What is Sweden?
Sweden, officially known as the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Scandinavian country located in Northern Europe. It is bordered by Norway to the west, Finland to the northeast, and has coastline along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. The capital of Sweden is Stockholm.
Administrative Divisions
Sweden is divided into 21 counties (län), which are further divided into municipalities. These counties have varying degrees of administrative authority.
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Swedish Krona (SEK)
- Symbol: kr
- Subunit: 1 Krona = 100 öre
- Central Bank: Sveriges Riksbank
Type of Government
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The King serves as the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) is the legislative body, and the judiciary operates independently.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| King | Head of State | Ceremonial role; represents Sweden and performs symbolic duties. |
| Prime Minister | Head of Government | Leads the government, oversees the executive branch, and implements policies. |
| Ministers | Heads of government ministries (e.g., Finance, Foreign Affairs, Justice) | Manage government departments and implement laws. |
Legislative Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) | Unicameral legislative body | Pass laws, approve the budget, and oversee the executive branch. |
| Speaker of the Riksdag | Presides over the Swedish Parliament | Maintains order and ensures proper functioning of the legislature. |
| Members of Parliament (MPs) | Elected representatives of the Swedish people | Debate and vote on legislation. |
Judicial Branch Hierarchy
| Position | Role Description | Power & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | Highest judicial authority in Sweden | Hears appeals and makes final decisions in legal disputes. |
| Lower Courts | Includes district courts and appellate courts | Handle civil, criminal, and administrative cases. |
International Memberships
- United Nations (UN)
- European Union (EU)
- NATO Partnership
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
Military Structure
Sweden has a voluntary military, with a focus on defense and peacekeeping. It is not part of NATO but cooperates closely with the alliance.
- Branches: Swedish Army, Navy, Air Force
- Conscription: Sweden reintroduced military conscription in 2018, requiring both men and women to serve if called.
Secret Agencies
- Swedish Security Service (Säkerhetspolisen, Säpo): Responsible for national security, counterterrorism, and protecting democratic institutions.
Stock Markets
- Stockholm Stock Exchange (NASDAQ Stockholm)
- Major Indexes: OMX Stockholm 30 (OMXS30)
- Analyzed by: Economists, market analysts, and financial experts.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: 112
- Police: 114 14
- Fire: 112
- Medical Emergency: 112
SWOT Analysis of Sweden
Strengths
- High standard of living, social welfare, and healthcare system.
- Strong economy, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
- A leader in human rights, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
Weaknesses
- High taxes to support welfare programs can be a financial burden.
- Dependence on exports, particularly in automotive and technology.
Opportunities
- Growth in renewable energy and environmental technology.
- Expanding international trade agreements post-Brexit.
Threats
- Rising political extremism in some areas.
- Security risks due to proximity to Russia and political instability in the Baltic region.
Additional Information
- Official Language: Swedish
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
- National Anthem: “Du gamla, Du fria”