Sweden
Sweden is a Scandinavian country in northern Europe and it borders Norway and Finland, and is connected to Denmark by a bridge across the Öresund. Sweden is the third largest country in the European Union by area, with a total population of about 9.5 million people. Sweden is also the 55th largest country in the world. The country has a low population density with the population mostly concentrated to the southern half of the country. Sweden’s capital city is Stockholm, which is also the largest city. Sweden has been a member of the European Union since 1 January 1995. Today, Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy form of government and a highly developed economy.
The year is divided in four distinct seasons’ with mild temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures vary greatly from north to south. The northern part of Sweden has a colder climate and longer winters than the southern part. However, Sweden is much warmer and dryer than many other places at similar latitude. The highest point is the mountain Kebnekaise. Around 65% of Sweden’s total land area is covered with forest.
Sweden has 25 landscapes, based on culture, geography and history. The whole country is divided into three large lands, the northern Norrland, the central Svealand and southern Götaland. Gotland, Öland and Orust are Sweden’s three largest islands, and Vänern and Vättern are the largest lakes. Vänern is also the third largest lake in Europe.
Children aged 1-5 years old are guaranteed a place in a public kindergarten. Between the ages of 6 and 16, children attend compulsory comprehensive school. After completing the ninth grade, about 90% of the students continue with a three-year upper secondary school, which can lead to either a job qualification or a continued reading on university. There are a number of different universities and colleges in Sweden. The oldest and largest ones are situated in Uppsala, Lund, Gothenburg, and Stockholm. School lunch is free for all students in Sweden.
Immigration has been a major source of population growth and cultural change in Sweden. According to Eurostat, in 2010, there were 1.33 million foreign-born residents in Sweden, which is about 14% of the total population. Immigration reached its highest level in 2009, when around 100 000 people immigrated to Sweden. Because of Sweden’s climate, good economy and school system everyone has a good opportunity for a good life.