About Sweden

Sweden is the third largest country in Western Europe, with an area of 450,000 km² (174,000 sq. mi.). More then 50 % of the country is cover by forests. Even though Sweden is a big country, it only has about 9 million inhabitants. Almost 2 million of these live in or in the surrounding areas of the capital city Stockholm. 89 % of the people living in Sweden are Swedes. The language is Swedish.

Government
In Sweden we have a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. Since 1994, we have had a Social Democratic government, led by Prime Minister Göran Persson. If the polls tell the truth we will have a change of government after the election in September this year. Our current king, King Carl XVI Gustaf Bernadotte ascended to the throne on September 15, 1973. Our crown princess Victoria will follow him on the throne.

Welfare
Swedes benefit from a considerable social welfare system, which provides for childcare and maternity and paternity leave, a ceiling on health care costs, old-age pensions, and sick leave among other benefits. For example, parents are entitled to a total of 12 months paid leave between birth and the child’s eight birthday.

Religion
80% of the inhabitants belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden. According to the Church of Sweden, the church has about 21 million visits per year. Most people in Sweden don’t go to church regularly; they mainly go for weddings, funerals and so on.

Age-limits
There are, as in most countries, a lot of age-limits in Sweden. When growing up, there are mainly four age-limits that you are interested in.

  • At the age of 15, you can be punished for a crime. You are also allowed to have sex, and watch movies that are for adults only.
  • At the age of 16, you are allowed to work 40 hours a week. You are also allowed to start your own business, and to decide yourself what to do with the money you earn. If you want to, you can also start practice driving a car.
  • At the age of 18, you reach lawful age. You are allowed to get married, to vote, buy cigarettes, and buy alcohol at restaurants and beer in the stores. You are also allowed to take your driving-license.
  • At the age of 20, you are allowed to buy alcohol in stores.

Sources:
http://www.sweden.se
http://www.ui.se
http://www.mapzones.com