Sweden

Situated in northern Europe, the Kingdom of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy renowned for its long tradition of neutrality, progressive social model, and high standard of living. For over two centuries, Sweden maintained a policy of military non-alignment, abstaining from participation in major conflicts, including both World Wars. However, in response to evolving European security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sweden formally joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in March 2024, ending its historic neutrality.

Historical Development and Political Evolution

Sweden emerged as a significant power during the seventeenth century, under rulers such as Gustavus Adolphus (1611–1632) and Charles X Gustav (1654–1660), expanding its influence across the Baltic region. The Swedish Empire’s dominance waned following its defeat in the Great Northern War (1700–1721), marking the loss of much of its Baltic territory to Russia. The subsequent Age of Liberty (1718–1772) saw the curtailment of royal authority and the rise of parliamentary government.
The nineteenth century brought industrialisation, the growth of trade, and a gradual transition towards democracy. The Riksdag of the Estates was replaced by a bicameral parliament in 1866, while political reforms in the early twentieth century extended universal suffrage. Sweden’s neutrality during both World War I and World War II contributed to its stability and post-war prosperity.
The latter half of the twentieth century witnessed the consolidation of the Swedish welfare state, a model combining economic efficiency with extensive social protection. Sweden became a member of the European Union in 1995 but retained its national currency, the Swedish krona, after rejecting the euro in a 2003 referendum. The nation’s social policies, characterised by inclusiveness and egalitarianism, have fostered one of the world’s most advanced human development standards.

Geography and Natural Environment

Sweden is the largest of the Nordic countries, covering 450,295 square kilometres. It is bordered by Norway to the west and Finland to the east, with coastlines along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia stretching over 3,218 kilometres. The country contains more than 100,000 lakes, including Vänern, Europe’s third-largest, and extensive forested and mountainous areas.
The terrain is generally flat to undulating in the south and east, while the Scandinavian Mountains dominate the western frontier. Kebnekaise, the highest peak at 2,100 metres, lies in the Arctic region of Lapland. The climate varies from temperate in the south to subarctic in the north, featuring long, cold winters and short, mild summers.
Sweden’s natural resources are substantial, encompassing iron ore, copper, gold, silver, timber, and hydropower. Approximately 69% of its land is forested, underpinning a leading wood and paper industry. Despite challenges such as air pollution, acid rain, and marine degradation in the Baltic Sea, Sweden remains a global environmental leader, actively pursuing sustainable development and renewable energy policies.

People and Society

As of 2024, Sweden’s population is estimated at 10.59 million, with a median age of 41.1 years. The population density is low, with concentrations in southern and eastern regions, particularly around Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Northern Sweden, known as Norrland, remains sparsely inhabited.
Ethnically, 79.6% of the population is Swedish, alongside communities of Syrian, Iraqi, Finnish, and other immigrant origins. The Sami, an indigenous Finno-Ugric people numbering between 20,000 and 40,000, inhabit the northern Lapland region and maintain traditional livelihoods such as reindeer herding.
The official language is Swedish, while Finnish, Sami, Meänkieli, Romani, and Yiddish enjoy recognised minority language status.
Religiously, the Church of Sweden (Lutheran) remains the largest denomination, although secularism is prominent, with over one-third of Swedes identifying as non-religious. Islam, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Judaism, and Buddhism represent growing religious diversity.
Social Indicators (2024)

• Urban population: 88.7%
• Life expectancy: 82.9 years (male 81.2; female 84.7)
• Infant mortality: 2.3 per 1,000 live births
• Fertility rate: 1.67 children per woman
• Education expenditure: 7.1% of GDP
• School life expectancy: 19 years

Sweden consistently ranks among the world’s leaders in education, gender equality, and human development, supported by universal access to healthcare, childcare, and higher education.

Government and Political System

Sweden is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Carl XVI Gustaf as ceremonial head of state since 1973. Executive authority rests with the Prime Minister, currently Ulf Kristersson (since 2022), and the Council of Ministers.
The Riksdag, Sweden’s unicameral parliament, comprises 349 seats elected every four years through proportional representation. Major political parties include the Social Democrats (SAP), Sweden Democrats (SD), and Moderate Party (M). Women occupy approximately 45% of parliamentary seats, one of the world’s highest ratios.
The judicial system, grounded in civil law with Roman-Germanic influences, is independent of the legislature and executive. The Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court serve as final authorities in civil and administrative matters respectively.
Sweden’s constitutional framework consists of four fundamental laws:

1. The Instrument of Government (1974) – defines state powers and citizens’ rights.
2. The Act of Succession (1810) – governs royal succession.
3. The Freedom of the Press Act (1949) – guarantees press freedom.
4. The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression (1991) – protects media and expression rights.

Economy and Industry

Sweden’s economy ranks among the world’s most competitive and technologically advanced, blending free-market dynamics with an extensive welfare system. In 2024, GDP (PPP) was estimated at $668.6 billion, with GDP per capita (PPP) at $63,300.
Sectoral Composition (2024):

• Agriculture (1.1%) – dairy, grains, rapeseed, pork, and poultry.
• Industry (22.6%) – steel, vehicles, machinery, electronics, pharmaceuticals.
• Services (65.9%) – finance, technology, education, and public administration.

The economy is export-oriented, home to globally recognised firms such as Volvo, Ericsson, IKEA, Saab, and AstraZeneca. Key export commodities include vehicles, pharmaceuticals, paper, refined petroleum, and machinery, with principal trade partners being Germany, the United States, Denmark, and Norway.
Trade Balance (2024):

• Exports: $338.9 billion
• Imports: $309.5 billion
• Current account surplus: $45.3 billion

Sweden maintains public debt at 36.9% of GDP, inflation at 2.8%, and unemployment at 8.6%, reflecting strong fiscal discipline. The Gini Index (31.6) indicates relatively moderate income inequality. The nation invests heavily in research, digitalisation, and innovation, supporting sustainable growth.

Energy and Environmental Policy

Sweden is a global leader in clean energy production, achieving 100% electrification and among the lowest carbon emissions in Europe. Installed generating capacity (2023) reached 55.3 million kW, distributed as:

• Hydropower: 40.2%
• Nuclear energy: 28.6%
• Wind power: 21%
• Biomass/Waste: 7.8%
• Fossil fuels: <1%

The country operates six nuclear reactors and plans to expand renewable energy generation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Sweden also exports surplus electricity to neighbouring countries, reinforcing its role as a model for sustainable energy management.

Defence and Security

Sweden’s armed forces (Försvarsmakten) comprise the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Home Guard, totalling approximately 46,000 active and reserve personnel (2025). Conscription, reintroduced in 2018, applies to both men and women aged 18–47.
Defence expenditure increased to 2.3% of GDP in 2024, aligning with NATO standards. Sweden’s advanced defence industry manufactures JAS Gripen combat aircraft, armoured vehicles, and submarines. The country cooperates extensively with Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States in joint security operations.
The decision to join NATO in 2024 marked the end of over two centuries of neutrality, reflecting a strategic shift in response to European security dynamics. Sweden remains active in EU defence initiatives, UN peacekeeping, and the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) alliance.

Science, Space, and Innovation

The Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA), founded in 1972, oversees space research and international cooperation. The Esrange Space Center in Kiruna serves as a premier European facility for sounding rocket launches and satellite operations. Sweden contributes to European Space Agency (ESA) projects such as Galileo, Copernicus, and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), while fostering a rapidly growing commercial space sector.

Culture, Heritage, and National Identity

Sweden’s cultural heritage embodies a fusion of Nordic traditions and modern creativity. The nation has produced influential figures such as August Strindberg, Astrid Lindgren, and the pop group ABBA. Swedish design, celebrated for its minimalism, functionality, and sustainability, has achieved international prominence.
The country boasts 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Royal Domain of Drottningholm, Hanseatic Town of Visby, Rock Carvings in Tanum, Mining Area of Falun, and the Laponian Area. The national flag, featuring a blue field with a golden cross, symbolises Christian heritage and Scandinavian unity. The anthem, “Du Gamla, Du Fria” (“Thou Ancient, Thou Free”), embodies Sweden’s enduring independence and democratic spirit.