II. Sweden

A. Scandinavia Scandinavian Peninsula – Norway, Sweden, and Finland Very long winters and short summers Sun shines only 2-3 hours a day in the winter Sun shines 20 hours a day during the summer Start of Summer – Celebrated as a national holiday to celebrate the “midnight sun”

B. Sweden’s Government Has a constitutional monarchy Monarchy only has ceremonial powers and can’t make laws Riksdag – The Swedish parliament Prime Minister – Helps run government Ombudsmen – Elected by citizens to ensure that government officials follow the law

C. Foreign Policy Armed Neutrality – Not taking sides in other nations’ conflicts Avoid forming military alliances with anyone Will not become involved in war unless they are directly attacked

D. Swedish Economy 80% - Of Sweden’s population lives in urban areas Famous for their chocolate, cars, and metals Very highly educated workforce

Stockholm, Sweden

E. Power Sources Hydroelectricity – Electricity produced by water Major source of electrical power in Sweden Nuclear power is also widely used in Sweden

F. Acid Rain Acid Rain – Air pollution that comes back to Earth in the form of precipitation Caused by pollution from factories and cars Poison trees and plants throughout the region

Combating Acid Rain

G. Swedish Culture Over 90% of Swedes are members of the Lutheran Church Over 90% of the people who live in Sweden are Swedish Very few people have immigrated into the country

People in Sweden are allowed to take month long vacations every year Very popular skiing destination Skerries – Small islands that dot the coast of Sweden

Sweden’s Skerries