Sweden Introduction
When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, the Swedes have got it right. This nature loving country places a big emphasis on health and the environment, but always has time for another cup of coffee, called fika. Swedes drink fika at breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time in between.
Sweden is a Scandinavian country located in Northern Europe and is the third-largest country in Western Europe. The country stretches about 980 miles from north to south, slightly farther than the distance between Seattle and Los Angeles.
Sweden is mostly made up of plains and lowlands, with the Scandinavian Mountains on the west. The country’s topography is divided into three regions. In northern Sweden, Norrland encompasses a vast mountain range and forests. Svealand is in central Sweden and has lowlands in the east and highlands in the west. Götaland is in the south of Sweden and consists of the Småland highlands and the rich plains of Skåne. Northern Sweden is filled with beautiful forests, mountains and reindeer. On the way to southern Sweden, there are many lakes, streams and pine trees. Southern Sweden is known for its apple trees, potato fields and beautiful countryside.
You will have plenty of elbowroom in Sweden. With only 22 people per square km and almost 90 percent of the population living in southern Sweden, you will not feel crowded if you want to join the Swedes outdoors.
Swedish is the official language of the country, but there also are five national minority languages: Finnish, all Sami dialects, Torne Valley Finnish (Meänkieli), Romani and Yiddish. English is widely spoken because it is a compulsory language in the education system.
Sweden is among the richest and most technologically advanced nations in the world. Combined with its high standard of living, miles and miles of beautiful countryside, mountains and water, Sweden may be your next great adventure.