The Kingdom of Sweden is a Northern European country situated in Scandinavia. It borders Norway and Finland. The first hunter gatherer or flint societies in Sweden can be traced back to 12,000 BCE or shortly after the ice retreated after the last Ice Age.

Similar to the other Nordic countries, Sweden had a Viking culture from the 8th to the 11th century, but while Danish and Norwegian Viking went to the south and the West, the Swedish Vikings went eastward towards the Baltic. The period between 1100 and 1400 was characterized by internal power struggles and competition among the Nordic kingdoms, including struggles for territory and comparative power. From 1397 to 1520 Sweden was united with Norway and Denmark in the Kalmar Union.

In the 17th century Sweden had developed into a significant European power. However, almost constant warfare with Russia, Norway and Denmark depleted the economy and the empire collapsed. Still after Denmark’s defeat in the Napoleonic Wars, Norway became a part of the Swedish kingdom in 1814. This union lasted until 1905. Sweden remained neutral during both the first and the Second World War, but during the latter they were under severe German influence. Sweden joined the European Union in 2005.

Inhabitants: 9,200,000
Area: 450,000 km2
Capital: Stockholm (800,000 inhabitants)
Languages: Sweden
Religion: Protestants (71%), non-believers (23%), Muslims (5%), others (1%)
GDP (PPP) per capita: $47,000
Government: Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy
Climate: Temperate climate in the south and pre-arctic climate in the north