Country Profile: Sweden
Sweden is a Scandinavian nation located in Northern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Norway, and Finland. Known for its rich history as a military power in the 17th century, Sweden has maintained a policy of military non-alignment for over two centuries until its application to join NATO in 2022. The country boasts a high standard of living with a population of over 10 million, who benefit from a robust welfare system and a competitive, export-oriented economy primarily driven by automotive, electronics, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. Governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, Sweden combines democratic governance with a commitment to social welfare.
Geography
Sweden's geography is characterized by a temperate climate in the south, transitioning to subarctic conditions in the north. The terrain is predominantly flat or gently rolling, with mountains in the western regions. Sweden has a total area of 450,295 sq km, making it almost three times the size of Georgia and slightly larger than California. The coastline stretches 3,218 km, and the country is dotted with nearly 100,000 lakes, including Vanern, which is the third-largest lake in Europe.
- Total Land Area: 450,295 sq km
- Major Lakes: Vanern (5,580 sq km), Vattern (1,910 sq km)
- Mountainous Area: Highest point at Kebnekaise South (2,100 m)
- Forested Area: 68.6% of total land
- Natural Resources: Iron ore, copper, and timber
People and Society
Sweden has an estimated population of 10,643,745 as of 2025, with a diverse demographic composition that includes 79.6% Swedish, 1.9% Syrian, and various other ethnic groups. The country recognizes Swedish as the official language while also accommodating Finnish, Sami, Romani, Yiddish, and Meankieli as minority languages. Sweden has a high urbanization rate, with 88.7% of the population living in urban areas, primarily in the southern regions where the climate is milder.
- Population (2025 est.): 10,643,745
- Urbanization Rate: 88.7%
- Median Age: 41.2 years
- Birth Rate: 10.56 births/1,000 population
- Life Expectancy: 82.9 years
Economy
As the largest economy in the Nordic region, Sweden is classified as a high-income nation with a strong export-oriented economy, focusing on sectors such as automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. While a member of the EU, Sweden has opted not to adopt the euro. The economy has shown resilience, with a projected GDP of $668.628 billion (2024 est.) and a per capita GDP of $63,300. The unemployment rate is expected to rise to 8.6% in 2024, reflecting ongoing market adjustments.
- GDP (2024 est.): $668.628 billion
- GDP per Capita (2024 est.): $63,300
- Unemployment Rate (2024 est.): 8.6%
- Inflation Rate (2024 est.): 2.8%
- Exports (2024 est.): $338.852 billion
Government
Sweden operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Carl XVI Gustaf serving as the head of state and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson as the head of government. The legislative body, known as the Riksdagen, consists of 349 directly elected members. Sweden has established a complex legal framework grounded in civil law, influenced by Roman-Germanic law.
- Form of Government: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Capital: Stockholm
- Legislature (Riksdagen) Seats: 349
- Year of Independence: 1523
- Voting Age: 18 years
Military and Security
The Swedish Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Home Guard. With military expenditures projected at 2.5% of GDP in 2025, Sweden has committed to enhancing its defense capabilities following its NATO membership in March 2024. The military is tasked with national defense, societal support, and international peacekeeping missions.
- Total Military Personnel: Approximately 25,000
- Military Expenditures (2025 est.): 2.5% of GDP
- Active Military Members: 25,000
- Home Guard Personnel: Approximately 21,000
- NATO Membership: Joined in 2024
Energy
Sweden enjoys 100% electrification across its population and has significant renewable energy sources, with hydroelectricity comprising 40.2% of its total installed capacity. The country is heavily invested in nuclear energy, generating about 28.6% of its electricity from nuclear power.
- Installed Electricity Capacity: 55.307 million kW
- Electricity Consumption (2023 est.): 125.273 billion kWh
- Nuclear Energy Contribution (2023 est.): 28.6%
- Renewable Energy Sources: Wind (21%), Solar (1.9%)
- Total Energy Consumption per Capita (2023 est.): 142.102 million Btu/person
Environment
Sweden faces environmental challenges such as marine pollution and acid rain. A substantial commitment to international environmental agreements reflects its proactive stance on global ecological issues. The country's forests cover a significant portion of its land, contributing to biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
- Forest Coverage: 68.6% of total land area
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions (2023 est.): 43.96 million metric tonnes
- Municipal Solid Waste Recycled (2022 est.): 39.7%
- Total Water Resources: 174 billion cubic meters
- Participation in Environmental Agreements: Wide-ranging, including the Paris Agreement
Transportation
Sweden boasts a well-connected transportation network, with 206 airports and an extensive rail system of 10,910 km. The country has a significant merchant marine presence, with 361 vessels contributing to international trade.
- Total Airports: 206
- Railways Total Length: 10,910 km
- Merchant Marine Fleet: 361
- Major Ports: 92
- Heliports: 11
Communications
The country has a high rate of internet access, with 96% of the population utilizing the internet. Sweden also maintains a robust telecommunications network with a total of 14.9 million mobile subscriptions.
- Internet Users: 96% of the population
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 14.9 million
- Fixed Line Subscriptions: 898,000
- Broadband Subscriptions: 4.3 million
- Telephones - Fixed Lines per 100: 9
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,643,745 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 450,295 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $668.628 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.6% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 10.56 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 82.9 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 2.5% of GDP | 2025 estimate |
| Urban Population | 88.7% | 2023 estimate |
| Forest Coverage | 68.6% | 2023 estimate |
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