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Since the devaluation of the Swedish crown, Sweden has become quite
affordable, and the simple joys of fresh air, landscape and culture are
free. Its forests are starkly beautiful, its lakes giant. Stockholm, the
country's capital, is a progressive city with pockets that maintain a
village feel.
Gothenburg and Malmö also beckon with urban delights. Away from the cities, Sweden takes in vast areas of scenic coastline and idyllic islands. The wilderness areas of Norrland have the legendary midnight sun in summer, Arctic Scandinavia's highest mountain and marvellous hiking trails.
Every country has its stereotypes, but who wouldn't want to live up to the image Sweden has in the outside world? A nation of tall, blonde, attractive types, famously open-minded and non-aggressive. Wholesome outdoorsy folk at the cutting edge of technology, well cared-for by the state and living very comfortable lives: Volvos in the garage; houses full of stylish, cleverly designed furniture; a population who spends their long summer days eating meatballs and listening to ABBA (OK, maybe that's taking it too far). But when you dig below the glossy surface you'll find even more to impressed you.
Full country name: Kingdom of Sweden
Area: 449,964 sq km
Population: 8.87 million
Capital City: Stockholm
People: 90% Swedes, 3% Finns, 0.15% Sami (indigenous Lapp
inhabitants)
Language: Swedish, English
Religion: predominantly Lutheran (87%)
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Head of State: King Carl XVI Gustaf
Head of Government: Prime Minister Göran Persson
GDP: US$230.7 billion
GDP per capita: US$26,000
Annual Growth: 1%
Inflation: 2%
Major Industries: Forestry, mining, agriculture, engineering and high
tech manufacturing, telecommunications, IKEA
Major Trading Partners: EU, US
Member of EU: Yes