Sweden🇸🇪
Sweden is a Scandinavian country located in Northern Europe. It shares its borders with Norway to the west and north, Finland to the east, and is connected to Denmark by the Öresund Bridge to the southwest. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Sweden is the land of the midnight sun, Vikings, iconic meatballs, and the Nobel Prize. Its landscapes vary from vast forests and rugged mountains to beautiful archipelagos and pristine lakes. Tourists can explore historical sites like Uppsala Cathedral, Viking-age artifacts in the Historiska Museet, and the picturesque streets of Stockholm. The winter season offers unique opportunities for Northern Lights viewing and ice hotels. Sweden stands out for its commitment to environmental sustainability, gender equality, and excellent societal welfare.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid littering: Swedes take pride in their clean and green cities and heavily penalize littering.
- Avoid illegal drugs: Sweden has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. Even minor offenses can lead to hefty penalties, fines, or jail time.
- Avoid tipping excessively: Unlike other countries, tipping is not mandatory or expected in Sweden.
- Avoid entering restricted areas: While Sweden has everyman's right or 'allemansrätten' allowing the freedom to roam, it's essential to avoid private properties and protected sites.
- Avoid violating the ban on smoking: Smoking is banned in all public buildings, offices, restaurants and bars, and public transport in Sweden.
- Avoid discussing income: Swedes usually consider talking about personal wealth and income as impolite.
- Avoid ignoring pedestrian rules: Follow traffic rules religiously, especially crosswalk signals.
- Avoid making a noise in public: Swedes appreciate quietness and calm, especially in public transport.
- Avoid getting off without thanking the bus driver: It's customary to thank the bus driver while getting off in Sweden.
- Avoid unnecessary printing and paper wastage: Swedes have a sizeable environmental concern, and unnecessary wastage of paper is frowned upon.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
6
Though Sweden maintains a generally low crime rate, petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching are common, particularly in metropolitan areas. Part of Gothenburg and Stockholm are known for higher rates. The country has seen increased efforts towards improving safety, leading to a downward trend in violent crime.
Terrorism 💣
9
Terrorism risk is relatively low in Sweden. The last major incident was in April 2017 when a terrorist drove a truck into a crowd on Drottninggatan Street in Stockholm causing several fatalities and injuries.
War ⚔️
10
Sweden is a peaceful nation that has not been involved in any war or military conflict for over 200 years. It maintains non-aligned and neutral political status.
Natural Disasters 🌊
8
Sweden has lower vulnerability to natural disasters. The most common are forest fires during the summer months and flooding due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt. The late-2018 wildfires were the most severe, affecting several regions including Jokkmokk and Ljusdal.
Medical Care 🏥
9
Sweden has high-quality healthcare services that are well distributed and readily accessible, offering one of the best medical services globally. However, there can be longer waiting times for non-urgent procedures.
Tap Water Quality 💧
10
Sweden has some of the cleanest tap water in the world, it's perfectly safe to drink, meeting high-quality standards and being well regulated.
Disease Burden 🤒
9
The disease burden is low in Sweden, with non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases and cancer being more common. The country has an effective public health infrastructure.
Corruption 💸
9
Sweden consistently ranks among the least corrupt countries in the world. The Swedish government promotes a transparent, efficient business climate with robust anti-corruption policies in place.
Safety for Women ♀️
8
Sweden is generally safe for women, with the government prioritizing gender equality. However, women should stay cautious, particularly during nights and in less crowded places.
Safety for Queer People 👬
9
Sweden is one of the world's most progressive countries concerning LGBTQ+ rights, with strong protection against discrimination. Its capital, Stockholm, is known for vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes.
Censorship 📺
10
Sweden upholds freedom of speech and press with no significant censorship issues. It ranked 4th on the 2021 World Press Freedom Index.
Public Transportation 🚌
9
Sweden has an efficient and clean public transportation system, including buses, trains, trams, and ferries. However, delays and cancellations do occur occasionally, especially during winter.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Sweden is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rate is low and the social safety net is strong. However, as with any travel, it is advisable to remain alert, especially against petty crime like pickpocketing in populated areas. Always follow the local laws and customs regarding environment conservation and public behavior.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are numerous embassies and consulates in Sweden's capital, Stockholm, representing countries from all around the world.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are recommended for travel to Sweden, along with Hepatitis A and B and Tick-Borne Encephalitis for prolonged stay or extensive outdoor activities.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Sweden boasts a diverse wildlife population, but encounters with dangerous animals are rare. Ticks can be a concern, particularly in grassy areas resorting to Tick-Borne Encephalitis cases.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Sweden is part of the Schengen Agreement. Many non-EU nationals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area, can stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-period.
💲 Currency
The Swedish Krona (SEK) is the official currency of Sweden. Money can be exchanged at banks, post offices, airports, and forex bureaus.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Sweden, even for small transactions. Many places prefer card payment over cash.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Sweden is a great destination for work and travel, catering to many opportunities especially in technology, creative industries, and service sectors. However, non-EU/EEA citizens may require a work permit.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Sweden is considered a high-cost country, with high standards of living. Accommodation, dining, and transport tend to be more expensive compared to other countries.