home crucian carp Unofficial name for Sweden. Swedes

Unofficial name for Sweden. Swedes

The Swedes are the titular nation of the Kingdom of Sweden, its indigenous population. This is the largest Scandinavian state, with a population of approximately 10 million. The Kingdom extends over an area of 447,435 square meters. km. Of the 10 million inhabitants, 8 million are Swedes, the remaining 2 million are citizens of foreign origin (Germans, Finns, Estonians, Danes). The obsolete name of the nation is Sveian Germans. The capital of Sweden is the city of Stockholm. The name translates as “city-island”. Words stock And holme mean “log, pile” and “small island, hill” respectively. All together can be interpreted as an island on stilts. There is a historical part with a royal palace. Large cities: Malmo, Gothenburg, Uppsala.

Language

The official language of the kingdom is Swedish. It belongs to the Scandinavian group of Germanic languages. Norwegian and Danish are considered close. The following dialects are distinguished: Gutnian, Norlan, Goethic, Eastern.

Number of people, where they live

There are 15 million people of Swedish nationality. Of these, approximately half live in the kingdom itself, where the vast majority of residents make up 85%. These people were born within the country to indigenous parents (pure-blooded Swedes). The rest are settled in European countries and the American continent. Main habitats:

USA. The largest part of emigrants is located here - 4.5 million people. These are the descendants of 19th century settlers who flocked to America to discover the New World. The state of Delaware was originally a Swedish colony (mid-17th century) and was called New Sweden. There are currently only 56,000 native-speaking immigrants in the United States.
Norway. Almost 29,000 Swedish citizens live here.
Finland - 280,000 people (approximately 5% of the total population).
Canada - 341,000 emigrants whose ancestors are native Swedes.
Argentina - 200,000.
Spain - 65,000.

There are 100,000 Swedish citizens living in Australia and the UK. The percentage composition of the population of the remaining countries is insignificant.

Story

The first mentions of humans inhabiting the territory of the modern Kingdom of Sweden concern the Neolithic era (6th century BC). This was the time of primitive communities engaged in fishing and hunting. The ethnogenesis of the Swedes was influenced by the Goeths and Svei (ancient Germanic tribes). Scientists believe that the word “Swei” is translated as “our own,” which was further transformed into the name of the nation “Swedes.”

The communal clan structure existed until the 1st century, when a division into classes occurred. Around the 6th century, the Svei principality was formed. It is considered the first Swedish state. The principality was widely engaged in trade. The 9th-11th centuries were marked by the development of military relations. At the same time, Viking raids on neighboring countries intensified, which led to the seizure of Finnish lands. The 12th-14th centuries are characterized by the economic rise of the state. Crafts actively developed and trade intensified. The Swedish principality was greatly influenced by the Germans and Danes, who had a developed economy.

At the end of the 14th century, Denmark and Norway, together with Sweden, formed a coalition called the Kalmar Union. For some time the Swedes were under the influence of the Danes, but then broke off this relationship (1523) and became independent. Then begins a long campaign for supremacy in the Baltic region. The Swedish state seizes the northern lands of Estonia and Revel (modern Tallinn) - its capital, which becomes the largest commodity city. The result of the wars with Russia is the acquisition of the Russian Baltic states in 1617. Then a number of German territories, as well as Danish and Norwegian ones, go to the Swedes. From the 16th to 17th centuries they dominated the Baltic coast. At this time, the state is a capitalist power with a strong economy.

Further wars weakened the country's development. The Swedes fail in the Northern War, which has been going on for more than 20 years for the possession of the Baltic lands. After that they lost part of the territories of the Baltic states and Karelia. The mid-19th century saw the rise of industry, but also a time of discord between the high class and the peasants. People emigrated en masse to America to start a new life. That is why there are now so many people in the United States with Swedish roots.

After the end of World War II, Sweden had a better economic position than its neighboring countries. This fact is explained by the neutral position that the state occupied during the war years. In 1960, it became a member of EFTA - the European Free Trade Association, formed by the states of northern Europe. The modern structure of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy headed by a king. He governs the country together with a parliament whose members are elected by the citizens. Now the kingdom is ruled by Carl Gustav, a descendant of the Bernadotte dynasty.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

Religion

Like many European countries, Sweden is a Christian country. Most of the population professes Lutheranism - a separate movement in Christianity. The doctrine is named after the theologian Martin Luther. It is related to Protestantism.

Life

Thanks to its developed economy, the kingdom has a high standard of living. Local residents work in industrial production and are engaged in administrative and educational activities. Most of the population is urban. Geographical location has a strong influence on the traditional occupations of Swedes. A significant part of the territory is occupied by mixed coniferous forests and pine forests. The southern part of the state is filled with plains, where the bulk of the population lives. There are many rivers and freshwater lakes in the flat area. Numerous rivers and lakes are filled with valuable species of salmon fish. In the forests there are:

the Bears;
foxes;
roe deer;
lynx;
deer.

Thanks to the presence of these natural resources, agricultural activities, fishing, forest maintenance, and folk crafts are well developed. Traditional occupations of the population are:

making wooden figurines;
leather production;
weaving;
lace weaving;
jewelry making;
painting on bone and wood.

Climatic conditions played a big role in the way of life and traditions of the Swedes. Winter in Sweden is cold and long. Summer is shorter the further north of the country you go. In coastal areas there is frequent precipitation and strong winds. Rural residents traditionally form small villages or settle on farms. Northern Swedes build strong, warm wooden houses from logs with 2-3 rooms. For heating and cooking, stoves and fireplaces heated with wood are used.

Due to the proximity of the warm Gulf Stream, cold air masses heat up and soften the climate of the central regions. In the south of the country, where the climate is warmer, dwellings made from frame modules are common. They are heated not by fireplaces, but by electric stoves. The warmest territory of the kingdom is the area around the city of Malmo. In summer the average daily temperature is +23 degrees, in winter - 18-20°C below zero. Modern buildings have a minimalist design. They are neat, no frills. Swedish villages are very clean, quiet, and not crowded.

Local residents love nature, appreciate it, and care about the environment, flora and fauna. The Swedish population is distinguished by caring about their own health and striving for proper nutrition. A good environmental situation and a conscious approach to organizing everyday life have a positive effect on increasing people’s life expectancy. Women live on average 84 years, men - about 80, which is high among developed countries. Under the influence of feminist sentiments that came from the American continent, women achieved equality with men. They do not accept subordination or concessions based on gender. Going to the cinema and restaurant are paid separately. Not striving to live at someone else's expense is a distinctive feature of all Swedes.

Appearance

The Swedes are a very attractive nation. Girls and men are tall, tall, and have a good physique. They have regular facial features, a high forehead, and clearly defined cheekbones. Most people have blond hair and eyes. Swedish girls are famous for their beauty. These are tall blondes with charming open smiles. The attractiveness of the female half of the population is explained not only by natural data, but also by the ability to take care of themselves. They eat organic foods, drink a lot of water, and use natural cosmetics based on herbal ingredients.

Cloth

The traditional clothing of rural men is the following set:

linen shirts with stand-up collars and wide sleeves;
a vest worn over a shirt;
double-breasted jacket;
breeches;
knee socks;
shoes with buckles;
hat with a medium brim.

Girls wear:

blouses with puffy sleeves and a wide turn-down collar;
a bodice decorated with embroidery is fastened over the blouse;
the figure is emphasized by long flared skirts with aprons in a contrasting color, the bottom of the apron is decorated with ornaments;
a linen scarf covers his head;
shoes - low-heeled shoes.

The modern national costume, which has the colors of the Swedish flag, is a design development. It is modeled after peasant clothing from the 19th and 20th centuries. There is also an option in red and white. This clothing is festive; it is worn for folk festivals and official events. The costumes are a national treasure, so even members of the royal family (mostly women) wear it.

Culture

The Swedes are a very musical nation. These people love to sing and dance, they have a rich folklore with legends and epics. During the holidays you can often hear music played by improvised street orchestras. There are a lot of musical styles; polkas and waltzes predominate in folk works. Such famous groups as Roxette and ABBA come from Sweden. These are also popular in the world:

Ace of Base;
Alcazar;
Blue Swede;
The Cardigans;
Europe;
Icon pop.

The literature is presented by such famous authors as:

Ingmar Bergman is an internationally recognized writer, screenwriter, and theater and film director.
Selma Lagerlöf is the first female writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Astrid Lindgren is the author of the world-famous books about Carlson and Pippi Longstocking.
August Strindberg - publicist, founder of modern Swedish literature.
Spouses Mai Schöwall and Per Vale are authors of books in the detective genre.

Traditions

Sweden has many holidays, both historical and introduced from outside. Neighboring countries (Germany, Denmark, Norway) had a great influence on customs. Some traditions were brought to the Swedish kingdom by Protestant clergy and European merchants in the Middle Ages. Main holidays celebrated by the population:

Walpurgis Night. The arrival of spring, the beginning of the fruiting period in nature, is celebrated. Bonfires are lit in the streets, girls dance in circles, and men sing folk songs.
Feast of the Three Kings. This is an analogue of baptism; it takes place on January 7 according to Christian custom.
Midsommar. Summer solstice day. This is the same as Ivan Kupala Day, or the solstice holiday. It belongs to pagan traditions.
Saint Lucia's Day. Celebrated in Catholic and Protestant countries. This is a great martyr, blinded for her faith in Christ.
New Year. Celebrated in the same way as in Russia. On the night of January 1, Santa Claus comes and gives children gifts.

Walpurgis Night

Food

The Swedish national cuisine is simple. Its formation was influenced by climatic conditions and the Scandinavian way of life. It contains peasant food, including cheese, sausages, and pastries. There is a lot of fish, meat, and game, since the main methods of obtaining food for many centuries were hunting and fishing. There are dishes containing gifts of the forest: berries and mushrooms.

Harsh weather conditions forced the Swedes to stock up on food that could be stored for a long period. Therefore, a significant part of Swedish cuisine consists of pickles, smoked meats, and marinated dishes. An interesting feature is that frying is done using lard, not vegetable oil, as in Russian cuisine. Swedes prefer monotony in food. Since they have quite a lot of products used for cooking, the kitchen cannot be called meager. Swedish customs regarding cuisine and food culture:

Home baking of bakery products is practiced.
Housewives everywhere prepare not only homemade pickles, but also berry mousses and confitures.
When visiting, it is not customary to wait until the owner of the house puts the food on plates. Everyone cuts a piece of pie or meat for themselves.
It is considered bad manners to leave uneaten food. The hosts may think that the guest did not like the treat.
When there is alcohol at the table, the host makes the first toast, after which everyone drinks. Then each guest fills the glass at his own discretion.

Traditional Swedish dishes are: whole baked goose, fried venison, elk cutlets, cookies, apple pie. In general, the cuisine resembles Russian. Here they also like a side dish of potatoes, vegetable salads, fried mushrooms, and pickled cucumbers. Dairy products make up the daily diet. Swedes love cheese, yogurt, kefir, and milk. The drinks are varied. Herbal tea, weakly brewed coffee, and mineral water are popular. Large selection of alcoholic drinks. These are sweet beer, berry liqueurs, liqueurs with herbs, punch.

Swedes have a special relationship with fish. This product makes up the majority of the diet, along with meat. Especially in this northern country they love herring. Not a single holiday is complete without it. A variety of herring appetizers are put on the table in different versions. It is baked, pickled, fried, smoked, dried, and soaked in wine. A national product known to gourmets from different countries is a dish called surströmming. This is a favorite Swedish treat made from canned pickled herring.

The dish has such a pungent and unpleasant smell that many foreigners run out from the table. This is a very specific product that often only Scandinavians can eat. Nevertheless, it is considered a delicacy. Surströmming is usually eaten alone, in the fresh air. The jar is opened in the yard and consumed right there, picking up pieces with a fork. Garnish: onions, potatoes, tomatoes. Wash down the dish with beer, milk, kvass.

The specific taste and aroma of fish is achieved thanks to a special cooking recipe. Gutted and headless herring are placed in barrels with a strong solution of caustic salt. She lies there for several days. Next, they take it out and transfer it to a weaker solution for two months. There the fish becomes softer, limp, its meat is well saturated with salt. Next, the herring is rolled into jars and placed in the cold. The fermentation process continues even in a closed container. You need to open it very carefully, otherwise the liquid, splashing out of the can under pressure, can splash your clothes with a caustic solution.

Famous people

Sweden has produced many talented people who have gained worldwide fame. Here are some of them:

Greta Garbo is an actress, a star of world cinema of the first half of the 20th century, and an Oscar winner.
Carl Linnaeus was a botanist, naturalist, and physician who lived in the 18th century. He was the first to create a universal classification of flora and fauna. His nomenclature system is still used today.
Dolph Lundgren - actor, director, screenwriter. Known for starring in American action films of the 90s of the last century.
Alfred Nobel - Ph.D., chemist, inventor. He founded a charitable foundation to reward scientists and writers who have made great contributions to the development of science and literature.

Character

The Swedes have a special mentality that can be called Nordic. The main character trait is restraint, which foreigners may mistake for coldness. Thanks to this, Swedish citizens do not aggravate personal and industrial relations. They never make rash decisions, carefully weighing all sides of the issue. Germans mistake this trait for uncertainty, while Norwegians attribute it to indecisiveness. Meanwhile, the Swedes are concerned not to offend a person or hurt their feelings with a random phrase.

These are extremely polite people who observe all decency. They don't like talking to strangers on the street. Only an extraordinary event can cause a Swedish citizen to turn to a stranger. This is regarded as a violation of personal space. Representatives of this nationality like to plan everything ahead so as not to find themselves in a stupid situation. They pay great attention to details, as this can affect the outcome of events. You need to invite a person to visit a month in advance so that he can gather his thoughts and adjust his other affairs.

In Sweden, children are not punished. Assault is completely unacceptable here, even if it is a light slap. This state was one of the first to abolish corporal punishment in schools, which was common practice in Europe. It is not customary to speak in a stern tone with a child. Remarks should be made in a friendly tone even when the children are completely naughty. The child himself must understand what is allowed to do in society and what is not.

The citizens of this country are very punctual. They are not late for work and return from their lunch break on time. People exactly follow all the instructions written in instructions or on signs. Not one of them will step on the lawn or throw garbage right on the street. This indicates the high awareness of all members of society. Cities and villages have clean, well-groomed streets that are pleasant to walk through.

Sweden is a beautiful country that attracts the eye with beautiful landscapes and neat urban architecture. And its residents endear you with sincere smiles and a friendly disposition.

Sweden is distinguished by its low density (10 million people live here - less than in Moscow), a long sea coast, dense forests and countless lakes. This is one of the northernmost countries in the world. In area it is comparable to Spain, Thailand or the American state of California. Sweden's borders have not changed since 1905, and the country has not been involved in wars since 1814 - which makes Sweden one of the most peace-loving countries on the globe.

Contrasts of day and night

Riches of wildlife

The diversity of Sweden's landscapes is matched by the abundance of its fauna: from wolves and brown bears in the north to roe deer and wild boars in the south. Biological diversity is the result of the richness of the plant and aquatic world.

The country, large by European standards, stretches from north to south for 1,574 km. According to the climate zone, coniferous forests, in particular pine and spruce, predominate in Sweden. The further south you go, the more often they are adjacent to deciduous groves: birch and aspen. The very south of Sweden is gentle, picturesque fields and hills, thinned by copses and surrounded by long sandy beaches. Thanks to the limestone-rich soil combined with a mild climate, the islands of Gotland, Öland and parts of the Scandinavian Mountains are characterized by a special flora, including a variety of orchid species.

Facts and figures

Capital: Stockholm

Population: 10 million

Total area: 528,447 sq. km, third largest country in Western Europe, after France and Spain

Lifespan: Men – 81 years old, women – 84 years old

Population born outside the country: 18,5%

Religion: The Church of Sweden is Evangelical Lutheran. Numerous other faiths and religions are also represented in the country.

Language: Swedish

Form of government: Constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy

Parliament: Riksdag, unicameral, 349 deputies

Education: 9 years of compulsory schooling, most students study for 12 years (including “grammar school”). About a third continue their education at universities and colleges.

Working hours: The standard working week is 40 hours, the minimum paid vacation is 5 weeks.

Telephone code: +46

Internet domain:.se

Timezone: GMT +1

Currency: 1 crown (SEK) = 100 ore

GDP per capita (PPP): USD 56,935

GNI per capita: USD 50,840

Population of largest cities (including suburbs):

Stockholm: 2,344,124

Gothenburg: 1,030,000

Malmö: 730,529

Main export products: Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals and plastic products, electronics and telecommunications equipment, energy products, industrial equipment, road vehicles, minerals, food

National parks

In 1909, Sweden became the first European state to establish national parks. The beginning was made in the mountain ranges of Norrland, a region in the north of the country. This helped save one of the last corners of pristine nature in Europe from destruction. Then, throughout Sweden, vast areas were declared nature reserves and protected cultural heritage areas.

Rule of universal access to natural areas ( allemänsrätten) states that everyone has the right to walk through forests and meadows, pick berries and mushrooms - without separate permission from landowners. But this right also comes with obvious responsibilities: to respect private property and.

Geography of Sweden

Length from north to south: 1,574 km

Length from west to east: 499 km

Urbanized and industrial areas: 3%

Agricultural grounds: 8%

Forests: 53% Swamps: 9%

Fields: 7% Mountains: 12%

Lakes and rivers: 9%

Highest mountain: Kebnekaise (2,103 m)

Largest lake: Vänern (5,650 sq. km)

National symbols of Sweden

The official Swedish heraldry is the yellow and blue flag, the national symbol “Three Crowns”, the national anthem, as well as the coat of arms in two versions: large and small. The oldest images of a blue flag with a yellow cross that have survived to this day date back to the 16th century. The symbol of the yellow cross itself has been applied to banners and standards in the Swedish army since time immemorial. It is based on the outlines of the ancient coat of arms of the kingdom with a blue background, divided into four parts by a golden cross. The sign of the "three crowns" has been used as the state emblem of Sweden since at least 1336, but long before that it was known to Europeans as a symbol of the "Three Wise Kings".

Since 1916, June 6 has appeared in the Swedish calendar. In 1983 it was renamed Swedish National Day, and in 2004 it was declared a public holiday and a day off. The date was chosen for two reasons: on June 6, 1523, the first Swedish king, Gustav Vasa, ascended the throne, and on the same day in 1809, the country adopted a new Constitution, which granted its citizens.

Swedish national anthem

The text of “Du Gamla, Du Fria” (“You are ancient, you are free”) was composed by the balladist and folklorist Richard Dubeck (1811-1877), and its musical basis was a mid-19th century folk melody from the Västmanland province in central Sweden. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, this ballad became so popular that it was declared the national anthem of Sweden.

The kingdom occupies the eastern and southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula and the islands of Öland and Gotland in the Baltic Sea. In the west it borders with Norway, in the northeast with Finland, in the east and south it is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea, separating from Denmark in the south.

The name of the country comes from the Scandinavian svear-rige - “state of the Svens”.

Official name: Kingdom of Sweden (Konungariket Sverige).

Capital:

The area of the land: 450.5 thousand sq. km

Total Population: 9.3 million people

Administrative division: Sweden is divided into 24 counties.

Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.

Head of State: King.

Population composition: 91% are Swedes, 3% are Finns, Sami, Norwegians, Danes, people from the former Yugoslavia, Greeks, Turks. For many centuries the country was ethnically very homogeneous, consisting of Swedes and Sami themselves.

Official language: Swedish, Finnish, Meänkieli and Sami are also spoken.

Religion: 87% are Lutheran, there are also Catholics, Orthodox, Baptists, Muslims, Jews, and Buddhists.

Internet domain: .se

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Country dialing code: +46

Country barcode: 730-739

Climate

Since the territory of Sweden has a significant extent in the submeridional direction, in the north of the country it is much colder and the growing season is shorter than in the south. The length of day and night varies accordingly. However, in general Sweden has a higher frequency of sunny and dry weather than many other countries in North-West Europe, especially in winter.

Despite the fact that 15% of the country is located beyond the Arctic Circle, and all of it is located north of 55° N, due to the influence of winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean, the climate is quite mild. Such climatic conditions are favorable for the development of forests, comfortable living for people and more productive agriculture than in continental regions located at the same latitudes. Throughout Sweden, winters are long and summers are short.

In Lund in the south of Sweden, the average temperature in January is 0.8 ° C, in July 16.4 ° C, and the average annual temperature is 7.2 ° C. In Karesuando in the north of the country the corresponding indicators are -14.5 ° C, 13.1 ° C and –2.8° C. Snow falls annually throughout Sweden, but snow cover in Skåne lasts only 47 days, while in Karesuando it lasts 170–190 days. Ice cover on lakes lasts on average 115 days in the south of the country, 150 days in the central regions and at least 200 days in the northern regions. Off the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, freeze-up begins around mid-November and lasts until the end of May. Fog is common in the northern Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia.

Average annual precipitation ranges from 460 mm on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea and the far north of the country to 710 mm on the west coast of southern Sweden. In the northern regions it is 460–510 mm, in the central regions – 560 mm, and in the southern regions – slightly more than 580 mm. The greatest amount of precipitation falls at the end of summer (in some places there is a second maximum in October), the least - from February to April. The number of days with stormy winds ranges from 20 per year on the west coast to 8–2 on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia.

Geography

Sweden is located in Northern Europe, in the eastern and southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In the west, Sweden borders on Norway, in the north-east on Finland, and on the east and south it is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. In the south, the straits Öresund, Kattegat and Skagerrak separate Sweden from Denmark. Sweden includes two large islands in the Baltic - Gotland and Öland.

The terrain of the country is elevated, the northwestern part of the country is mountainous (the highest point is Mount Kebnekaise, 2111 m) and is framed on the east by a vast plateau; in the south the terrain is flatter and abounds in rivers and lakes (there are almost 90 thousand reservoirs in the country). Most of the country is covered with forests; in the north, vast areas are occupied by the tundra zone of Swedish Lapland. The coastline is heavily indented and abounds with skerries and island groups. The area of the country is 450 thousand square meters. km.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Based on the nature of natural vegetation in Sweden, there are five main areas confined to certain latitudinal zones:

1) alpine region, combining the northernmost and most elevated areas, with a predominance of colorful short grass and dwarf forms of shrubs;

2) an area of crooked birch forest, where squat trees with strongly curved trunks grow - mainly birch, less often aspen and rowan;

3) the northern region of coniferous forests (the largest in the country) - with a predominance of pine and spruce;

4) the southern region of coniferous forests (largely cleared); in the surviving tracts, oak, ash, elm, linden, maple and other broad-leaved species are mixed with coniferous species;

5) area of beech forests (almost not preserved); in these forests, along with beech, there are oak, alder and, in some places, pine.

In addition, azonal vegetation is widespread. Lush meadow vegetation grows around the lakes, and swamps with specific flora are common in some places. On the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea, halophytic communities (plants growing on saline soils) are common.

Animal world

In Sweden there are such forest inhabitants as elk, brown bear, wolverine, lynx, fox, marten, squirrel, and mountain hare. American mink and muskrat were brought from North America several decades ago for breeding in fur farms, but some individuals escaped and formed quite viable populations in nature, which quickly spread throughout the country (excluding some islands and the far north) and displaced a number of local animal species from their ecological niches. There are still wild reindeer in northern Sweden.

Ducks, geese, swans, gulls, terns and other birds nest along the shores of seas and lakes. The rivers are home to salmon, trout, perch, and in the north – grayling.

Attractions

The country is abundantly endowed with natural beauty and attractions - the green fields of the south of the country and the harsh tundra of Lapland, the green hills of the west and the wooded cliffs of Norrbotten, the picturesque islands and skerries of the south and the calm shores of the Gulf of Bothnia, a huge lake system and a lot of wild animals - all this attracts a huge amount to the country. number of tourists. And its rich history and beautiful cities will allow you to get acquainted with the unique culture of the country.

Banks and currency

Swedish krona. 1 crown is equal to 100 ore. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 crowns and coins in 10, 5, 1 crown and 50 öre.

Banks are open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 15:00, and on Thursday from 9:30 to 17:30. Exchange offices at airports, train stations, and marinas are open seven days a week.

Currency exchange is carried out in banks, exchange offices and post offices.

Useful information for tourists

Regular store opening hours are from 10.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 10.00 to 15.00 on Saturdays. Many shops are also open on Sunday. Large department stores are open every day, but on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays they have shorter working hours. In July, the “industrial holidays” begin (until mid-August), when all enterprises are closed and institutions operate in a “saving” mode.

The Kingdom of Sweden is the largest country in Scandinavia. Although Sweden is on the outskirts of Europe, it has never been a cultural province. Many famous architects worked on the appearance of its cities. But the main wealth of this country is its nature, changing as you move from south to north, from the sandy shores of the Baltic with well-kept estates to the rugged forests and cliffs near the border with Norway. Sweden is home to bustling cities and small villages, lakes and rapids of wild rivers, high mountains and skerries in the form of thousands of small islands. The unique diversity of nature appears in its pristine beauty in Stockholm National Park with its unique flora and fauna.

Sweden is too diverse and rich in contrasts to express impressions in one word. And there is nothing to be surprised at the differences between the southern part of Sweden, which is almost no different from the rest of continental Europe, and its north, snow-covered Lapland. Sweden has everything: lively cities, scatterings of wooden houses, usually painted red, reservoirs, either fresh or salty, stormy rapids rivers, and sleepy lakes. and islands, and skerries in the form of thousands and thousands of freckles on the surface of the sea, and high mountains, and lovely valleys.

There are medieval castles, rune stones, thousands of Iron Age archeological monuments, and one of the oldest universities. Sweden is the birthplace of the great storyteller Astrid Lindgren, where the eccentric Carlson and the favorite of all the children of the world, Pippi Longstocking, live.

Geography

Time

It is 2 hours behind Moscow.

Climate

Moderate. The temperature in summer rarely rises above +22 C. In winter, the temperature does not drop below -16 C. Precipitation ranges from 500-700 mm per year (on the plains) to 1500-2000 mm (in the mountains).

Language

Almost nine million people live in Sweden. The only official language in Sweden is Swedish, which belongs to the Scandinavian group of Germanic languages.

Religion

Lutherans - 87%, others - 13%.

Population

The population is 8,850,000 people. Peoples: 90% Swedes, 3% Finns, 0.15% Sami - the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland.

Electricity

The mains voltage is 220 Volts.

Emergency numbers

Single number for police, fire brigade or ambulance: 9-00-00.

Connection

The country has GSM, MT 450 and NMT 900 standards of three operators - Europolitan, Tele2/Comviq and Telia Mobile. The cost of a call across the country between operators differs slightly and is about 5.5 CZK during the day, and in the evening and at night (from 19.00 to 7.00) and on weekends - about 2 CZK (plus the cost of the call - 40 Ere). Cellular numbers begin with the numbers 450 and 900; calls to such phones are made directly, without dialing the area code or operator.

The telephone network is very developed and modern. From a regular city payphone you can call anywhere in Sweden and to any country in the world. Payphones are installed everywhere and work with telephone cards (30, 60 and 100 CZK, sold in newsstands and tobacco kiosks, Telia offices and post offices) and regular credit cards. The cost of calling within the city is 1 CZK per minute plus 2 CZK for the connection.

Currency exchange

Swedish krona, one krona is 100 øre, one US dollar is approximately equal to 10 Swedish kronor. Most banks in the country are open only on weekdays from 9.30 to 15.00, some banks in the center of Stockholm - from 9.00 to 17.30. Exchange offices operate seven days a week at airports, train stations, marinas, and main post offices. In some exchange offices, the cost of the service is expressed as a percentage of the exchange amount, while in others there is a fixed fee for the transaction, regardless of the amount. ATMs operate 24 hours a day. They accept all major credit cards: American Express, Diner's Club, Eurocard, MasterCard, Visa. By the way, it is better to buy crowns in Moscow or St. Petersburg - it will cost you less than in Sweden.

Visa

To enter the country, you must have a foreign passport and a visa (Schengen), obtained on the basis of an invitation. Consular fee of 25 US dollars. Russians with a stay of no more than 3 months are not subject to registration.

Customs regulations

The import of national and foreign currency is not limited. The export of foreign currency is not limited, national currency - no more than 6 thousand crowns in banknotes of no more than 1 thousand crowns. You can receive a partial VAT refund by using the tax-free system on purchases of goods over $50. When purchasing, you must present your passport and you will receive a special export receipt. You can import duty-free a liter of strong alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content over 22° or two liters of strong wines with an alcohol content from 15° to 22°, two liters of wine up to 15° and two liters of beer, as well as 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 550 g of tobacco. Alcohol is allowed to be transported only by persons over 20 years of age, tobacco products - by persons over 18.
Prohibited for export are food products (except for tea and coffee), animals and plants without special permits, drugs and doping substances, and mobile phones that do not meet the requirements of the Swedish telephone network. Weapons, flammable and explosive substances, and art objects also cannot be exported without special permission.

Holidays and non-working days

January 1 - New Year
January 6 - Epiphany
April 13 - Good Friday
April 15 - Easter
May 1 - Labor Day
June 3 - Trinity
June 6 - Swedish Independence Day
November 1 - All Saints' Day
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 25-26 - Christmas

The "Water Festival", which has been held for the seventh year in a row, is a grandiose event not only in Sweden, but throughout Northern Europe. The culmination of the festival is the “Duck Race”: a swim of 40 thousand numbered plastic ducks (Water-festa emblem). The owner of the winning bird receives a prize - a Volvo 850, which is awarded in the main hall of Stockholm City Hall, where the king and queen arrive to the sounds of fanfare.

Transport

Trains are the main mode of transport outside major cities, serving regional centers. The railway network is most developed in the southern part of Sweden, where most of the country's cities are concentrated. Well developed bus service. Buses are the only mode of transport to reach remote parts of the country. SweBus express lines connect more than 1,500 settlements. Bus fares are significantly lower than train fares. Swedish roads meet the highest standards, only spoiled by the appearance of moose and reindeer on the roads at dusk and at night.

Ships ply between Stockholm and Gothenburg and the islands of the Stockholm archipelago. And steamboats on lakes such as Vättern, Siljan and Tonrnetesk in Lapland make cruises in the summer, which are very popular with the local population.

Arlanda's main international airport is located half an hour north of Stockholm. There are daily flights to most European countries. Most flights from North America and Asia usually land in Copenhagen, where you will have to make a connection. Ferries serve rail and bus lines for travel to Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany, Poland, Estonia and the UK and other European countries.

Tips

Hotel prices include service charges. Restaurant service is included in the bill. Late evening fees are higher. Taxi drivers should not take tips.

The shops

Stores in Sweden do not have strictly defined days of the week and opening hours. As a rule, this is Monday - Friday from 9:30 to 18:00. Department stores and other large stores are usually open on Sundays, from 12:00 to 16:00. Grocery stores are open daily, usually until 20:00, and some even longer.

National cuisine

Swedes traditionally use in their cooking mainly those products that can withstand long-term winter storage. Dishes prepared by Swedish chefs are usually hearty and contain a lot of fat and sugar. For frying and stewing, Swedes use lard (lard). Fish dishes are also popular. For example, the Swedes usually start any feast with an appetizer with salted herring, followed by other fish. After fish dishes, it is customary to change plates and then move on to other dishes.

Surely everyone is familiar with the expression “buffet”. In Swedish it sounds like "Smergasbrod". The history of this table is as follows: in ancient times, when the Swedes gathered guests for some reason, they naturally thought, first of all, about how to feed all the guests. And the guests, it should be noted, arrived from afar, from different villages scattered across the expanses of this large and sparsely populated country. In order not to make them wait long, they served dishes that could last for several days: salted herring, potato and boiled vegetable salads, hard-boiled eggs, cold meat and, of course, sandwiches. In the modern sense, a buffet is a reception at which self-service is organized for a large number of guests. They usually eat standing or sitting somewhere away from the table, so as not to disturb other guests approaching the table.

Swedish cuisine includes a large number of fish dishes. These are salted herring, herring in mustard, in wine, with onions, herring fillet with white sauce, grilled or oven-baked herring with lemon, herring in glassmestarsil marinade, as well as crustaceans, caviar, boiled sea pike "lutfisk" and River fish. Fish dishes are complemented by salads of potatoes and boiled vegetables, hard-boiled eggs with various sauces, and hearty soups such as beer soup "elebrad" or oyster soup "nasselsuppa-med-egg."

Among the meat dishes, highlights include pork roll "Flaskrulader", spicy pork sausage "Esterband", minced venison "Renstek", pate "Leverpashte", large dumplings "Kottbullar", Christmas ham and roasted elk "Unstect Allg". For dessert they serve pancakes, muffins, biscuits, pies (apple and blueberry with rhubarb are especially tasty) and cookies. Swedes prefer coffee and mineral water when it comes to drinks. Punch and grog are popular among alcoholic drinks.

Attractions and resorts

The main attractions of Sweden, of course, can be seen in Stockholm- one of the most beautiful capitals of Northern Europe: the Maritime Museum, churches of the 13th century, the royal palace, the Knight's House of the 17th century, the Church of St. Nicholas of the 13th century, the National, Historical and Northern museums. IN Uppsala and Lunde the 12th century cathedrals are well known; The castles of the 16th century deserve special attention Gripsholm, Vadstena and Kalmar. The main attractions of Sweden include the main city of the largest Gotland Islands- Visby, which was an important trading center in the Middle Ages, and today it is known as the city of “ruins and roses”, which preserves 92 church towers. You can also visit the second largest island of Sweden - Öland, connected to the mainland of the country by a modern bridge. Stockholm is called the “Venice of the North”, since a dozen large and small islands connected by bridges are located within the city. Stockholm is the residence of the king and a major trading port on the Baltic.

The legendary northern region - Lapland, belongs to Finland, Norway, Russia (in the west of the Kola Peninsula) and Sweden. The nature of Lapland is not only forests and snow-covered plains. This is a land of picturesque nature, which is carefully protected in numerous National Parks. The most famous national parks in this region are Abisko, Padjelanta, Muddus, Sarek. Padjelanta and Sarek parks are the largest in Sweden, the area of each of them exceeds 200 thousand hectares, of which 90% are occupied by mountains. Padjelanta National Park has about 400 species of plants, as well as a wide variety of animals, which is not typical for mountainous areas. Sarek National Park presents tourists with more than 200 mountains, the height of which exceeds 1800 m. The 13 highest points of the country are located here. For lovers of hiking, Sarek is ideal, but its trails are very difficult and close to mountaineering, especially since there are no campsites in Sarek, so it is recommended for experienced tourists to visit it. Here you can meet such animals as bears, lynxes, wolverines, and moose. In Abisko National Park there is a deep chasm that rises up from Lake Torneträsk. This place is one of the most popular for “winter” tourists who want to see the Northern Lights with their own eyes. Muddus National Park is almost entirely covered in dense forests and swamps, and the swamps around Lake Muddusjärvi are home to a large number of bird species. In the summer in Lapland, white nights are observed for 100 days, that is, the Sun does not set beyond the horizon, and in the winter the polar night sets in for three whole months. It is during this season of the year that you can see the northern lights.

Sweden's northernmost city is Kiruna, it is located above the Arctic Circle and is often called the “city of white nights”. The Kiruna Samgard Museum with an exhibition dedicated to the culture of the Sami people and the Kiruna Church are of interest here. The church was built in 1912. The free-standing bell tower at the front is supported by piers and the tombstone of founder Kiruna. Above the main door of the church is a relief dedicated to a group of Sami people under the clouds in the sky. In 2001, the church was recognized as the most beautiful building in Sweden.

IN Gothenburg there are 16 museums, among which the most interesting are the City Museum, the Art Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Ross Museum (the only museum of artistic crafts and design in Sweden), the Museum of the History of Medicine, the Banking Museum, the Observatory, the Skansen Kronan Museum of Military History, the Science Museum "Experimentum", Museum of Natural History and Maritime Museum "Sjofarthistoriska Museum". Gothenburg is home to Sweden's largest botanical garden, displaying over 12,000 plant species, flowers, herbaceous and woodland plants from around the world. The famous Göta Canal begins from Gothenburg, which ends in the vicinity of the city of Söderköping and connects the Kattegat Strait and the Gulf of Bothnia. Construction of the canal began in 1810 and ended a quarter of a century later. The canal passes through a variety of landscapes and passes through the Vanern Lake. A boat trip along the Göta Canal is considered one of the main excursions in Sweden.

In the very south of Sweden, in the resort region of Skåne, there is a city Malmo. Tourists will be amazed by the variety of museums in the city, the largest of which are the History and Art Museum and the Art Museum with an excellent collection of paintings by Russian artists. Also interesting are the Gothic Church of St. Petrichurka, built in 1319; Renaissance town hall (1546) and Malmehus castle (1542). The central square of Malmo, Lilla Torg, is very beautiful; it is paved with cobblestones and surrounded by buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries. In the very center of the city there are many parks where you can stroll and relax. Malmö is connected by a bridge to Copenhagen across the Åresund Strait.

The religious capital of the country is an ancient city Lund. This status is confirmed by the Romanesque Cathedral, the remains of the ancient Drottens Church, the estate of Sancta Maria Minor and the Renaissance royal palace. Lund Cathedral was built in the Romanesque style; the cathedral towers reach a height of 55 meters. Its interior is made of sandstone. Below the cathedral there is a chapel and ornate carved passages.

Ski resort Ore consists of four villages: Duved, Tegefjall, Are By and Are Bjornen- and five ski areas: Duved, Tegefjall, Ope By, Are Bjornen and Rodkulle. All villages are connected by bus routes. Regardless of which village the tourist lives in, he can ski throughout the entire Åre complex. Åre meets all the world's requirements for a high-level ski resort. For its highest technical characteristics, it is often called the “Scandinavian Alps”. Alpine skiing World Cup stages have already been held here three times (one of them being the final), and the World Championships in this sport are scheduled for 2007. Åre has the best lift system in Northern Europe, 100 km of ski slopes, a height difference of 900 meters (374-1274) and guaranteed snow from November to May.

The main feature of the Swedish character is hard work. Swedes are quite cautious and are usually reluctant to express their opinions. They are somewhat duller than other Europeans and more reserved, which is why Swedes are considered uncontact and uncommunicative people. Perhaps the Swedish climate itself influences the isolation of people and contributes to the development of various psychoses. Swedes are afraid to show their emotions, especially mental suffering, to others. They don't like to talk about themselves. But this is not snobbery, not the remnants of aristocracy - this is how people behave. For a foreigner, the worst torture is to be in a Swedish living room among people who say nothing interesting, to be stunned by the ensuing silence, to know that you should say something, but to be afraid to speak in the wrong way. If a Swede starts talking, it will be difficult to stop him, but getting a Swede to talk is almost impossible. But here’s a paradox: a Swede who “buttons up his soul” in a conversation with a Swede talks much more openly about himself to a foreigner. Residents of small Swedish towns do not have the sociability of the Russian province. The inhabitants of the entrances hardly know each other. It’s not customary to just come and visit- everyone for themselves. A friendly smile when meeting is the best and sufficient form of communication. Most Swedes have neither the art nor the need for intimate conversation. They also lack listening skills.

Very peculiarSwedes' attitude towards women. A companion will not pay for his colleague or acquaintance on the tram, in the cinema, in a cafe. And this is not because of poverty. It’s just that it wouldn’t even occur to a man to pay for a woman who works herself. Married Swedes are afraid for their husbands and try to protect them from communicating with single women.

Swedes are very punctual . For example, clients in hairdressing salons are served at strictly designated hours. If a client makes an appointment but does not show up on time, according to Swedish rules, he will still be sent an invoice. High customer service culture. The owner of a small private store knows each of his customers and their tastes. Sellers can often give detailed advice on a product of interest, also in German and English - there are many foreigners in Sweden.

Swedes are very rational and inventive . This is also expressed in small details. For example, in a special arrangement of locks and keys. In apartment buildings, as a rule, the entrance is closed at nightfall, and the gates are locked at twelve o'clock. Of course, the apartment is also locked. But each resident has only one key for all locked doors. The fact is that part of the grooves - common on all keys - opens the gate lock; part - common to the inhabitants of the entrance - the entrance door; finally, some grooves or protrusions - different for each key - only the lock of a certain apartment. A trifle, of course. But one flat key is more convenient to carry in your pocket than a clanking, bulky bunch.

But most of all, the rationality of the Swedes is manifested in kitchen organization. The kitchen is one of the most important places in the home. There is nothing bulky, unnecessary or of little use here. One wall of the kitchen is usually turned into a solid cabinet, where all kitchen equipment is combined. The kitchen of a Swedish home is usually pleasant to be in; you don’t feel the urge to immediately move to another room, but can simply sit and relax.

Another characteristic feature of the life of Swedes is sporty lifestyle. In Sweden, millions engage in sports from childhood to old age - swimming, tennis, hockey and, of course, artistic gymnastics, which took on its modern form in Sweden half a century ago. Obviously, the passion for sports explains one curious fact - in Sweden you will hardly meet overweight women. Swedes strictly take care of themselves, from childhood they are accustomed to daily gymnastics, walking, cycling, and try not to get carried away with flour and sweets. And the result is excellent health, good build, vigor and longevity. The average Swedish woman lives about eighty years. Maybe we also need to pay more attention to sports?..