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STOCKHOLM - CAPITAL - LARGEST CITY IN SWEDEN |
Sweden a country of forests, lakes
and midnight Sun The geography of Sweden has Norrland in the north; the centre
is covered with forests and mountains; the south-centre called is Svealand
which has most of Sweden's 96,000 lakes; the south called Gotaland where the
Smaland Highlands are and right down the south are the fertile plains of Skane.
The nearby Gulf Stream in the
Atlantic influences Sweden's climate and therefore has a milder climate than
its neighbours. Nevertheless, 15% of Sweden lies north of the Atlantic Circle.
The winters are long and severe and in June and July the Sun never sets. Sweden
has an enormous amount of trees of which the northern trees are fir, pine and
birch but the south are mixed forests with some deciduous trees. Half of the
country is covered with forests and therefore has a great wildlife such as
moose, roe deer, foxes, weasels, ermines, hares, and in the north are bears,
wolves and lynxes. The Sami are living in the northern mountains with their
herd of reindeer.
THE
ROYAL PALACE AND OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE SWEDISH KING
LIFE IN SWEDEN AND ITS ECONOMY
Most of the population are from the
same ancestors. They speak the same language and have the same religion. There
are two native-born indigenous inhabitants. One is the Finnish-speaking people
living in the north-east and the other group is the Sami living in the northern
part of the country.
Sweden is one of the most
sophisticated welfare states in the world. The children attend school from the
age of seven to 16 and it is free. The social security system covers almost the
universal benefits which includes a compulsory health-insurance reimburses most
medical fees.
Sweden's biggest industry is iron
ore. It has large deposits north of the Atlantic Circle and is the country's
most important mineral deposit. Other mineral resources are gold, copper,
silver, lead and zinc. Sweden produces hydroelectric power. Another important
industry is their wood and glass products.
Although only 3% of the population
are farm workers; Sweden's farms harvest are one of the highest in the world.
Their main crops are wheat, sugar beet, barley and potatoes. They are also very
successful with cattle and pigs breeding.
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| SMALAND |
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| TYPICAL FARMHOUSE IN SMALAND |
Another important manufacture, which is 24%, is heavy machinery like motor vehicles and aircraft.
HISTORY
After a law issued in 1260 Sweden was
organized with peasant at the bottom and nobles on the top till 1389.
Thereafter, Denmark, Norway and Sweden were united under Danish rules. In 1521
a Swedish nobleman seized power and was crowned a King of Sweden in 1523.
Under the House of Vasa the church
became the national religion and the administration was re-organized. It was
along the German lines and the king had the total authority. In 1544 a
hereditary monarchy was established. Sweden became a major power by the
mid-17th century. It had conquered many provinces from Denmark, Norway, Germany
and Finland. However, it did not have the power to maintain the provinces and
by the early 18th century lost most of the provinces. By that time it was
reduced to the size it is nowadays. When the Napoleonic War broke out, Finland
was conquered by Russia and Sweden lost her provinces in northern Germany.
In 1973 Carl XVI Gustaf was crowned
king. He and Queen Silvia have three children. Crown Princess Victoria is their
eldest child and heir to the thrown. The Royal Palace is Drottningholm Palace
and on the outskirts of Stockholm.
POLITICS
Sweden has a democracy and every
three years a general election. They achieve an attendance of voters of around
90%. The voters have to be over 18 years old. They vote for one of the three
parties. When elected they share the 349 seats in the Riksdag.
1920 Sweden joined the League of
Nations and in 1946 the United Nations. Ever since Sweden had taken part in
numerous international peacekeeping missions. On 1 January 1995 Sweden joined
the members of the European Union but will not join the EU defence Alliance
thus keeping its policy of neutrality
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| GOTLAND |
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| SKIING IN GOTLAND |
HOLIDAYS
Sweden is a remarkable holiday's destination. In the summer there will be an enormous sight seeing in Stockholm with its residential palace of the Royal family, museum with artifact of an ancient history completely different to the rest of Europe. The countryside is fascinating with its diversity. Every island has a different way of life. The enormous forests are offering a great variety of wildlife. In the winter there is perfect snow condition and great ski facilities inf Gotland. Visiting the Samis with their reindeer herds will be an unforgettable experience.
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