Sweden

Sweden, formally the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. It borders Norway to the west and north, and Finland to the east. At 450,295 square kilometres (173,860 sq mi), Sweden is the largest Nordic country and the fifth-largest country in Europe. The capital and largest city is Stockholm. Sweden has a population of 10.5 million, and a low population density of 25.5 inhabitants per square kilometre (66/sq mi); around 87% of Swedes reside in urban areas in the central and southern half of the country. Sweden’s urban areas together cover 1.5% of its land area. Because the country is so long, ranging from 55°N to 69°N, the climate of Sweden is diverse.
sweden

Some of the key events about Sweden

  • 1520
    The Stockholm Bloodbath resulted in the execution of around 80-90 people
  • 1523
    Sweden gained independence from the Kalmar Union, establishing itself as a sovereign state
  • 1648
    The Thirty Years' War ended, leaving Sweden's economy strained despite territorial gains
  • 1709
    The Battle of Poltava marked the end of Sweden as a major European power
  • 1766
    Sweden became the first country to introduce freedom of the press into its constitution
  • 1792
    King Gustav III was assassinated at a masked ball in Stockholm
  • 1809
    Sweden lost Finland to Russia, ending nearly 600 years of Swedish rule
  • 1842
    Sweden introduced compulsory elementary education for all children
  • 1901
    The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in Stockholm, establishing a prestigious international award tradition
  • 1917
    The Hunger March protests occurred due to food shortages during World War I
  • 1921
    Sweden became one of the first countries to grant women the right to vote
  • 1944
    Sweden introduced a comprehensive social welfare system, laying the foundation for its modern welfare state
  • 1955
    Sweden joined the United Nations, affirming its commitment to international cooperation
  • 1974
    A new constitution was adopted, formally ending the monarch's political power and strengthening parliamentary democracy
  • 1986
    Prime Minister Olof Palme was assassinated in Stockholm, a crime that remains unsolved
  • 1994
    The MS Estonia ferry disaster claimed 852 lives, many of them Swedish
  • 1995
    Sweden joined the European Union, further integrating with the European community
  • 2003
    Foreign Minister Anna Lindh was fatally stabbed while shopping in Stockholm
  • 2009
    Sweden legalized same-sex marriage, becoming one of the first countries in the world to do so
  • 2017
    A terrorist attack in Stockholm killed 5 people and injured 14 others

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Sweden Latest news

Beirut Pager Explosions: Sabotage Suspected Over Cyber Attack

Beirut Pager Explosions: Sabotage Suspected Over Cyber Attack

Hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah officials detonated in Beirut, injuring thousands. Experts suggest physical sabotage rather than a cyber attack, potentially escalating tensions with Israel.

Politics • September 17 2024, 06:08 PM  •  111 views
UK Public Inquiries: Costly, Lengthy, and Often Ineffective

UK Public Inquiries: Costly, Lengthy, and Often Ineffective

The UK's public inquiry system faces criticism for its high costs and lengthy durations. A House of Lords committee calls for reform, suggesting a return to the Royal Commission model for addressing broader societal issues.

Society, Politics • September 17 2024, 05:04 PM  •  59 views
Mpox Crisis Escalates in Africa: Over 100 Deaths in One Week

Mpox Crisis Escalates in Africa: Over 100 Deaths in One Week

A mutated mpox strain has caused a surge in fatalities across Africa, with children disproportionately affected. The outbreak highlights global vaccine inequalities and resource shortages in affected regions.

Society, Science • September 12 2024, 04:14 PM  •  117 views
Electric Vehicle Revolution Stalls: A Reality Check on Green Transportation

Electric Vehicle Revolution Stalls: A Reality Check on Green Transportation

The electric vehicle industry faces setbacks as demand wanes and manufacturers retreat. This article examines the challenges of the EV transition and calls for a more balanced approach to green transportation policies.

Business, Economics, Science • September 11 2024, 02:13 PM  •  237 views
Met Police Admits Safety Concerns at Notting Hill Carnival

Met Police Admits Safety Concerns at Notting Hill Carnival

London's Notting Hill Carnival faces scrutiny over safety issues. Police highlight understaffing and crime concerns, suggesting potential changes to improve security at Europe's largest street festival.

Society, Culture • September 11 2024, 01:02 PM  •  146 views
Germany's Border Control Shift Challenges EU Free Movement Principle

Germany's Border Control Shift Challenges EU Free Movement Principle

Germany announces strict border controls, signaling a potential shift in EU free movement policy. This decision, driven by immigration pressures, marks a significant change for one of the EU's key members.

Society, Politics • September 10 2024, 05:29 PM  •  444 views
UK's Migration Policies Diverge from European Trends Under Starmer

UK's Migration Policies Diverge from European Trends Under Starmer

As European nations tighten migration policies, UK stands out with more liberal approach. Labour government faces challenges in addressing public concerns while maintaining humanitarian stance.

Society, Politics • September 8 2024, 06:10 AM  •  961 views
DRC Receives First Mpox Vaccine Shipment Amid New Strain Concerns

DRC Receives First Mpox Vaccine Shipment Amid New Strain Concerns

The Democratic Republic of Congo has received its initial shipment of mpox vaccines, following a UN public health emergency declaration. The EU-donated doses arrive as a new, dangerous strain spreads in Africa.

Society, Science • September 5 2024, 04:41 PM  •  281 views
Chef's Death at Notting Hill Carnival Leads to Murder Charge

Chef's Death at Notting Hill Carnival Leads to Murder Charge

A 31-year-old man faces murder charges following the death of a renowned chef at Notting Hill Carnival. Police seek witnesses as investigation continues into the tragic incident that occurred during the popular street festival.

Society, Culture • September 5 2024, 04:13 PM  •  268 views
Sweden to Scrap Aviation Tax, Prioritizing Economic Growth over Climate Concerns

Sweden to Scrap Aviation Tax, Prioritizing Economic Growth over Climate Concerns

Sweden plans to abolish its aviation tax by July 2025, aiming to boost its struggling economy. This decision marks a significant shift in policy for the country that popularized the concept of "flight shame".

Economics, Politics • September 3 2024, 05:09 PM  •  208 views
Sweden Sets Strict Screen Time Limits for Children and Teens

Sweden Sets Strict Screen Time Limits for Children and Teens

Swedish health authorities introduce new guidelines limiting screen time for children and teenagers, citing concerns over sleep and addiction. The move sparks debate on digital media's impact on youth development.

Society, Science • September 3 2024, 10:57 AM  •  215 views
Kevin McCloud Criticizes Excessive Toilets and Oversized Homes

Kevin McCloud Criticizes Excessive Toilets and Oversized Homes

Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud expresses concerns about wasteful home designs, particularly excessive toilets and oversized spaces. He advocates for simpler, more efficient living spaces.

Society, Culture • September 3 2024, 06:13 AM  •  95 views
Suspected Russian Spy Whale Found Dead in Norwegian Waters

Suspected Russian Spy Whale Found Dead in Norwegian Waters

A beluga whale, believed to be a Russian spy, has been discovered dead off Norway's coast. Known as Hvaldimir, the whale gained fame for its friendly behavior towards humans and mysterious origins.

Society, Science • September 1 2024, 02:25 PM  •  88 views
UK Government Funds Controversial Solar Geoengineering Research

UK Government Funds Controversial Solar Geoengineering Research

British agency Aria is backing field trials to explore cooling Earth's temperature, sparking debate among scientists. The initiative aims to research potential climate change solutions amid growing environmental concerns.

Politics, Science • August 31 2024, 06:03 AM  •  483 views
UK Home Secretary Appeals High Court Ruling on Anti-Protest Laws

UK Home Secretary Appeals High Court Ruling on Anti-Protest Laws

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper challenges court decision on controversial anti-protest legislation. The appeal aims to reinstate laws designed to curb disruptive demonstrations by groups like Just Stop Oil.

Society, Politics • August 28 2024, 08:25 PM  •  44 views
Polestar CEO Resigns Amid EV Market Challenges

Polestar CEO Resigns Amid EV Market Challenges

Polestar's founder and CEO Thomas Ingenlath steps down after seven years, as the Tesla rival faces declining sales and financial struggles. New leadership aims to strengthen the company's market presence amid EV industry slowdown.

Business, Economics • August 28 2024, 12:55 PM  •  17 views
Young UK Drivers Admit to Dangerous Social Media Habits Behind the Wheel

Young UK Drivers Admit to Dangerous Social Media Habits Behind the Wheel

Survey reveals alarming trend of young UK drivers using social media while driving. Road safety charity calls for graduated licensing system to address risky behaviors and reduce accidents.

Society, Politics • August 27 2024, 04:39 PM  •  17 views
Assa Abloy: A Lock on Growth and Trust in Global Security Market

Assa Abloy: A Lock on Growth and Trust in Global Security Market

Swedish lock giant Assa Abloy shows strong financial performance, backed by top investors. With consistent margins, solid growth, and strategic acquisitions, the company aims for 10% annual sales growth and improved profitability.

Business, Economics • August 25 2024, 07:07 PM  •  15 views
Sweden Links Immigration to Social Issues, Tightens Asylum Rules

Sweden Links Immigration to Social Issues, Tightens Asylum Rules

Sweden's migration minister attributes social problems to large-scale immigration, as the country implements stricter asylum policies. With emigration surpassing immigration, Sweden aims to address integration challenges and gang-related crime.

Society, Politics • August 24 2024, 01:29 PM  •  0 views
UK Healthcare Lags Behind Other Wealthy Nations, Report Reveals

UK Healthcare Lags Behind Other Wealthy Nations, Report Reveals

A new analysis shows British healthcare underperforming compared to other rich countries, with longer wait times and less GP access. The NHS faces challenges in meeting patient needs efficiently.

Society, Politics • August 22 2024, 06:06 AM  •  0 views