Sweden or the Kingdom of Sweden is the fifth largest country in Europe. It is the largest of the Scandinavian countries; which include Denmark, Norway and Finland. The Scandinavian Peninsula is located in northern Europe with parts of its territories situated above the Arctic Circle, including 15% of Sweden, at its northern-most part. Sweden’s size is described as slightly larger than the American state of California.

There are many interesting facts that one may want know about Sweden. First perhaps is the high standard of living that its citizens enjoy, which can be attributed to its affluent economy. It is interesting to note how Sweden flourished under economic policies that are both socialistic and capitalistic. Sweden has a well-developed social welfare system. Included in its government programs are healthcare, education, housing and job security. On the other hand, businesses are owned privately.

Three major Swedish industries deal with telecommunication and computer technology, led by Ericssson brand; motor vehicle, with Volvo as one of the world’s largest manufacturer of heavy vehicles; and pharmaceutical. Other famous brands and companies with Swedish origin are Absolut vodka, Electrolux appliance, Saab automobile (which is now owned by American motor company GM); H&M clothing retailer, and IKEA furniture retailer (now Danish owned).

Sweden is a highly industrialized country with 85% of its population living in urban areas, mainly in the central and southern regions. Stockholm is the largest and capital city, located in the country’s central region on its east coast, facing the Baltic Sea. An interesting fact about the Swedish capital is that it sits on 14 islands. About one-third of the city is made-up of waterways and another third is made up nature parks and green areas. It is a commercially bustling city with a pastoral feel.

More than half of Sweden is covered by forests that become more expansive, the farther north one goes. Sweden is bounded on the west by Norway; and the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea to the east. Sweden has a long coastline on its east side. It has a great number of islands with more than 24,000 of them dotting the Stockholm archipelago. It also has many rivers, lakes and waterfalls. The western part of Sweden is mountainous. Plains and lowlands are found in the central and southern regions. Part of Sweden’s northern region lie above the Arctic Circle. Here, the Midnight Sun is observed for a part of summer, when the sun does not set for a number of days. On the flip-side, the sun does not rise for a part of winter.

Agriculture was a major industry in Sweden during the mid-19th century. Today the economy is driven by manufacturing and exporting industries. Only one-tenth of Swedish land is currently agricultural. The southern parts of the country, where most of the population reside, enjoy a four-season climate that is comparable to that of New England in the United States.

Sweden is led by King Carl XVI, who is the head of state, but he only has ceremonial powers. The leader of government is the prime minister. Sweden, which was a military superpower in the 17th century, has now been at peace for almost 200 years. It maintains a non-alignment policy at peace-time and neutrality at war-time.

Swedish-born Alfred Nobel instituted the Nobel Prizes for outstanding contributions in Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, Literature, Economic Sciences and Peace in 1895 through his will. Nobel also invented the dynamite in 1866. In 1742, Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius invented the 100-point Celsius Temperature Scale which is widely used across the world today. Other Swedish inventions include the propeller, zipper, plumber wrench, cardiac peacemaker, Bluetooth, encryption machine, computer mouse and Global Positioning System (GPS).

The most interesting fact perhaps about Sweden is its constant work for the betterment of the lives of its citizens and the peoples of the world through Swedish inventions and innovations in science, technology and other fields.