Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands, inland lakes, vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. It is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, bordering Norway, Finland and Denmark.

The capital of Sweden is Stockholm and the country is also a monarchy which means they currently have a Royal Family. When travelling in Sweden you can explore royal palaces, medieval towns and museums. During wintertime you can take up ice-skating, explore the fjords and build a snowman! Summertime in Sweden is filled with long days and mystical forests home to animals such as artic foxes, wolves, bears, reindeer and moose.

Typical scenery in Sweden would be mountains, lakes, a massive coastline and forests. Sweden is a beautiful country that offers many adventures for young individuals. As an Au Pair you can travel through Sweden and experience these amazing sights as a tourist and live like a local! Sweden is a country located in Northern Europe, known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique culture. Swedish culture is characterized by its egalitarianism, nature appreciation, and simplicity.

One of the defining features of Swedish culture is its emphasis on equality. Sweden has a long history of social welfare programs and policies designed to ensure that all citizens have access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and housing. This has resulted in a high standard of living for most Swedes, and a strong sense of social justice. Gender equality is also a fundamental aspect of Swedish culture. Sweden is consistently ranked as one of the most gender-equal countries in the world, with women occupying key positions in government, business, and society. The country has also implemented policies such as generous parental leave, flexible work hours, and subsidized childcare to help support working families.

Sweden is a country of natural beauty, with pristine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic mountains. Swedes have a deep appreciation for their natural environment, and they have a long tradition of spending time outdoors. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing are popular pastimes in Sweden, and many Swedes take advantage of their country's "right to roam" laws, which allow people to explore the countryside and wilderness areas.

Swedes also prioritize work-life balance, with many workers enjoying generous vacation time and flexible work hours. This allows Swedes to pursue their passions outside of work, whether it's spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or enjoying the outdoors.

The Swedish monarchy

The Swedish monarchy dates back more than a thousand years, and represents both continuity and tradition. Over the centuries, its role has changed in line with the rest of society. Our current king is Sweden's longest reigning monarch, and his motto is "For Sweden – With the Times".

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, which means that His Majesty The King is the country's Head of State and his duties are regulated by law. The fact that Sweden should have a king or a queen regnant as its head of state is established in the Instrument of Government – one of the kingdom's constitutional laws. As a non-political Head of State, the monarch is a unifying representative of Sweden and a symbol of the country.

The succession of Kings and Queens

The line of succession is determined by the order of succession, which is one of Sweden's four constitutional laws. Having had an agnatic (male) line of succession since the beginning of the 18th century, a fully cognatic line of succession was introduced in 1980. As a result of this change – which Sweden was the first country to introduce – the monarch's oldest child inherits the throne.

King Carl XVI Gustaf is marking 50 years on the Swedish throne this year, and celebrations have been taking place all year – culminating in September for His Majesty’s official Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The Swedish line of succession is governed by absolute primogeniture and is limited to King Carl Gustaf’s legitimate descendants who are raised in Sweden. They must also be Protestant (Lutheran), have the monarch and government’s permission to marry, and not ascend to another throne.

Next in line for the throne is King Gustaf's oldest daughter, Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland.

King Gustaf, Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Estelle

Members of the Swedish Royal Household

The current members of the Swedish Royal Household are:

• His Majesty The King
• Her Majesty The Queen
• Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess
• His Royal Highness Prince Daniel
• Her Royal Highness Princess Estelle
• His Royal Highness Prince Oscar
• His Royal Highness Prince Carl Philip
• Her Royal Highness Princess Sofia
• Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine
• The Bernadotte Dynasty

Architecture

Swedish culture is characterized by its simplicity and practicality. Swedes value functionality and efficiency, and they are known for their minimalist design aesthetic. Swedish design is often described as clean, modern, and understated, with a focus on natural materials such as wood, stone, and leather. Over the next several decades, Functionalism or Funkis for short, was Sweden's dominant style and in the early years it yielded a number of highly regarded works combining a minimalist aesthetic with a humanistic quality often lacking outside Scandinavia.

Food

Swedish cuisine is simple and hearty, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Traditional Swedish dishes include meatballs (köttbullar), pickled herring (sill), and potatoes (potatis). Fika, the Swedish tradition of taking a coffee break with a sweet treat, is also an important part of Swedish culture. It is very common to eat Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes served with a creamy gravy and lingonberry jam.

Festivals

Sweden is a country that celebrates a wide range of festivals throughout the year, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and diverse population. Here are some of the most popular festivals in Sweden.

Midsummer's Eve: Midsummer's Eve is one of the most important festivals in Sweden and is celebrated on Friday closest to the summer solstice, which falls between 20-26 June. It is a time when Swedes traditionally dance around a maypole, sing traditional songs, and enjoy a feast of pickled herring, new potatoes, and strawberries. It is a time when the Swedes celebrate the longest day of the year and the start of summer.

Lucia: Lucia is celebrated on December 13th and marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Sweden. It is a festival that honors Saint Lucia, which is believed to bring light to the dark winter months. The celebrations involve a procession of young girls dressed in white robes and wearing wreaths of candles on their heads, singing traditional songs.

Göteborg Film Festival: The Göteborg Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in Scandinavia and takes place annually in January. The festival showcases a wide range of international and domestic films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films.

Stockholm Jazz Festival: The Stockholm Jazz Festival is one of Sweden's most popular music festivals and takes place annually in July. The festival features a wide range of jazz musicians from around the world, performing in venues across Stockholm.

Way Out West: Way Out West is a popular music festival that takes place annually in August in Gothenburg. The festival features a mix of international and Swedish acts, including indie, rock, and electronic music. It is known for its relaxed and Eco-friendly atmosphere.

Crayfish Party: The Crayfish Party is a traditional Swedish celebration that takes place in August, usually held outdoors. The celebration involves feasting on crayfish, drinking snaps, and singing traditional songs. It is a time when friends and family gather together to enjoy each other's company and celebrate the end of summer.

Swedish culture is a unique blend of old traditions and modern influences. With its emphasis on egalitarianism, nature appreciation, simplicity, and practicality, Sweden offers a distinctive way of life that is both harmonious and inspiring.