Sweden

World Book Index

Introduction

Sweden, a country renowned for its rich history and progressive values, emerged as a formidable military power during the 17th century. However, it has maintained a stance of neutrality for over two centuries, refraining from involvement in conflicts. This commitment to armed neutrality was notably upheld during both World Wars. In the post-war era, Sweden has successfully adopted a unique economic model that blends capitalist principles with extensive welfare provisions, fostering a society characterized by high living standards and social equity.

Neighboring countries

Denmark - Finland - Norway

Geography

Area
Total: 450,295 sq km
Land: 410,335 sq km
Water: 39,960 sq km

Sweden's geography is marked by its vast and varied landscapes, which include expansive forests, numerous lakes, and a rugged coastline. The country is predominantly characterized by a temperate climate in the southern regions, where winters are cold and cloudy, while summers are cool and partly cloudy. In contrast, the northern parts of Sweden experience a subarctic climate, contributing to the diversity of its natural environments. The nation is endowed with rich natural resources, including iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten, uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, and hydropower, which play a crucial role in its economy and industrial activities.

People and Society

Population
Total: 10,589,835 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
Swedish 79.6%, Syrian 1.9%, Iraqi 1.4%, Finnish 1.3%, other 15.8%

(2022 estimated)

Languages
Swedish (official)

Religions
Church of Sweden (Lutheran) 53.9%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 8.9%, none or unspecified 37.2% (2021 estimated)

Population growth rate
0.51% (2024 estimated)

Sweden's population reflects a diverse tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, with the majority identifying as Swedish. The country has seen an increase in immigration, contributing to a multicultural society that enriches its social fabric. The official language is Swedish, which serves as a unifying element among the populace. In terms of religion, the Church of Sweden, a Lutheran denomination, remains the predominant faith, although there is a significant portion of the population that identifies as non-religious or adheres to various other faiths. The population growth rate, while modest at 0.51%, indicates a stable demographic trend, supported by both natural growth and immigration.

Government

Government type
Parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Capital
Name: Stockholm

Executive branch
Chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 15 September 1973)
Head of government: Prime Minister Ulf KRISTERSSON (since 18 October 2022)

Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Urban AHLIN (since 15 September 2023)

Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Viraj LeBAILLY (since August 2025)

Sweden operates under a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, where the monarch serves primarily as a ceremonial figurehead while the Prime Minister leads the government. The capital city, Stockholm, is not only the political center but also a cultural hub. The current monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf, has held the throne since 15 September 1973, while Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has been in office since 18 October 2022. Sweden maintains a robust diplomatic presence globally, with its ambassador to the United States, Urban Ahlin, representing Swedish interests since September 2023.

Economy

Economic overview
Sweden boasts a high-income economy and is recognized as the largest Nordic economy. Although it is a member of the European Union, it has opted not to adopt the euro, maintaining its own currency. The economy is heavily export-oriented, with key sectors including automotive, electronics, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. Sweden consistently ranks highly in terms of competitiveness, research and development investments, and governance. Recent economic indicators suggest a recovery phase, characterized by declining inflation and real wage growth, although challenges remain due to uncertainties in global trade.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$668.628 billion (2024 estimated)
$662.18 billion (2023 estimated)
$662.937 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$63,300 (2024 estimated)
$62,800 (2023 estimated)
$63,200 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$338.852 billion (2024 estimated)
$329.332 billion (2023 estimated)
$318.203 billion (2022 estimated)

Exports - partners
Germany 10%, USA 10%, Denmark 8%, Norway 6%, Netherlands 5% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Cars, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, paper, vehicle parts/accessories (2023)

Imports
$309.526 billion (2024 estimated)
$304.194 billion (2023 estimated)
$304.101 billion (2022 estimated)

Imports - partners
Germany 17%, Netherlands 10%, Norway 9%, Denmark 6%, China 6% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Cars, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, vehicle parts/accessories, garments (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.959, ranking it 5th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 18th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 6.838. (more information)