a number
of subjects. If a students grades aren't good enough they can attend
an introductory program. In upper secondary school there are
apprenticeships available as well as preparation courses higher
education. Most students choose to attend upper secondary school.
SWEDISH CULTURE
 The Sami People
The Sami are an indigenous people who live inhabit the Arctic
area of Sapmi in northern Sweden, Norway and Russia.
They are an indigenous people recognised by the UN so this
allows them to preserve and develop their culture.
There is no official census on the Sami but it is estimated the
there are 20-40 thousand Sami in Sweden.
In the past Sami were nomads but today Sami live in modern
housing only using tents during reindeer migration.
A school in northern Sweden provides which offers training in
Sami craft, reindeer herding, traditional cooking and the Sami
language.
Literature, Music, Film
Interest in Swedish literature increased internationally
in recent years. Swedish literature is primarily translated
into German, Finnish, Danish English and French. The
Scandinavian crime genre is very popular such as The
Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.
Music schools were set up and during the 70s and 80s
and were hugely successful due to the rise of ABBA. The
government awards Swedes who gain international
recognition with the Music Export Award. The
Eurovision Song Contest is Sweden's most watched TV
program. They have won 5 times now.
Over the years Swedish Film has won 26 Oscars.
International film festival are vital for the spread of
Swedish films into the international community.
 The Swedish Number
250 years ago (1766) Sweden was the first country to create a constitutional law to abolish
censorship.
To celebrate the anniversary Sweden made a campaign called The Swedish Number.
The Swedish Number allowed people around the world to ring a Swede who had signed up for the
campaign and ask questions about Sweden.
The Swedish Tourist Association came up with the campaign. their wish was to spark curiosity
about Sweden and it's culture.