Sweden Chapter 7, Section 2

Sweden’s government Home of the Noble Prize. Shares the Scandinavian Peninsula with Norway. Constitutional monarchy. Monarchy only has ceremonial powers and can’t make laws. Representatives are elected to four-year terms in the Swedish parliament.

The riksdag Consists of 349 members. Elects Sweden’s prime minister and appoints ombudsmen. Ombudsmen—Officials who protect citizens’ rights and make sure the Swedish courts and civil service follow the law. Swedish citizens vote to decide how many members of each political party serve. Prior to 1976, the Social Democratic Labour Party was in power for 44 years. Swedish government has five political parties.

Swedish prime minister Name: Stefan Lofven Took Office: October 3, 2014

Foreign Policy Since World War 1 has had a foreign policy of armed neutrality. Armed neutrality—Country has its own armed forces but does not take sides in other nations’ conflicts. Does not form military alliances in peacetime. Unless Sweden is directly attacked, the country will not become involved in war. Strong supporter of the United Nations.

Economy Privately-owned businesses and international trade are important. Sweden exports many goods, including metals, minerals, and wood. Engineering and communications are important industries. Automobile industry provides many jobs.

Swedish labor force After World War II, many Swedes moved to the city to find work. More than 80 percent of the population lives in urban areas. Workforce is highly educated and has a high standard of living. Stockholm

Power sources Hydroelectricity is the main source of electrical power. Hydroelectricity is power generated by water. Nuclear power is also used frequently. Government is looking for safer sources of energy, including solar- and wind-powered energy.

Acid rain Severe problem in Sweden. Occurs when pollution comes back to earth as rain. The pollutants poison trees and other vegetation. Sweden and surrounding countries are trying to clean up the environment by reducing emissions from cars and factories.

Daily life and culture Sweden is primarily a homogeneous country. About 90 percent of the population was born in Sweden and are members of the Lutheran church. Most people speak Swedish. Since World War II, immigrants from Turkey, Greece, and other European countries brought some cultural diversity to the population. About 1 in 9 people are either immigrants or a child of an immigrant.

Recreation Workers have many benefits, including very long vacations. They enjoy both winter and summer sports. Cross-country and downhill skiing are popular because of the cold weather and hills. Skating, hockey, and ice fishing are also popular. The coast has small islands called skerries that are popular with hikers, campers, and fishermen.

Contributions to world cultures Sweden is well-known for its contributions to drama, literature, and film. Astrid Lindgren wrote Pippi Longstocking in 1945.

Questions?