Sweden — map and facts

Sweden is the largest country in Northern Europe, known for its forests, lakes, design and strong welfare state. Its capital is Stockholm, and the country covers about 450,000 square kilometres with a population of roughly 10.5 million. Sweden uses the Swedish krona as its currency.

About Sweden

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy with a long tradition of social welfare and political stability. It is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe, with most people living in the south. The country is a member of the European Union and joined NATO in 2024. Sweden is widely associated with innovation, design and environmental awareness.

Geography and landscape

Sweden lies on the eastern side of the Scandinavian Peninsula, bordering Norway to the west and Finland to the north-east, and connected to Denmark by the Öresund Bridge. The country is long and narrow, stretching from the temperate south to the Arctic north, where parts lie above the Arctic Circle. Vast forests, thousands of lakes and a long Baltic coastline define the landscape. The climate ranges from temperate in the south to subarctic in the far north, with long, dark winters and bright summer nights. Mountains rise along the Norwegian border, where Kebnekaise is the highest peak.

History

Sweden emerged from the Viking Age, when Norse seafarers traded and raided across Europe. In the seventeenth century it became a major European power, controlling much of the Baltic region. Its empire declined over the following century, and Sweden gradually withdrew from continental conflicts. The country has not fought a war since 1814 and maintained neutrality through both World Wars. During the twentieth century Sweden built a comprehensive welfare state and a modern industrial economy. It joined the European Union in 1995 and abandoned long-standing military non-alignment by joining NATO in 2024.

Economy and currency

Sweden has a highly developed, export-oriented economy with strengths in engineering, telecommunications, automotive production and technology. It is home to globally known companies and a thriving startup sector. The currency is the Swedish krona, which the country retained rather than adopting the euro. Stockholm is a leading northern European technology and finance hub.

Culture and language

The official language is Swedish, with five recognised national minority languages. Sweden has a strong cultural presence in music, design, literature and film, and is known worldwide for its pop music and furniture design. The tradition of allemansrätten, the right of public access to nature, reflects a deep connection to the outdoors. Celebrations such as Midsummer are central to Swedish cultural life.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Sweden? The capital of Sweden is Stockholm, built across fourteen islands on the country's east coast. It is the largest city and the political and economic centre of Sweden.

What currency is used in Sweden? Sweden uses the Swedish krona. Although it is a member of the European Union, it has not adopted the euro.

Is Sweden a member of NATO? Yes, Sweden joined NATO in 2024, ending more than two centuries of military non-alignment. It had already been a member of the European Union since 1995.