Terrain

Present-day Sweden's topography was shaped during the Ice Ages, creating deep valleys and lakes, the look of mountain ranges having been prone to change by the natural power of glaciers. The Skanden mountain range is situated in the north-west of the country and extends right into Norway. Sweden's highest elevation is Mount Kebnekaise (2111 m), a number of glaciers can be found at about the same altitude. Southern Sweden is dominated by an extensive valley region and gently rolling lowlands. The coastal region is characterized by quite a few inlets reaching inland. A number of rivers (like the Dalälv, the Klarälv, and the Umeälv) divide the country. Sweden's biggest lakes are Lake Väner (Europe's third-biggest lake) and Lake Vätter.

Climate

Despite the country's location in the far north, maritime factors (like the Gulf Stream and winds from the west) exert a certain influence on climatic conditions predominant in Sweden. However, air masses from the east often make winters freezing cold. Compared to the south, Northern Sweden is characterized by significantly harsher climatic conditions. Up and down the country, February is the coldest month, with average temperatures of around 0°C. Average temperatures in summer range between 15°C bis 18°C. Sweden's average annual precipitation amounts to approximately 500 mm. Regions beyond the polar circle are characterized by two months of darkness in the wintertime and two months without any sunset in the summertime.

Fauna/Flora

Alpine and Arctic plants are common in Northern Sweden, with only limited vegetation in the mountains. Lemmings (small rodents) populate lower altitudes characterized by marshland with a variety of lichen and moss species. Further south, forested areas are rich in birch, willow, spruce, and pine trees, while Southern Sweden's woodlands are dominated by deciduous trees, like oak and beech. Common animals in the north include reindeer, elk, even bears, lynx, martens, red deer and wolves. The country is abounding with birds like peregrine falcon, waxwing, capercaillie, eider ducks, nuthatch, and blue tit.

History/Politics

In the 6th century AD, the Svear and Göter tribes merged to establish a kingdom in the area of present-day Sweden. Vikings, starting from Sweden in the 8th century, managed to establish trading routes and even moved to settle as far as Russia and other regions in Northern Europe. The first half of the 9th century saw Carolingian missionaries reach the country to spread Christianity. During the reign of Eric IX, Sweden became a powerful kingdom (12th century).

Two centuries later, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark were unified. Queen Margaret I of Denmark was the first supreme ruler heading the Kalmar Union which was to fall apart in 1523, making way for Gustav I Wasa to become King of Sweden. The period of Gustav's reign was characterized by eastward expansion (to the Baltic Sea), introduction of the Lutheran faith as state religion, and involvement in the Thirty Years War. The war saw a victorious Swedish Kingdom being left with a number of territorial gains. In the 18th century, the kingdom even succeeded in conquering the Polish crown. Denmark, Russia, Poland and Saxony stood up against Swedish supremacy and defeated the Swedish Army in the Battle of Poltawa (1709), resulting in huge territorial gains in favour of Russia.

During the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century, Sweden and France initially presented a united front. French Marshal Bernadotte was elected heir to the Swedish throne, but turned against Napoleon's armies after taking power. Sweden was given Norway as a result of the Congress of Vienna after the Napoleonic Wars, but the Union of Sweden and Norway was finally dissolved in 1905. Upon the outbreak of World War I, the country stuck to neutrality. After World War I, Sweden's Social Democratic Party became the strongest domestic political power and established a modern welfare state. Despite repeated threats posed by Germany upon the outbreak of World War II and beyond, Sweden again remained neutral. After World War II, Sweden became a member of the United Nations. A number of Social Democratic and Conservative governments followed. In 1973, present-day King Charles XVI Gustavus ascended the throne. Sweden became a member of the European Union in 1995, however, the country is not a participant in the European Monetary Union as of yet. In 1998, Göran Persson (leader of the Social Democratic Party) was re-elected prime minister.

Economy

Sweden has one of the highest living standards in the world. However, the 1990s saw the country suffering from an economic drawback resulting in cost-cutting programmes in social security, privatization of a number of state-run businesses, leaner public administration, and tax reform. In 2000, 2% of the active population found employment in the agricultural sector, 24% in manufacturing, and 74% in services. Sweden's fishing industry is dominated by herring, cod, and salmon populating the fishing grounds off the coast in the west of the country. Important mineral resources include a variety of ores and huge uranium deposits. As one of the most important industrialized countries, Sweden's major industries include wood and steal processing, paper, machinery and vehicles. In August 2001, consumer price index amounted to 3.1%, unemployment was 4.1%.

Culture

Swedish chemist and engineer Alfred Nobel invented dynamite and established the Nobel Foundation (named after him). Every year, prices are awarded for outstanding achievements in science and literature. The Nobel Peace Price was named after him, with financial support being provided by Norway. August Strindberg is Sweden's most famous dramatist, novelist Selma Lagerlöf was awarded the Nobel Literature Price. Astrid Lindgren's books are loved by children all over the world, one of her most popular characters being "Pippi Longstocking". Director and author Ingmar Bergmann has gained international appraise.