Sweden is one of the most economically stable countries with a high standard of living and rich natural heritage. Let's talk about the main cities of Sweden, attractions, geography and cuisine.
General information about Sweden
- National language: Swedish
- Capital: Stockholm
- Currency: Swedish krona
- Area: 447,435 sq. Km
- Population: more than 10 million people
- International students: 12%
- Form of government: constitutional monarchy
- Time: UTC +1, +2 in summer.
Geography
The largest state in Northern Europe is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula, where Norway and Finland are located nearby. 63% of the country's territory is occupied by forests, another 9% - by lakes and rivers, 8% is occupied by swamps. The country has a variety of natural landscapes: tundra, taiga in the north, broadleaf foxes in the south.
Climate
A moderate climate is established in most of the territory, the temperature in winter is kept at zero, but in the north of the country the picture is different: due to the subarctic climate, winters are cold here and summers are cool. The high season in Sweden starts during the summer and winter months. It is especially beautiful in Sweden in winter and rainy in the off-season.
Regions and how to get there
The largest airports are located in the capital, Gothenburg and Malmö, you can get to Sweden by train from Finland, Denmark, Germany and Norway.
Regions:
- Norrland - the northern part of the country with a small population, but with wildlife, mountains and lakes
- Sveland is the central part where the capital Stockholm is located
- Gotaland is the south of the country with the cities of Gothenburg and Malmö.
Largest cities
Sweden is one of the richest European countries economically and in terms of cultural heritage. The state is in the TOP-10 countries according to the human development index due to the high standard of living and education, favorable environmental conditions. The stability of the economy is ensured by high technologies and global companies: Scania, Ericsson, Volvo, Oriflame, H&M, TetraPak and TELE2.
Living in Sweden is far from cheap: salaries are high here, but taxes take up to 55% of earnings. A tourist will also have to fork out: a night in a hotel can cost up to 1000 SEK, so travelers often prefer campsites and hostels (which, by the way, are at their best). In large cities, unique historical sights have been preserved and the entertainment infrastructure is well developed.
Cities
- Stockholm is the capital and largest city located on an archipelago of 14 islands connected by dozens of bridges and a variety of attractions. Nightlife is highly developed here.
- Gothenburg is a major city and port known for its university and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- Malmö is an ancient city in the southern part of the country with a rich historical past.
- Uppsala is the most important historical center in Sweden. The main attractions of Uppsala: the largest cathedral in Scandinavia and two universities.
- Jönköping is one of the most picturesque towns near Lake Wöttern.
- Abisko - the city has a national park with a unique northern nature.
- Sarek is the oldest park in Northern Lapland.
- Are is one of the best ski resorts in Europe.
TOP 10 attractions
- Gamla Stan is an ancient city in Stockholm, located on the island of Stadsholmen. A charming place with Scandinavian architecture of the Middle Ages, narrow streets, merchant houses and an old square
- Vasa Museum : the main exhibit of the museum is a real battle ship and the pride of the Swedish Imperial Navy Vasa
- Stockholm City Hall - Nobel Prizes are awarded annually within the walls of a historic building
- Drottningholm - the official residence of the Swedish royal family is a beautiful 17th century palace with a picturesque park, included in the UNESCO list
- Skansen - the oldest open-air museum in the world, a complex with craft workshops, bakeries and a variety of exhibitions
- Kiruna is the northernmost city in Sweden, near which an ice hotel is built annually from the ice of the Torne River
- Visby is a medieval walled city, one of the most interesting places in Sweden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Lund Cathedral - the most beautiful Romanesque church of the 12th century
- Gammelstad is a 15th century church town , in the center of which there is an old stone church surrounded by village houses
- Sigtuna is a village founded by Vikings, with churches, ruins of Viking buildings, runestones.
Food
The national cuisine was formed over the centuries and reflects the peculiarities of the Viking life: the warlike inhabitants of Sweden had no time for gardening and cooking for many hours. For these reasons, Swedish cuisine is based on hearty and not complicated dishes. Swedes are not big fans of spices, but they love pickles and sandwiches. Carlson's favorite dish (after jam) - meatballs - can be tasted in any restaurant. Local pastry shops deserve attention, the menu of which includes all kinds of pastries: it is no coincidence that Swedes are considered to have no equal in the preparation of flour dishes.
5 most popular dishes:
- Toast with shrimps and salad
- " Princess " - a cake made from a couple of biscuit cakes, a giant cap of whipped cream and marzipan icing
- Engamat - vegetable soup with yolks and cream
- Salmon in dry marinade - gravlax
- Semla is the most delicate pastry with cream and almond topping.
