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 was used in some form or another for about four centuries before. 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 them 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's resources include minerals such as iron, copper, iron, and silver.  However, other industrial sectors such as the automobile and technology industries make up a large part of the country's economy.  Women make up a large part of the workforce—nearly half.  In addition, the Swedish cabinet has one of the highest numbers of women in its cabinet of all European countries.  While the nuclear family remains the focus of Sweden's society, marriage is on the decline while cohabitation is on the rise.  Families in Sweden tend to be smaller than they are in other European countries, with families rarely having more than two children.

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 is one of the city's most visited area, and 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

• Credit card scammers target Malmö drivers
  Dozens of drivers who refueled at petrol stations in southern Sweden have been caught up in a credit card scam, with more than 40 reports pouring in on Thursday alone.
  The Local.  Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:22:00 +0200.
• Bucking the Trend: H&M Stays Upbeat in Tough Times
  Despite the global economic downturn, Swedish discount fashion chain is ramping up its international expansion efforts, with plans to open 159 new stores by November.
  Spiegel Online.  Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:56:25 +0200.
• EU: China, India must make emissions cuts
  The chances of concluding a new global climate change pact remain dim unless China, India and Brazil make significant cuts in carbon dioxide emissions as well a senior Swedish climate change official said Thursday.
  Miami Herald.  Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:22 EDT.
• Sweden gives full backing for Euro bid
  ANKARA - The continuation of negotiations is more important than just looking at the number of policy chapters opened in Turkey’s European Union ascension, according to the EU’s new term president Sweden’s ambassador in Ankara.
  Hurriyet.  Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:31:33 GMT.
• Reinfeldt: no need for a strong Council president
  Sweden's prime minister says that small and medium-sized EU member states do not want a strong president of the European Council.
  European Voice.  Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:20:00 GMT.
• US judge bans 'Rye' book sequel
  A US judge bans publication of a book by a Swedish author promoted as a sequel to JD Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye.
  BBC News.  Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:06:36 GMT.
• Analysis: big challenges for Swedish E.U. presidency
  Sweden takes over the EU presidency this week at a time when a historic climate change deal, an ambitious EU treaty, and fighting economic meltdown loom large on Europe's agenda.
  Kyiv Post.  Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:14:00 +0300.
• Sweden Takes Over European Union Presidency
  Analysts say Stockholm faces big challenges ahead, from tackling economy to climate change.
  Voice of America.  Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:44:38 +0200.
• Laying Lithuania-Sweden bridges
  Although foreign capital companies have been delaying their plans to start-up a business in Lithuania because of the economic crisis and fear that the litas might devalue, it could in fact be the best time to enter the Lithuanian market. ...
  Baltic Times.  Acquired Tue, 30 Jun 2009.
• Pirate Bay site sold to game firm
  Popular file-sharing site The Pirate Bay has been sold to a Swedish gaming company GGF.
  BBC News.  Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:41:58 GMT.