HISTORY

Svears settle down and give their name to the country around the 6th century AD. From the 9th century onward, the Swedish Vikings (known also as Varegs) will mostly head south & east, launching their conquests on land, from the shores of the Baltic Sea and along the rivers Volga & Dniepr, founding in the process the cities of Kiev and Novgorod. In this way, they originated present Russia over which descendants of Rurik ruled till 1578.

Around year 1000, Olof Skotkonung is the first Christian king. Stockholm is founded in 1255. In 1157, a crusade led by King Eric the Saint, with the support of the bishop of Uppsala, enables the Swedes to take control over Finland, which lasted till 1809. In 1527, Gustave 1st, newly elected King and founder of the Vasa dynasty, confiscates in favor of the Swedish State, the possessions of the Catholic Church. This leads, one year later, under the influence of German preachers and merchants (belonging to the Hanse League), to the adoption of the teachings of Luther, as the national religion. After a long rivalry against Denmark, the Kiel treaty hands Norway over to Sweden, in 1814, till 1905 when Norway separated from Sweden by referendum. Having tried to remain neutral during the second world war, Sweden joins the United Nations in 1946 and the European Community in 1995.
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With nearly 9 million inhabitants and a monarchy combined with a Parliamentary system, Sweden offers the image of a leading country as far as social equity is concerned. Always searching for better conditions of work and of life in general, Sweden has become a source of inspiration for many a country striving to reach the ideal balance… (However, as a paradox and alike Washington State for the USA, in its case mostly because of a lack of natural light in winter, Sweden is amongst the youth, the scene for the highest rate of suicides in Europe). Despite so much good will and welfare, beautiful nature and healthy lifestyle, concerned employers and a fair social system, Sweden still leaves us with a puzzling question :”What is the real goal of life ?”…

Goteborg
Stockholm