Country Facts
100,000 lakes, forests that cover half the country, snow-capped mountains, wide, grassy plains, a 7000-kilometre long coastline, flat woodlands, countless islands and ultra-urban spaces are contrasts that make Sweden one of the loveliest countries in Europe. Well-known for ABBA, Björn Borg, Ericsson, Saab, Volvo and IKEA, Swedes are a friendly and welcoming tribe.
To get under Swedish skin read Charlotte Rosen Svensson's 'Culture Shock! Sweden: A Guide to Customs and Etiquette', watch works by Ingmar Bergman and listen to the Cardigans.
- Capital: Stockholm
- Official Languages: Swedish
- Government: Constitutional monarchy
- Currency: Krona
- Time Zone: +1:00 GMT (4 ½ hrs behind India)
- Telephone Calling Code: 0046
When To Go
Best time to visit: Late May to July (summer) and December to March for skiing. The coldest month is February at 0°C and the warmest is July at 17°C. Snow is rare, but it rains all year round.
What To Do
If there's one thing Swedish cuisine has contributed to culinary vocabulary, it's the word 'smörgåsbord', a buffet-style meal that offers up a variety of dishes, a service offered in Swedish restaurants. Fish, game, potatoes and milk make up staple Swedish fare, mostly in the form of open-faced sandwiches and pastries. Snaps (pronounced schnapps) is a traditional shot of strong alcohol, usually vodka or akvavit.
What to eat and drink
- Ärtsoppa: Traditional yellow pea soup
- Pytt i panna: Fried potatoes, sausages and onions with beet and a fried egg
- Janssons frestelse: Potato casserole made with onion, cream and anchovies
- Kåldolmar: Cabbage rolls
- Surströmming: Pickled herring with a strong odour. Definitely an acquired taste
- Meatballs with lingonberry
- Punschrulle: A cylindrical pastry covered with green marzipan and chocolate-covered ends, stuffed with crushed cookies, butter, and coco, flavoured with Punsch liqueur
- Local beer: Pripps Blå and Norrlands Guld brands
- Vodka: Absolut and Explorer brands
Shopping
Anything portable from IKEA, a phone from Ericsson, tennis memorabilia and schnapps.
