Sweden, a Scandinavian country in
Northern Europe with a population
of 10.1 million, is the third
largest country in European Union.
In spite of this, the
population density is quite
low i.e. 22 inhabitants
per square kilometer.
Consisting of two major regions dominated
by two domains i.e. north by forestry and
south by agriculture, the county proves
to be highly diverse and rich in flora.
Being military power in the 17th century
and world's largest producers of
weapons, the country hasn't been
involved in any war for two centuries.
Swedes are one of the highly
taxed individuals i.e. 51.4%
of the GDP and yet they find
it appealing to pay taxes.
Contains the highest number of McDonald's
per capita with 227 restaurants.
The country has about
20,000 Sami inhabited.
Sami was gifted the title of
official language in 2000.
The country has 95,700 lakes
larger than 100 x 100
meters which accounts for
about 9% of the total area.
First human interference was seen in
8,000 B.C. after ice age consummated.
First Swedes were
fishermen and Stone Age
hunters living near the
coast for livelihood.
Trade and exploitation of
bronze began after 6,000 B.C.
Contacts with Romans were followed by the
trade of fur, iron and slaves among them.
Mediterranean luxuries were
given in exchange by Romans.
This took place 500 B.C. afterward.
Exploring north to south,
traveling and invading
countries on their way
was what Vikings did.
Norwegians and Danes invaded where
Swedes were confined to trade.
Sweden being an agricultural
society, was divided into
three groups, thralls or
slaves, freemen and jarls.
Swedes often crossed
Russian Empire, visiting
Byzantine Empire frequently
for trade and export.
Eric the Victorious known
to be the pioneer of the
monarchy in Sweden ruled
both Sweden and Gothia.
At the onset of the 11th
century, Sweden was converted to
Christianity which led to its
entrance into Western Civilization.
Until the end of 11th century,
Paganism lingered on in Sweden.
Finland was conquered by Swedes and
remained in the hand of Swedes until 1809.
13th century experienced an immense
change in agriculture; two
field systems outnumbered the
practice of three field system.
Jarl Birger found an altogether
new town named Stockholm.
King Valdemar came up, passed
laws and worked for the
betterment of women rights
and to anneal the crown.
The 1350s underwent Black Death era with
the death of about 1/3rd population,
Union of Kalmar and regent
rule are some of the
key events occurred between
13th -15th century.
Wars took place between Sweden and Denmark,
Regents were replaced and Caroline
absolutism occurred making Sweden an
Absolute Monarchy in the 17th century.
Great Northern war commenced in the 18th
century between Denmark, Poland and Russia.
With the death of the king,
Queen Ulrika replaced
him and the age of freedom
began for Sweden.
Peasant number increased and export
of iron and tar greatly improved.
Norway gained independence
from Sweden in 1905.
Unemployment rose to about 25% in
the 1920s however, the Agrarian
party worked to make the
employment conditions improvised.
In 2006, elections were
won by center-right
coalition, 2009 saw a major
cease in employment but
the recovery was steady
and now Sweden is a
prosperous country with a
GDP of 511 Billion USD.
