Sweden

Broadcast media

publicly-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial networks plus regional stations; multiple privately-owned TV broadcasters operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 50 local TV stations; widespread access to pan-Nordic and international broadcasters through multi-channel cable and satellite TV; publicly-owned radio broadcaster operates 3 national stations and a network of 25 regional channels; roughly 100 privately-owned local radio stations with some consolidating into near national networks; an estimated 900 community and neighborhood radio stations broadcast intermittently (2008)

Internet country code

.se

Internet hosts

5.978 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 19

Internet users

8.398 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 33

Telephone system

general assessment: highly developed telecommunications infrastructure; ranked among leading countries for fixed-line, mobile-cellular, Internet and broadband penetration domestic: coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some additional telephone channels international: country code - 46; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway)

Telephones - main lines in use

4.6 million (2011) country comparison to the world: 35

Telephones - mobile cellular

11.194 million (2011) country comparison to the world: 69

Agriculture - products

barley, wheat, sugar beets; meat, milk

Budget

revenues: $287.9 billion expenditures: $289.3 billion (2012 est.)

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-0.3% of GDP (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Central bank discount rate

5.5% (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 0.5% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

3.8% (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 4.28% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$37.56 billion (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $37.73 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$1.016 trillion (30 June 2011) country comparison to the world: 16 $853.3 billion (30 June 2010)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

23 (2005) country comparison to the world: 136 25 (1992)

Economy - overview

Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole of the 20th century, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a highly skilled labor force. In September 2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system concerned about the impact on the economy and sovereignty. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for vast majority of industrial output, of which the engineering sector accounts for about 50% of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for little more than 1% of GDP and of employment. Until 2008, Sweden was in the midst of a sustained economic upswing, boosted by increased domestic demand and strong exports. This and robust finances offered the center-right government considerable scope to implement its reform program aimed at increasing employment, reducing welfare dependence, and streamlining the state's role in the economy. Despite strong finances and underlying fundamentals, the Swedish economy slid into recession in the third quarter of 2008 and growth continued downward in 2009 as deteriorating global conditions reduced export demand and consumption. Strong exports of commodities and a return to profitability by Sweden's banking sector drove the strong rebound in 2010, which continued in 2011, but growth slipped to 1.2% in 2012. The government proposed stimulus measures in 2012 to curb the effects of a global economic slowdown and boost employment and growth.

Exchange rates

Swedish kronor (SEK) per US dollar - 6.819 (2012 est.) 6.4918 (2011 est.) 7.2075 (2010 est.) 7.6529 (2009) 6.4074 (2008)

Exports

$177.6 billion (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $189.1 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

machinery 35%, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood, iron and steel products, chemicals

Exports - partners

Germany 10.4%, Norway 9.3%, UK 7.4%, Denmark 6.5%, Finland 6.4%, US 5.5%, Netherlands 5.2%, France 4.8%, Belgium 4.7% (2011)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP (official exchange rate)

$520.3 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$395.8 billion (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $390.9 billion (2011 est.) $376 billion (2010 est.) note: data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector

agriculture: 1.8% industry: 27.3% services: 70.9% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$41,700 (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $41,400 (2011 est.) $39,900 (2010 est.) note: data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

1.2% (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 4% (2011 est.) 5.9% (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 3.6% highest 10%: 22.2% (2000)

Imports

$166.4 billion (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $176.1 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor vehicles, iron and steel; foodstuffs, clothing

Imports - partners

Germany 18.1%, Denmark 8%, Norway 7.7%, Netherlands 5.9%, UK 5.8%, Russia 5.6%, Finland 5.3%, China 4.6%, France 4.5% (2011)

Industrial production growth rate

6.8% (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

1.4% (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 3% (2011 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

18.2% of GDP (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Labor force

5.032 million (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture: 1.1% industry: 28.2% services: 70.7% (2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$470.1 billion (31 December 2011) country comparison to the world: 21 $581.2 billion (31 December 2010) $432.3 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

38.6% of GDP (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 38.3% of GDP (2011 est.) note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$50.35 billion (31 December 2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $48.3 billion (2010 est.)

Stock of broad money

$440.2 billion (31 December 2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $422.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$385.4 billion (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $358.9 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$356.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $338.4 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$803.3 billion (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $725.2 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$243 billion (31 December 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $232.6 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

55.3% of GDP (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Unemployment rate

7.5% (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 7.5% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

62.74 million Mt (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Crude oil - imports

380,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Electricity - consumption

127.1 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Electricity - exports

12.85 billion kWh (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Electricity - from fossil fuels

12.5% of total installed capacity (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

46.9% of total installed capacity (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

25% of total installed capacity (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Electricity - from other renewable sources

15.2% of total installed capacity (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Electricity - imports

14.93 billion kWh (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Electricity - installed generating capacity

35.29 million kW (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Electricity - production

147.8 billion kWh (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Natural gas - consumption

1.296 billion cu m (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Natural gas - imports

1.296 billion cu m (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Refined petroleum products - consumption

316,000 bbl/day (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Refined petroleum products - exports

243,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Refined petroleum products - imports

166,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Refined petroleum products - production

413,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Area

total: 450,295 sq km country comparison to the world: 56 land: 410,335 sq km water: 39,960 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than California

Climate

temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north

Coastline

3,218 km

Elevation extremes

lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.4 m highest point: Kebnekaise 2,111 m

Environment - current issues

acid rain damage to soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea

Environment - international agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

total: 2.68 cu km/yr (37%/54%/9%) per capita: 296 cu m/yr (2002)

Geographic coordinates

62 00 N, 15 00 E

Geography - note

strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas

Irrigated land

1,600 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

total: 2,233 km border countries: Finland 614 km, Norway 1,619 km

Land use

arable land: 5.93% permanent crops: 0.01% other: 94.06% (2005)

Location

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm (adjustments made to return a portion of straits to high seas) exclusive economic zone: agreed boundaries or midlines continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Natural hazards

ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic

Natural resources

iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten, uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, hydropower

Terrain

mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Total renewable water resources

179 cu km (2005)

Administrative divisions

21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarna, Gavleborg, Gotland, Halland, Jamtland, Jonkoping, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Norrbotten, Orebro, Ostergotland, Skane, Sodermanland, Stockholm, Uppsala, Varmland, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland, Vastmanland, Vastra Gotaland

Capital

name: Stockholm geographic coordinates: 59 20 N, 18 03 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Constitution

1 January 1975

Country name

conventional long form: Kingdom of Sweden conventional short form: Sweden local long form: Konungariket Sverige local short form: Sverige

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Mark BRZEZINSKI embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31, SE-11589 Stockholm mailing address: American Embassy Stockholm, US Department of State, 5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750 telephone: [46] (08) 783 53 00 FAX: [46] (08) 661 19 64

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Jonas HAFSTROM chancery: The House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 467-2600 FAX: [1] (202) 467-2699 consulate(s) general: New York

Executive branch

chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977) head of government: Prime Minister Fredrik REINFELDT (since 5 October 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Jan BJORKLUND (since 5 October 2010) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit theWorld Leaders website) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister

Flag description

blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors reflect those of the Swedish coat of arms - three gold crowns on a blue field

Government type

constitutional monarchy

Independence

6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Judicial branch

Supreme Court or Hogsta Domstolen; Supreme Administrative Court note: the Supreme Court is the highest court of general jurisdiction and the Supreme Administrative Court is the highest administrative court

Legal system

civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and customary law

Legislative branch

unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional representation basis to serve four-year terms) elections: last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014) election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democratic Party 30.7%, Moderate Party 30.1%, Green Party 7.3%, Liberal People's Party 7.1%, Center Party 6.6%, Sweden Democrats 5.7%, Christian Democrats 5.6%, Left Party 5.6%, others 1.3%; seats by party - Social Democratic Party 112, Moderate Party 107, Green Party 25, Liberal People's Party 24, Center Party 23, Sweden Democrats 20, Christian Democrats 19, Left Party 19

National anthem

name: "Du Gamla, Du Fria" (Thou Ancient, Thou Free) lyrics/music: Richard DYBECK/traditional note: in use since 1844; the anthem, also known as "Sang till Norden" (Song of the North), is based on a Swedish folk tune; it has never been officially adopted by the government; "Kungssangen" (The King's Song) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies

National holiday

Swedish Flag Day, 6 June (1916); National Day, 6 June (1983)

National symbol(s)

three crowns; lion

Political parties and leaders

Center Party (Centerpartiet) or C [Annie LOOF]; Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna) or KD [Goran HAGGLUND]; Green Party (Miljopartiet de Grona); [spokespersons Asa ROMSON and Gustav FRIDOLIN]; Left Party (Vansterpartiet) (formerly Communist Party) or V [Jonas SJOSTEDT]; Liberal People's Party (Folkpartiet) or FP [Jan BJORKLUND]; Moderate Party (Moderaterna) [Fredrik REINFELDT]; Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna) or SAP [Stefan LOFVEN]; Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna) or SD [Jimmie AKESSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Children's Rights in Society; Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees or TCO; Swedish Trade Union Confederation (Landsorganisationen) or LO [Wanja LUNDBY-WEDIN] other: environmental groups; media

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Background

A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war for almost two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both world wars. Sweden's long-successful economic formula of a capitalist system interlarded with substantial welfare elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment and in 2000-02 and 2009 by the global economic downturns, but fiscal discipline over the past several years has allowed the country to weather economic vagaries. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum.

Manpower available for military service

males age 16-49: 2,065,691 females age 16-49: 1,996,764 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

males age 16-49: 1,709,055 females age 16-49: 1,650,432 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

male: 54,960 female: 52,275 (2010 est.)

Military branches

Swedish Armed Forces (Forsvarsmakten): Army (Armen), Royal Swedish Navy (Marinen), Swedish Air Force (Svenska Flygvapnet) (2010)

Military expenditures

1.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Military service age and obligation

18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; service obligation: 7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy), 8-12 months (Air Force); the Swedish Parliament has abolished compulsory military service, with exclusively voluntary recruitment as of July 2010; conscription remains an option in emergencies; after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment until age 47 (2010)

Age structure

0-14 years: 15.4% (male 722,811/ female 680,665) 15-64 years: 64.4% (male 2,967,938/ female 2,897,454) 65 years and over: 20.2% (male 821,647/ female 1,013,273) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

10.24 births/1,000 population (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Death rate

10.21 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Education expenditures

6.6% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 21

Ethnic groups

indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 100 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

8,100 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Health expenditures

9.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 30

Infant mortality rate

total: 2.74 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 219 male: 2.89 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

Languages

Swedish (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 81.18 years country comparison to the world: 16 male: 78.86 years female: 83.63 years (2012 est.)

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99% male: 99% female: 99% (2003 est.)

Major cities - population

STOCKHOLM (capital) 1.279 million (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

4 deaths/100,000 live births (2010) country comparison to the world: 178

Median age

total: 42.2 years male: 41 years female: 43.3 years (2012 est.)

Nationality

noun: Swede(s) adjective: Swedish

Net migration rate

1.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

12% (2009) country comparison to the world: 49

Physicians density

3.583 physicians/1,000 population (2006)

Population

9,103,788 (July 2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Population growth rate

0.168% (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Religions

Lutheran 87%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 13%

Sanitation facility access

improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 16 years male: 15 years female: 16 years (2008)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.67 children born/woman (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

total: 25% country comparison to the world: 29 male: 26.3% female: 23.7% (2009)

Urbanization

urban population: 85% of total population (2010) rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

Disputes - international

none

Airports

230 (2012) country comparison to the world: 26

Airports - with paved runways

total: 149 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 74 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 37 (2012)

Airports - with unpaved runways

total: 81 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 76 (2012)

Heliports

2 (2012)

Merchant marine

total: 135 country comparison to the world: 42 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 16, carrier 1, chemical tanker 15, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 36, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 30, vehicle carrier 17 foreign-owned: 35 (Denmark 4, Estonia 3, Finland 16, Germany 3, Ireland 1, Italy 5, Norway 3) registered in other countries: 189 (Bahamas 11, Barbados 4, Bermuda 14, Canada 2, Cook Islands 3, Cyprus 5, Denmark 15, Faroe Islands 11, Finland 1, France 4, Gibraltar 11, Italy 1, Liberia 12, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 12, Norway 27, Panama 2, Portugal 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, Singapore 11, UK 28) (2010)

Pipelines

gas 786 km (2010)

Ports and terminals

Brofjorden, Goteborg, Helsingborg, Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo, Stockholm, Trelleborg, Visby

Railways

total: 11,633 km country comparison to the world: 20 standard gauge: 11,568 km 1.435-m gauge (7,567 km electrified) narrow gauge: 65 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways

total: 572,900 km (includes 1,855 km of expressways) country comparison to the world: 12 note: (includes 98,400 km of state roads, 433,500 km of private roads, and 41,000 km of municipal roads; 215,700 km of these are open to public traffic) (2009)

Waterways

2,052 km (2010) country comparison to the world: 41