Sweden is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula, with Norway to its west and Finland to the east. Inhabiting 90,000 lakes throughout the country, Sweden offers a wide range of geographical terrain. In the north it is mostly mountainous and glacial, whereas the south is predominantly agricultural with increasing forests towards the north. Located partly within the Arctic Circle, some of the summer days are infinite; in the winter a number of nights are never ending as well.
In Stockholm, the Constitutional Monarchy resides. The crown's power is limited to official and ceremonial functions. The Prime Minister is responsible for most executive powers in the Parliament. This country is a welfare state that is also pro nature conservation, environmental protections, and energy efficiency. Sweden became part of the European Union in 1995, and chose not to adopt the Euro for its Krona.
Sweden is home to international superstars like Abba, Roxette, and Ace of Base. The fictional Pippi Long stocking came to life in the books of Swedish Astrid Lindgren during the 20th century. The Swedish cuisine is very traditional and simple; having parties in celebration of a certain dish is not uncommon. The Surstroemming is a fermented fish party and Alagillen is an eel party.
Quick Facts
Population: 9,103,788
Capital: Stockholm
Per-capita GDP: $ 40900
Size: 450,295 km2
Time Zone: (GMT + 01:00 hour) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris
Country information is adapted from public domain resources including the CIA World Fact Book and www.Wikipedia.org.
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University of Maine Office of International Programs
