1. Officially known as The Kingdom of Sweden

2. Language Official language of Sweden is Swedish
Swedish alphabet contains 29 letters with 3 vowels (å, ä, and ö) more than the English language
Other languages spoken in Sweden
Danish
Yiddish
Chinese
Kurdish
Greek

3. Attire Modern clothing is internationally influenced
Swedish national costumes are worn rarely on special occasions such as Midsummer (centered upon the summer solstice)
Dress very casually

4. Government Representative democracy
Each person has the same right and opportunities
Elections are held every 4 years
King of Sweden: King Carl XVI Gustaf

5. Climate 3 types of climate
Oceanic climate (southernmost part)
Humid continental climate (central part)
Subarctic climate (northernmost part)
Stockholm (capital of Sweden) usually receives 18 hours of daylight in late June
Average rainfall is mm each year

6. Population Known as the third largest country in the European Union
Total population of about 9.5 million
85% of people live in urban areas

7. Religion In 1951 the Law on Freedom of Religion was established
Guaranteeing a full religious freedom to everyone by law
70% of the Sweden population belong to the Church of Sweden
Professes the Luteran faith
No official religion

8. Customs
If you visit a Swedish home you should bring flowers or a box of chocolate
If you are given a gift, open it upon receipt
If you visit a family, it is a custom to take the children of that family a gift
Don’t take the last helping from a plate

9. laws The Swedish Constitution Defines how Sweden is governed
Includes four laws
1. The Instrument of Government
2. The Act of Succession
3. The Freedom of the Press Act
4. Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression

10. Swedish Food
Swedish cuisine differs depending on the region due to its characteristic geography
Common foods:
Reindeer meat
Kotbullar (Swedish Meatballs)
Swedish Ham
Mashed potatoes
Fresh vegetables

11. Currency Official currency since 1837 Swedish Krona (SEK)
1 US dollar = 6.56 SEK
1, 5, and 10 Kronor coins
20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Kronor banknotes

12. Holidays Christmas: December 25 Pentecost: May 19, 2013
Begins with Advent, each Sunday before Christmas a candle is lit
Christmas Day is spent in church
Pentecost: May 19, 2013
Greek name for the feast of weeks
Celebrates the visit of the holy spirit
Popular day for weddings
Walpurgis Eve: April 30
when spring is welcomed
“Sing in the Spring”
Other holidays celebrated in Sweden are: New Years, Good Friday, May Day, and Boxing Day

13. Gender Roles Men and women are treated equally
They believe that this leads to a more democratic society
Men and women have the same rights at school, in the workplace, and at home
Parents are allowed 480 days of parental leave when a child is born or adopted

14. Personal Number (personnummer)
All Swedish citizens have a personal number
Considered official identification
Based on date of birth
The number is unique

15. Education system Mandatory from 7-16 years old Financed by taxes
Kindergarten until master programs are free
Schooling
Kindergarten 1-5 years old
Preschool Class 6 years old
Primary school 7-16 years old
Secondary school years old
University 2-5 years of studies
Postgraduate programs

16. Manufacturing Major world exporter of forest products
A dense road and rail network is used to transport timber
Wood products produced:
Paper
Boards
Prefabricated houses
furniture

17. Sources Allaboutsweden.com En.wikipedia.org/wiki/sweden
En.wikipedia.org/wiki/culture_of_sweden#clothing