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.
• Sweden.se - official gateway to Sweden.
• Government of Sweden - official Swedish government website.

Swedish News

• Assange says rape probe a 'legal circus'
  WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has called a Swedish investigation into rape and molestation allegations against him a "legal circus".Assange, who is Australian, has denied the allegations, and said the investigations could ...
  New Zealand Herald.  Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:00:30 +1200.
• Red-Greens in migration policy agreement
  The Red-Green coalition have presented an agreement on migration policy, arguing that the Swedish Aliens Act is applied too strictly and calling for a review of the asylum process and rules for family reunification.
  The Local.  Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:47:00 +0200.
• Rate Move Highlights Diverging Growth in Europe
  The European Central Bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, but the Swedish central bank raised its rate, citing worries about inflation.
  By Jack Ewing.  International Herald Tribune.  Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:20:02 GMT.
• WikiLeaks Chief Decries ‘Legal Circus’
  Julian Assange, the founder of the whistle-blowing Web site WikiLeaks, called Sweden's investigation of him for suspected sexual misconduct "some kind of legal circus."
  By Robert Mackey.  International Herald Tribune.  Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:09:39 GMT.
• Rape investigation into Wikileaks chief reopens
  ALLEGATIONS AGAINST Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, took an unexpected turn yesterday when Sweden's top prosecutor announced she was reopening a rape investigation.
  Irish Independent.  Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:21:33 GMT.
• Assange rape probe reopened
  STOCKHOLM - A SENIOR Swedish prosecutor reopened a rape investigation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday, the latest twist to a puzzling case in which prosecutors of different ranks have overruled each other. ...
  Straits Times.  1 Sep 2010 22:42 GMT.
• 'Racist' Political Ad Rejected by Swedish TV: Danish Politicians Call for Election Observers in Sweden
  A political ad rejected as hate speech by a Swedish TV station has sparked tension between Sweden and neighboring Denmark. Some Danish leaders have cried censorship, and even want to see election observers at Sweden's upcoming national poll.
  Spiegel Online.  Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:20:01 +0200.
• Wikileaks rape inquiry reopened
  Sweden's director of public prosecutions orders the reopening of a rape investigation into Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.
  BBC News.  Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:50:21 GMT.
• WikiLeaks founder rape probe reopened
  A senior Swedish prosecutor is reopening a rape investigation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, the latest twist to a case in which prosecutors of different ranks have overruled each other.
  Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.  Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:25:37 EDT.
• First Look: 2011 Volvo V60
  V70 Minus 10: New Volvo Wagon Keeps Swedish Tradition Alive.
  Motor Trend.  Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:00:00 -0700.