Country Profile: Sweden

Sweden, located in Northern Europe, boasts a rich historical legacy as a military power, now transformed into a high-income, export-oriented economy. The country maintains a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with Stockholm as its capital. A significant aspect of Swedish society is its diverse population, approximately 20% of whom were born abroad as of 2022. Sweden's governance model prioritizes both economic competitiveness and social welfare, creating a unique blend that supports innovation and a high standard of living.

Geography

Sweden is bordered by the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Bothnia and shares land boundaries with Finland and Norway. The country covers an area of 450,295 sq km, making it almost three times the size of Georgia and slightly larger than California. Its diverse landscape includes flat lowlands and mountains in the west, with a temperate climate in the south that transitions to subarctic conditions in the north.

3,218 km of coastline connected to the Baltic and North Seas.
Over 100,000 lakes, the largest being Lake Vänern, which is the third largest in Europe.
68.6% of land is forested, providing significant natural resources.

People and Society

The population of Sweden is estimated to be 10,589,835 as of 2024, with a diverse ethnic composition where 79.6% identify as Swedish. The country is characterized by a high level of urbanization, with 88.7% of the population living in urban areas. Swedish is the official language, and the society embraces a range of religious beliefs, with 53.9% of the population identifying as members of the Church of Sweden.

20% of the population was born abroad as of 2022.
0.51% annual population growth rate (2024 est.).
Life expectancy at birth is 82.9 years (2024 est.).

Economy

Sweden is recognized as the largest economy in the Nordic region and has a high-income status. Its economy is notably export-oriented, particularly in automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, and it has shown resilience in the face of global economic challenges. The country's GDP is projected to reach $668.628 billion in 2024, with a per capita GDP of $63,300.

2.8% inflation rate projected for 2024.
8.6% unemployment rate estimated for 2024.
65.9% of GDP is derived from the services sector.

Government

Sweden operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with governance powered by the parliament (Riksdagen) which consists of 349 members elected through proportional representation. The current Prime Minister is Ulf Kristersson, who has been in office since October 18, 2022. Sweden's legal system is influenced by civil law, and the country is known for its strong commitment to democratic principles.

The Constitution comprises four fundamental laws.
Voting is universal for citizens aged 18 and over.
Sweden has been a member of the EU since 1995 but does not utilize the euro.

Military and Security

The Swedish Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Home Guard, reflecting Sweden's strategic military capabilities. The country’s military expenditures are estimated at 2.5% of GDP in 2025, indicating a commitment to maintaining robust national defense. Sweden has recently shifted from a policy of military non-alignment to NATO membership.

Approximately 25,000 active military personnel, with plans to expand total size to 100,000 by 2030.
Conscription reinstated in 2018 includes both men and women, with service obligations.
Sweden participates in international peacekeeping and NATO-led missions.

Energy

Sweden has achieved 100% electrification of its population, relying on a diverse energy mix for electricity generation. In 2023, the country's installed capacity for electricity generation was 55.307 million kW, with a significant contribution from renewable sources.

40.2% of electricity generation comes from hydroelectric power.
28.6% of its energy comes from nuclear sources.
Per capita energy consumption is approximately 142.102 million Btu in 2023.

Environment

Sweden faces several environmental challenges including marine pollution and acid rain. Nevertheless, the country is actively engaged in various international environmental agreements aimed at reducing carbon emissions and protecting biodiversity.

43.96 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions projected for 2023.
39.7% of municipal solid waste is recycled as of 2022.
Sweden's extensive forests cover 68.6% of its land area, providing significant carbon sinks.

Transportation

Sweden's transportation infrastructure supports its economic activities, featuring an extensive network of railways and ports. Key ports include Goteborg and Stockholm, which facilitate trade and commerce.

10,910 km of railway, with 8,184 km electrified.
206 airports are operational as of 2025.
The merchant marine consists of 361 vessels.

Communications

Sweden has a well-developed communication sector, with high internet penetration and extensive media outlets. The country boasts a high number of mobile cellular subscriptions, reflecting its advanced telecommunications infrastructure.

96% of the population are internet users as of 2023.
14.8 million mobile cellular subscriptions.
Approximately 4.3 million fixed broadband subscriptions.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,589,835 (2024 est.)
Area	450,295 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$668.628 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	8.6% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	10.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	82.9 years (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	142.102 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Urban Population	88.7% (2023 est.)
Total Military Personnel	~25,000 (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.5% of GDP (2025 est.)