15 Facts You Need To Know About Sweden

How much do you really know about Sweden? That it’s a land of vikings (well, at least in the past), that Fika is so important that it even has its own timetable, or perhaps that IKEA or ABBA have their origins there? Well, let me tell you that Sweden is much, much more than that. So without further ado, here are my 15 fun facts about the Nordic country!

Save it for later!

1. Larger than its cousins

With 450,295 square kilometers, Sweden is not only the largest Nordic country (5th largest in Europe) but also the one with the largest population: around 10,5 million. So, of course you’d think that with such a vast territory, people would be spoilt for choice when it comes to where they want to live.

You’d be wrong, though, as only 3% of the country is, in fact, inhabited, the remaining 97% being left to nature. Because, yes Swedish people love their nature and take care of it, and I couldn’t agree more with that philosophy.

2. A unique subway

Afraid to take the underground tunnels at home because they’re dirty, scary and not the most recommendable places? Rest assured, my friend, Stockholm is quite different from what you’ve probably seen before. Here, there are no foul smells or old and worn-out facilities! But beautiful, artistic lines that you’ll love exploring and admiring!

And with 100 stations, you’re sure to find your favorite!

3. A one of a kind experience: the Midnight Sun

You’ve probably already heard of the sun never setting in some parts of the world. Well, know that you can experience what’s also known as the Midnight Sun in Swedish lapland (welcome to Abisko)! Imagine visiting there in the summer and experiencing 24 hours of sunlight: makes for a unique and perhaps eerie adventure, don’t you think?

Still beats a whole day of pitch-black darkness, I guess – at least it is for me! It must be hard to know when to go to sleep, though! I hope they have a good sleep mask and curtains!

4. The 3rd most powerful passport

With 193 visa-free destinations, our Swedish friends rank pretty close to the top, in 3rd place among the world’s most powerful passports. Pretty cool, ain’t it?

Did you know? Singapore is actually in first place with 195 countries, and Afghanistan in last place with just 28. Quite a huge gap, if you ask me. I for one would love to see every country visa-free – can you imagine how hassle-free that would be?

5. An institution in Sweden

Yes, I’m talking about fika, the tradition of meeting friends, coworkers and family over a cup of coffee and sharing anything and everything. When you realize that the locals have created their own word for it, you can understand how important it actually is to their daily lives.

Oh, and just so you know, Sweden is one of the top 10 coffee consumers in the world, just saying!

It’s such an essential part of the culture that there are even specially designed fika breaks in companies. Kind of crazy, and it takes the expression “coffee break” to a whole new level!

6. A famous prize awarded in Stockholm

Have you ever heard of the world’s most prestigious awards, also known internationally as the Nobel Prizes? I’m sure you have, but were you aware that they originated with Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor?

And as stipulated in his will, all of them must be awarded in Stockholm, with the exception of the Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo, Norway! You can even visit the banquet venue at Stockholm City Hall! A prestigious country, isn’t it?

7. A direct link between Sweden and Denmark

The Øresund Bridge, 16km long, provides a direct link between the two countries. Opened in 2000, the bridge is more than just a means of crossing a border; it’s a symbol of cooperation between two lands that were once rivals, often over territorial issues. Today, relations couldn’t be friendlier with the two countries even sharing the same culture, political systems and much more.

So if you ever find yourself in Sweden or Denmark and want to take a day trip to the other side, hop on a train or a car and a quick (10-minute) ride will take you to your destination!

8. The biggest IKEA is not in Sweden

Who doesn’t love a trip to IKEA, browsing through the many items and imagining the home of their dreams? I do, but the fact is that the largest store isn’t actually located in the Nordic land, but in Pasay City, Philippines!

What do you think of a five-story building that welcomes you and entices you to go on a shopping spree? Because that’s what you can expect here! Better hide your wallet before you do something you may regret (or not)! The choice is up to you!

9. Home of many famous inventions

Well, we’re all familiar with IKEA, as I mentioned earlier, but I’m pretty you’ll be surprised at how many inventions have come from our Swedish friends! Not only are they part of our daily lives, but they’re also what you might call vital objects that we can’t do without today.

Most of us don’t even know where the famous brands we use every day come from. Let me tell you, from the three-point seatbelt, the pacemaker, Nicorette to Spotify, these are all discoveries from the Kingdom of Sweden! And that’s just a small portion of a long list of intelligent inventions!

10. A majestic warship with a sad ending

If you’re visiting Stockholm, one of the most popular museums is the Vasa Museum. Taking its name from the beautifully designed and spectacular warship built in the 17th century, this ship in which many hopes were placed sank just a few meters after starting into its maiden voyage, claiming the lives of 30 people.

The cause of the sinking remains a mystery to this day, but some say that the vessel was far too heavy with its many cannons and wooden sculptures, but also most likely due to engineering problems.

It’s now a famous part of the country’s history, which also serves as a lesson for future architects and engineers. It’s best to research and test before sending a ship to sea, I guess.

11. A cashless dream?

From a country that was the first to issue banknotes in Europe to one that dreams of a cashless society, I’d say times have definitely changed. And with every country in the world establishing mobile payment apps, it’s no wonder.

So, even though Sweden is getting closer and closer to a cashless society, and it’s rare to see people paying with bills and coins, the dream is not yet a reality as the government has stated that some people still don’t have access to digital payment methods.

Cashless country or not, only time will tell!

12. Music is an important part of culture

World’s third largest music exporter, the country has given birth to many internationally reknowned artists: ABBA, Avicii, Europe and many more, but the country has also helped shape pop music as we know it today, and that’s why it’s deeply embedded in their culture.

Ready to sway to some of Sweden’s most popular tunes and be a Dancing Queen?

13. Two-thirds of Sweden is covered in forests

Any nature lovers reading this? If so, welcome to Sweden and its 70% forest land! Not only that, but half of these forests is actually owned by individuals like you and me. Pretty amazing, isn’t it?

And if lush vegetation isn’t your thing, simply know that the country boasts no fewer than 100,000 lakes and 267,570 islands.

So many natural, peaceful and magnificent places to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, if you ask me!

14. A town on the move

The town of Kiruna, known as the largest underground iron ore mine in the world, and which has had such an impact on the lives of its residents is now on the move, building by building. Scheduled for completion in 2035, most inhabitants welcome this change except maybe for the Sami (Sweden’s indigenous people), who have had to change their reindeer herding routes and fear for the biological diversity in the future.

Hopefully, the move will not be detrimental to the people or to nature…

15. A waste management like no other

Only 1%, that’s the number of trash sent to landfills in Sweden! The country’s impressive waste management system even imports trash from other countries, such as Norway before recycling it into energy.

Proof that if everyone learned to recycle their own trash proprerly, the world could already be a better place.

Any other experiences you’ve had in Sweden? Any tips for future travelers? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments!