Background of Sweden

Current Facts:

History:

The history of Sweden is incredibly extensive, so here are some of the most intriguing facts.

The area of Sweden was inhabited between 8000 and 6000 BC by people who survived through hunting and fishing and the use of simple tools. The Stone age lasted until 1800 BC and was followed by The Bronze age, which occurred from 1800 to 500 BC.

Around 1000 all of the independent entities were absorbed into a single kingdom which centered in Vastergotland and Ostergotland. Sweden remains a monarchy to this day, although the role of the royal family has dramatically changed over the years.

Sweden's Monarchs since 1523:

House of Vasa

Gustav Vasa (regent 1521) 1523-1560
Erik XIV 1560-1568
Johan III 1568-1592
Sigismund 1592-1599
Karl IX (regent 1599) 1604-1611
Gustav II Adolf 1611-1632
Kristina (regency 1632-44) 1644-1654

House of the Palatinate:

Karl X Gustav 1654-1660
Karl XI (regency 1660-72) 1672-1697
Karl XII 1697-1718
Ulrika Eleonora 1719-1720

House of Hesse:

Fredrik I 1720-1751

House of Holstein-Gottorp:

Adolf Fredrik 1751-1771
Gustav III 1771-1792
Gustav IV Adolf (regency 1792-96) 1796-1809
Karl XIII 1809-1818

House of Bernadotte:

Karl XIV Johan 1818-1844
Oscar I 1844-1859
Karl XV 1859-1872
Oscar II 1872-1907
Gustaf V 1907-1950
Gustaf VI Adolf 1950-1973
Carl XVI Gustaf 1973

Currently, Sweden in a member of the European Union (EU). It 2001 Sweden took over presidency of the EU, which enabled the country to have a more proactive voice in Europe.

Culture:

The seasons greatly affect the Swedes' as the winter is long and cold, but the summer is brilliant. The Swedes are known for their skiing ability, especially for cross-country skiing. They are avid athletes and enjoy the great outdoors at every chance available. In the winter they spend their time skiing, snow-shoeing and sipping Glug by a nice warm fire.

In the summer they take advantage of the warm weather by hiking, swimming and sailing.

Sweden is also home to some of the world's best-known corporations: H&M, Volvo, IKEA, Absolut Vodka and SAAB, just to name a few.

Sweden has a very "green" culture. As a member of the UN Commission of Sustainable Development, Sweden leads by example. In Fact, one third of all energy consumed in Sweden comes from renewable resources and 96% of household waste is recycled.

Media:

The Press:

Aftonbladet- Stockholm-based daily

Dagens Nyheter- Stockholm- based daily

Expressen- Stockholm- based daily

Svenska Dagbladet- Stockholm- based daily

Goteborgs Posten- Gothenburg-based daily

English-based Press:

The Local- Online News

The Scandinavian Insider- Business and Lifestyle

Radio:

Sveriges Radio- public

Radio Sweden International- external

Rix FM- commercial, national pop music

NRJ- commercial, national pop music

Mix Megapol- commercial, national music

News Agency-

TT- owned by several media groups

Television:

Television officially launched on September 4, 1956 by Svergie Radio (named Radiotjanst Television at the time)

The second TV channel was launched in 1960s.

Sources:

http://www.sweden.se

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1021823.stm