Swedish Flag

Today's flag, which was adopted in 1906, is an off-center yellow cross on a background of blue.  The off-center cross is often called the "Scandinavian cross," and is taken from the flag of Denmark.

Although the current flag wasn't instituted until just more than 100 years ago, it has been used in some form or another for about four centuries previously.  It is thought that the flag's blue and yellow colors come from the national coat of arms, which originated in the 14th century.  This coat of arms features three gold crowns on a blue field.

Today, Sweden's national flag day is celebrated on June 6, the same day that King Gustav Vasa, who was so integral to the country's independence, was elected in 1523.

Sweden Country Profile

Sweden was under the rule of Denmark until 1523, when King Gustav Vasa began to work toward liberating Sweden so that it could be an independent state.  Sweden, which joined the UN in 1946 and the EU in 1995, remained largely neutral in world conflicts until September 11, when attacks on the United States by terrorist contributed to the Swedes amending their stance to some degree.

Sweden's landscape is mostly forested, and is dotted with numerous lakes.  The climate is mostly continental, and because of the proximity of the Baltic Sea, the east cost tends to be colder than the western regions of the country.  Summers are mild throughout the summer season.

Sweden prides itself on an egalitarian society, in which the state provides an atmosphere that allows everyone to achieve economic dependence through work.  In addition, Sweden also has one of the most complex welfare systems in the world.  However, the large cost of this system caused major budget deficits in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Sweden is a popular tourist destination, and welcomes more than seven million visitors per year.  Natural attractions include the mountains of the "midnight sun," the beaches that are located on the southern coast, and the vast and deserted countryside.  The city of Stockholm is also a common destination.  Gamla Stan, one of the city's most visited areas, is renowned for its stunning architecture and cobblestone streets, while those who enjoy museums can visit the Djurgarden area of the city.  There are enough restaurants and eclectic shops to keep just about any visitor busy.

Related Swedish Links

• Sweden Flag - description and illustration of the Swedish flag.

Swedish News

• Irish 'plot to kill cartoonist'
  Seven people are arrested in the Irish Republic over an alleged plot to kill a Swedish cartoonist for depicting the Prophet Muhammad.
  BBC News.  Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:24:33 GMT.
• Alleged plot to kill Muhammad cartoonist foiled
  Police in Ireland have arrested seven people over an alleged plot to kill a Swedish cartoonist who depicted the Prophet Muhammad with the body of a dog.
  Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.  Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:34:22 EST.
• Arrests in Ireland Over Swedish Cartoonist Plot
  Police in Ireland have arrested seven people over an alleged plot to kill a Swedish cartoonist who depicted the Prophet Mohammed with the body of a dog.
  By The Associated Press.  International Herald Tribune.  Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:50:11 GMT.
• Gardai make seven arrests in 'cartoonist plot '
  Seven Muslims were arrested in Waterford and Cork today over an alleged plot to assassinate a Swedish cartoonist who depicted the Prophet Mohammed with the body of a dog.
  Irish Independent.  Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:33:12 GMT.
• Irish police foil plot to kill Swedish cartoonist
  Seven Muslims were arrested by Irish police on Tuesday on suspicions of conspiracy to murder a Swedish cartoonist who drew the prophet Muhammad with the body of a dog.
  The Local.  Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:24:00 +0100.
• China denies Sweden Uighur spying
  China denies it is spying on Uighur refugees in Sweden, after a Stockholm court jailed a Uigur for passing information to an agent.
  BBC News.  Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:34:38 GMT.
• Spied on Uighurs in Sweden
  STOCKHOLM - A SWEDISH court has convicted a 62-year-old man of spying on exiled Uighurs living in Sweden and sentenced him to one year and four months in prison. ...
  Straits Times.  9 Mar 2010 11:41 GMT.
• World Briefing | Europe: Sweden: Uighur Sentenced for Spying
  Babur Maihesuti, 62, was convicted of handing information about other Uighurs to a journalist and diplomat who was a Chinese intelligence officer.
  By Reuters.  International Herald Tribune.  Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:31:06 GMT.
• Man convicted of spying on Uighurs in Sweden
  A Swedish court has convicted a 62-year-old man of spying on exiled Uighurs living in Sweden and sentenced him to one year and four months in prison.
  Ap.  Zaman.  Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:00:00 GMT.
• Ban announces appointment of new UN police chief
  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appointed an experienced female Swedish police officer as the top United Nations police official.
  UN News Centre.  Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST.