Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural): 174 cu km (2011) Natural hazards: ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic
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
Geography - note: strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas
People and Society
Nationality: noun: Swede(s)
adjective:Swedish
Ethnic groups: indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks
Languages: Swedish (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities
Religions: Lutheran 87%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 13%
Population: 9,723,809 (July 2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 91
Age structure: 0-14 years:16.9% (male 847,611/female 800,213)
Independence: 6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)
National holiday: National Day, 6 June (1983); note - from 1916 to 1982 this date was celebrated as Swedish Flag Day
Constitution: several previous; latest adopted 1 January 1975; amended several times, last in 2011 (2011)
Legal system: civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and customary law
International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
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
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
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 - SAP 30.7%, Moderate Party 30.1%, Green Party 7.3%, FP 7.1%, C 6.6%, SD 5.7%, KD 5.6%, V 5.6%, others 1.3%; seats by party - SAP 112, Moderate Party 107, Green Party 25, FP 24, C 23, SD 20, KD 19, V 19
Judicial branch: highest court(s):Supreme Court of Sweden (consists of 16 justices including the court chairman; Supreme Administrative Court (consists of 18 justices including the court president)
judge selection and term of office:Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court justices nominated by the Board of Judges, a 9-member nominating body consisting of high-level judges, prosecutors, and members of Parliament; justices appointed by the Government; following a probationary period, justices' appointments are permanent
subordinate courts:first instance and appellate general and administrative courts; specialized courts that handle cases such as land and environment, immigration, labor, markets, and patents
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) or M [Fredrik REINFELDT]
Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna) or SDP [Stefan LOFVEN]
Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna) or SD [Jimmie AKESSON]
Political pressure groups and leaders: Children's Rights in Society
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission:Ambassador Bjorn O. LYRVALL (since 12 September 2013)
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
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission:Ambassador Mark Francis BRZEZINSKI (since 14 November 2011)
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
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
National symbol(s): three crowns; lion
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
Economy
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 the contraction continued 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 a rebound in 2010, but growth slipped in 2013, as a result of continued economic weakness in the EU - Sweden’s main export market.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$393.8 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35
$390.4 billion (2012 est.)
$386.7 billion (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$552 billion (2013 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
0.9% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
1% (2012 est.)
2.9% (2011 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$40,900 (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 26
$40,900 (2012 est.)
$40,800 (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars
Gross national saving:
25.8% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 45
25.8% of GDP (2012 est.)
26.9% of GDP (2011 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption:48.6%
government consumption:26.8%
investment in fixed capital:18.3%
investment in inventories:0.4%
exports of goods and services:45.8%
imports of goods and services:-39.9%
(2013 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture:2%
industry:31.3%
services:66.8% (2013 est.)
Agriculture - products:
barley, wheat, sugar beets; meat, milk
Industries:
iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehicles
Industrial production growth rate:
-1% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175 Labor force:
5.107 million (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 74
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture:1.1%
industry:28.2%
services:70.7% (2008 est.)
Unemployment rate:
8.1% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 90
8% (2012 est.)
Population below poverty line:
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%:3.6%
highest 10%:22.2% (2000)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
23 (2005)
country comparison to the world: 141
25 (1992)
Budget: revenues:$283.5 billion
expenditures:$294.7 billion (2013 est.)
Taxes and other revenues:
51.4% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 12 Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
-2% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 88
Public debt:
41.5% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 85
38.2% of GDP (2012 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
Fiscal year:
calendar year
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
0% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 7
0.9% (2012 est.)
Central bank discount rate:
5.5% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 138
0.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
3.3% (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 163
3.57% (31 December 2012 est.)
Stock of narrow money:
$254.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
$260.1 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
Stock of broad money:
$349.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28
$347 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
Stock of domestic credit:
$798 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19
$792.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$560.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
Current account balance:
$39 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 15
$36.31 billion (2012 est.)
Exports:
$181.5 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28
$184.8 billion (2012 est.)
Exports - commodities:
machinery 35%, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood, iron and steel products, chemicals
Exports - partners:
Norway 10.4%, Germany 10.3%, UK 8.1%, Finland 6.8%, Denmark 6.7%, Netherlands 5.5%, US 5.5%, Belgium 5%, France 4.8% (2012)
Imports:
$158 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
$163.3 billion (2012 est.)
Imports - commodities:
machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor vehicles, iron and steel; foodstuffs, clothing
Imports - partners:
Germany 17.4%, Denmark 8.5%, Norway 8.4%, UK 6.5%, Netherlands 6.4%, Russia 5.6%, Finland 5.1%, China 4.9%, France 4.2% (2012)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$52.23 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 36
$50.35 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
Debt - external:
$1.039 trillion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
$992.5 billion (31 December 2011)
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$519.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 17
$500.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$558.8 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 14
$527.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
Exchange rates:
Swedish kronor (SEK) per US dollar -
6.58 (2013 est.)
6.77 (2012 est.)
7.2075 (2010 est.)
7.6529 (2009)
6.4074 (2008)
Energy
Electricity - production:
148.7 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world:26
Electricity - consumption:
136 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 26
Electricity - exports:
31.28 billion kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 6
Electricity - imports:
11.68 billion kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 17
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
36.51 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 24
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
13% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 194
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
24.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 4
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
45.5% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 49
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
16.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 11
Crude oil - production:
11,270 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 87
Crude oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 186
Crude oil - imports:
398,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 21
Crude oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 191
Refined petroleum products - production:
419,400 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
316,000 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41
Refined petroleum products - exports:
261,700 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 23
Refined petroleum products - imports:
187,300 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27
Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 194
Natural gas - consumption:
1.53 billion cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 81
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 186
Natural gas - imports:
1.129 billion cu m (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55
Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 195
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
53.15 million Mt (2011 est.)
Communications
Telephones - main lines in use:
4.321 million (2012)
country comparison to the world:41
Telephones - mobile cellular:
11.643 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 71
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) (2011)
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
Transportation
Airports
231 (2013)
country comparison to the world:25
Airports - with paved runways total:149
over 3,047 m:3
2,438 to 3,047 m:12
1,524 to 2,437 m:75
914 to 1,523 m:22
under 914 m:37 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways total:82
914 to 1,523 m:5
under 914 m:
77 (2013)
Heliports 2 (2013)
Pipelines gas 1,626 km (2013)
Railways total:11,633 kmcountry comparison to the world: 21
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:579,564 km (includes 1,913 km of expressways)country comparison to the world: 12
paved:135,444 km
unpaved:444,412 km
note:includes 104,705 km of state roads, 433,034 km of private roads, and 41,825 km of municipal roads (2010)
Waterways
2,052 km (2010)
country comparison to the world: 41
Merchant marine total:135country 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)
Ports and terminals major seaport(s):Brofjorden, Goteborg, Helsingborg, Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo, Stockholm, Trelleborg, Visby
Military
Military branches Swedish Armed Forces (Forsvarsmakten): Army (Armen), Royal Swedish Navy (Marinen), Swedish Air Force (Svenska Flygvapnet) (2010)
Military service age and obligation 18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; Swedish citizenship required; 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 (2013)
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
