2014 Edition

Background

A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war for almost two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both world wars. Sweden's long-successful economic formula of a capitalist system intermixed with substantial welfare elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment and in 2000-02 and 2009 by the global economic downturns, but fiscal discipline over the past several years has allowed the country to weather economic vagaries. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum.

Area

450,295 sq km 410,335 sq km 39,960 sq km

total

450,295 sq km

water

39,960 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than California

Climate

temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north

Coastline

3,218 km

Elevation extremes

reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.4 m Kebnekaise 2,111 m

highest point

Kebnekaise 2,111 m

lowest point

reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.4 m

Environment - current issues

acid rain damage to soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

2.62 cu km/yr (37%/59%/4%) 285.6 cu m/yr (2007)

per capita

285.6 cu m/yr (2007)

total

2.62 cu km/yr (37%/59%/4%)

Geographic coordinates

62 00 N, 15 00 E

Geography - note

strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas

Irrigated land

1,597 sq km (2007)

Land boundaries

2,233 km Finland 614 km, Norway 1,619 km

border countries

Finland 614 km, Norway 1,619 km

total

2,233 km

Land use

5.8% 0.02% 94.18% (2011)

arable land

5.8%

other

94.18% (2011)

permanent crops

0.02%

Location

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm (adjustments made to return a portion of straits to high seas) agreed boundaries or midlines 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

continental shelf

200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone

agreed boundaries or midlines

territorial sea

12 nm (adjustments made to return a portion of straits to high seas)

Natural hazards

ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic

Natural resources

iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, tungsten, uranium, arsenic, feldspar, timber, hydropower

Terrain

mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Total renewable water resources

174 cu km (2011)

Age structure

16.9% (male 847,611/female 800,213) 12.3% (male 617,054/female 582,755) 39.2% (male 1,937,091/female 1,872,070) 11.7% (male 571,079/female 568,093) 20.5% (male 882,653/female 1,045,190) (2014 est.)

0-14 years

16.9% (male 847,611/female 800,213)

15-24 years

12.3% (male 617,054/female 582,755)

25-54 years

39.2% (male 1,937,091/female 1,872,070)

55-64 years

11.7% (male 571,079/female 568,093)

65 years and over

20.5% (male 882,653/female 1,045,190) (2014 est.)

Birth rate

11.92 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Death rate

9.45 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Dependency ratios

58.3 % 27.1 % 31.1 % 3.2 (2014 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

31.1 %

potential support ratio

3.2 (2014 est.)

total dependency ratio

58.3 %

youth dependency ratio

27.1 %

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2012 est.)

rural

0% of population

total

0% of population (2012 est.)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

7% of GDP (2010)

Ethnic groups

indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks

indigenous population

Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks

Health expenditures

9.4% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.1% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 100 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

8,100 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.7 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant mortality rate

2.6 deaths/1,000 live births 2.88 deaths/1,000 live births 2.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

female

2.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

total

2.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Swedish (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Life expectancy at birth

81.89 years 80.03 years 83.87 years (2014 est.)

female

83.87 years (2014 est.)

total population

81.89 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99% 99% 99% (2003 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99% (2003 est.)

male

99%

total population

99%

Major urban areas - population

STOCKHOLM (capital) 1.385 million (2011)

Maternal mortality rate

4 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

41.2 years 40.2 years 42.2 years (2014 est.)

female

42.2 years (2014 est.)

male

40.2 years

total

41.2 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

28.9 (2010 est.)

Nationality

Swede(s) Swedish

adjective

Swedish

noun

Swede(s)

Net migration rate

5.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

18.6% (2008)

Physicians density

3.8 physicians/1,000 population (2010)

Population

9,723,809 (July 2014 est.)

Population growth rate

0.79% (2014 est.)

Religions

Lutheran 87%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 13%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2012 est.)

rural

0% of population

total

0% of population (2012 est.)

urban

0% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

16 years 15 years 17 years (2011)

female

17 years (2011)

male

15 years

total

16 years

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.81 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

0-14 years

1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.06 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.04 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.81 male(s)/female

at birth

1.06 male(s)/female

total population

0.98 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.88 children born/woman (2014 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

23.7% 25% 22.3% (2012)

female

22.3% (2012)

total

23.7%

Urbanization

85.2% of total population (2011) 0.74% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.74% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

85.2% of total population (2011)

Administrative divisions

21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarna, Gavleborg, Gotland, Halland, Jamtland, Jonkoping, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Norrbotten, Orebro, Ostergotland, Skane, Sodermanland, Stockholm, Uppsala, Varmland, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland, Vastmanland, Vastra Gotaland

Capital

Stockholm 59 20 N, 18 03 E UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

59 20 N, 18 03 E

name

Stockholm

time difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Constitution

several previous; latest adopted 1 January 1975; amended several times, last in 2011 (2011)

Country name

Kingdom of Sweden Sweden Konungariket Sverige Sverige

conventional long form

Kingdom of Sweden

conventional short form

Sweden

local long form

Konungariket Sverige

local short form

Sverige

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Mark Francis BRZEZINSKI (since 14 November 2011) Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31, SE-11589 Stockholm American Embassy Stockholm, US Department of State, 5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750 [46] (08) 783 53 00 [46] (08) 661 19 64

chief of mission

Ambassador Mark Francis BRZEZINSKI (since 14 November 2011)

embassy

Dag Hammarskjolds Vag 31, SE-11589 Stockholm

FAX

[46] (08) 661 19 64

mailing address

American Embassy Stockholm, US Department of State, 5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750

telephone

[46] (08) 783 53 00

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Bjorn O. LYRVALL (since 12 September 2013) The House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 [1] (202) 467-2600 [1] (202) 467-2699 New York

chancery

The House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

chief of mission

Ambassador Bjorn O. LYRVALL (since 12 September 2013)

consulate(s) general

New York

FAX

[1] (202) 467-2699

telephone

[1] (202) 467-2600

Executive branch

King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977) Prime Minister Fredrik REINFELDT (since 5 October 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Jan BJORKLUND (since 5 October 2010) Cabinet appointed by the prime minister the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the prime minister

chief of state

King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977)

elections

the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister

head of government

Prime Minister Fredrik REINFELDT (since 5 October 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Jan BJORKLUND (since 5 October 2010)

Flag description

blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors reflect those of the Swedish coat of arms - three gold crowns on a blue field

Government type

constitutional monarchy

Independence

6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Sweden (consists of 16 justices including the court chairman; Supreme Administrative Court (consists of 18 justices including the court president) Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court justices nominated by the Board of Judges, a 9-member nominating body consisting of high-level judges, prosecutors, and members of Parliament; justices appointed by the Government; following a probationary period, justices' appointments are permanent first instance and appellate general and administrative courts; specialized courts that handle cases such as land and environment, immigration, labor, markets, and patents

highest court(s)

Supreme Court of Sweden (consists of 16 justices including the court chairman; Supreme Administrative Court (consists of 18 justices including the court president)

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court justices nominated by the Board of Judges, a 9-member nominating body consisting of high-level judges, prosecutors, and members of Parliament; justices appointed by the Government; following a probationary period, justices' appointments are permanent

subordinate courts

first instance and appellate general and administrative courts; specialized courts that handle cases such as land and environment, immigration, labor, markets, and patents

Legal system

civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and customary law

Legislative branch

unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional representation basis to serve four-year terms) last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014) percent of vote by party - SAP 30.7%, Moderate Party 30.1%, Green Party 7.3%, FP 7.1%, C 6.6%, SD 5.7%, KD 5.6%, V 5.6%, others 1.3%; seats by party - SAP 112, Moderate Party 107, Green Party 25, FP 24, C 23, SD 20, KD 19, V 19

election results

percent of vote by party - SAP 30.7%, Moderate Party 30.1%, Green Party 7.3%, FP 7.1%, C 6.6%, SD 5.7%, KD 5.6%, V 5.6%, others 1.3%; seats by party - SAP 112, Moderate Party 107, Green Party 25, FP 24, C 23, SD 20, KD 19, V 19

elections

last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014)

National anthem

"Du Gamla, Du Fria" (Thou Ancient, Thou Free) Richard DYBECK/traditional in use since 1844; the anthem, also known as "Sang till Norden" (Song of the North), is based on a Swedish folk tune; it has never been officially adopted by the government; "Kungssangen" (The King's Song) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies

lyrics/music

Richard DYBECK/traditional

name

"Du Gamla, Du Fria" (Thou Ancient, Thou Free)

National holiday

National Day, 6 June (1983); note - from 1916 to 1982 this date was celebrated as Swedish Flag Day

National symbol(s)

three crowns; lion

Political parties and leaders

Center Party (Centerpartiet) or C [Annie LOOF] Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna) or KD [Goran HAGGLUND] Green Party (Miljopartiet de Grona); [spokespersons Asa ROMSON and Gustav FRIDOLIN] Left Party (Vansterpartiet) (formerly Communist Party) or V [Jonas SJOSTEDT] Liberal People's Party (Folkpartiet) or FP [Jan BJORKLUND] Moderate Party (Moderaterna) or M [Fredrik REINFELDT] Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna) or SDP [Stefan LOFVEN] Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna) or SD [Jimmie AKESSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Children's Rights in Society Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees or TCO Swedish Trade Union Confederation (Landsorganisationen) or LO [Wanja LUNDBY-WEDIN] environmental groups; media

other

environmental groups; media

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

barley, wheat, sugar beets; meat, milk

Budget

$283.5 billion $294.7 billion (2013 est.)

expenditures

$294.7 billion (2013 est.)

revenues

$283.5 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-2% of GDP (2013 est.)

Central bank discount rate

5.5% (31 December 2010 est.) 0.5% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

3.3% (31 December 2013 est.) 3.57% (31 December 2012 est.)

Current account balance

$39 billion (2013 est.) $36.31 billion (2012 est.)

Debt - external

$1.039 trillion (31 December 2012 est.) $992.5 billion (31 December 2011)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

23 (2005) 25 (1992)

Economy - overview

Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole of the 20th century, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a highly skilled labor force. In September 2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system concerned about the impact on the economy and sovereignty. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for vast majority of industrial output, of which the engineering sector accounts for about 50% of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for little more than 1% of GDP and of employment. Until 2008, Sweden was in the midst of a sustained economic upswing, boosted by increased domestic demand and strong exports. This, and robust finances, offered the center-right government considerable scope to implement its reform program aimed at increasing employment, reducing welfare dependence, and streamlining the state's role in the economy. Despite strong finances and underlying fundamentals, the Swedish economy slid into recession in the third quarter of 2008 and the contraction continued in 2009 as deteriorating global conditions reduced export demand and consumption. Strong exports of commodities and a return to profitability by Sweden's banking sector drove a rebound in 2010, but growth slipped in 2013, as a result of continued economic weakness in the EU - Sweden’s main export market.

Exchange rates

Swedish kronor (SEK) per US dollar - 6.58 (2013 est.) 6.77 (2012 est.) 7.2075 (2010 est.) 7.6529 (2009) 6.4074 (2008)

Exports

$181.5 billion (2013 est.) $184.8 billion (2012 est.)

Exports - commodities

machinery 35%, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood, iron and steel products, chemicals

Exports - partners

Norway 10.4%, Germany 10.3%, UK 8.1%, Finland 6.8%, Denmark 6.7%, Netherlands 5.5%, US 5.5%, Belgium 5%, France 4.8% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

48.6% 26.8% 18.3% 0.4% 45.8% -39.9% (2013 est.)

exports of goods and services

45.8%

government consumption

26.8%

household consumption

48.6%

imports of goods and services

-39.9%

investment in fixed capital

18.3%

investment in inventories

0.4%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

2% 31.3% 66.8% (2013 est.)

agriculture

2%

industry

31.3%

services

66.8% (2013 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$40,900 (2013 est.) $40,900 (2012 est.) $40,800 (2011 est.) data are in 2013 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

0.9% (2013 est.) 1% (2012 est.) 2.9% (2011 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$552 billion (2013 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$393.8 billion (2013 est.) $390.4 billion (2012 est.) $386.7 billion (2011 est.) data are in 2013 US dollars

Gross national saving

25.8% of GDP (2013 est.) 25.8% of GDP (2012 est.) 26.9% of GDP (2011 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

3.6% 22.2% (2000)

highest 10%

22.2% (2000)

lowest 10%

3.6%

Imports

$158 billion (2013 est.) $163.3 billion (2012 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor vehicles, iron and steel; foodstuffs, clothing

Imports - partners

Germany 17.4%, Denmark 8.5%, Norway 8.4%, UK 6.5%, Netherlands 6.4%, Russia 5.6%, Finland 5.1%, China 4.9%, France 4.2% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

-1% (2013 est.)

Industries

iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehicles

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

0% (2013 est.) 0.9% (2012 est.)

Labor force

5.107 million (2013 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

1.1% 28.2% 70.7% (2008 est.)

agriculture

1.1%

industry

28.2%

services

70.7% (2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$560.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $470.1 billion (31 December 2011) $581.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

41.5% of GDP (2013 est.) 38.2% of GDP (2012 est.) data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$52.23 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $50.35 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$349.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $347 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$558.8 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $527.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$519.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $500.8 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$798 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $792.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$254.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $260.1 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

51.4% of GDP (2013 est.)

Unemployment rate

8.1% (2013 est.) 8% (2012 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

53.15 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

398,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

11,270 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 est.)

Electricity - consumption

136 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

31.28 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

13% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

45.5% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

24.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

16.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

11.68 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

36.51 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

148.7 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

1.53 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

1.129 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

316,000 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

261,700 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

187,300 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

419,400 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

publicly owned TV broadcaster operates 2 terrestrial networks plus regional stations; multiple privately owned TV broadcasters operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 50 local TV stations; widespread access to pan-Nordic and international broadcasters through multi-channel cable and satellite TV; publicly owned radio broadcaster operates 3 national stations and a network of 25 regional channels; roughly 100 privately owned local radio stations with some consolidating into near national networks; an estimated 900 community and neighborhood radio stations broadcast intermittently (2008)

Internet country code

.se

Internet hosts

5.978 million (2010)

Internet users

8.398 million (2009)

Telephone system

highly developed telecommunications infrastructure; ranked among leading countries for fixed-line, mobile-cellular, Internet and broadband penetration coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some additional telephone channels country code - 46; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway) (2011)

domestic

coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some additional telephone channels

general assessment

highly developed telecommunications infrastructure; ranked among leading countries for fixed-line, mobile-cellular, Internet and broadband penetration

international

country code - 46; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway) (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

4.321 million (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

11.643 million (2012)

Airports

231 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

37 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

75

2,438 to 3,047 m

12

914 to 1,523 m

22

over 3,047 m

3

total

149

under 914 m

37 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

77 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m

5

total

82

Heliports

2 (2013)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 4, cargo 16, carrier 1, chemical tanker 15, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 36, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 30, vehicle carrier 17 35 (Denmark 4, Estonia 3, Finland 16, Germany 3, Ireland 1, Italy 5, Norway 3) 189 (Bahamas 11, Barbados 4, Bermuda 14, Canada 2, Cook Islands 3, Cyprus 5, Denmark 15, Faroe Islands 11, Finland 1, France 4, Gibraltar 11, Italy 1, Liberia 12, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 12, Norway 27, Panama 2, Portugal 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, Singapore 11, UK 28) (2010)

foreign-owned

35 (Denmark 4, Estonia 3, Finland 16, Germany 3, Ireland 1, Italy 5, Norway 3)

registered in other countries

189 (Bahamas 11, Barbados 4, Bermuda 14, Canada 2, Cook Islands 3, Cyprus 5, Denmark 15, Faroe Islands 11, Finland 1, France 4, Gibraltar 11, Italy 1, Liberia 12, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 1, Netherlands 12, Norway 27, Panama 2, Portugal 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10, Singapore 11, UK 28) (2010)

total

135

Pipelines

gas 1,626 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Brofjorden, Goteborg, Helsingborg, Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo, Stockholm, Trelleborg, Visby

major seaport(s)

Brofjorden, Goteborg, Helsingborg, Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo, Stockholm, Trelleborg, Visby

Railways

11,633 km 11,568 km 1.435-m gauge (7,567 km electrified) 65 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified) (2008)

narrow gauge

65 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified) (2008)

total

11,633 km

Roadways

579,564 km (includes 1,913 km of expressways) 135,444 km 444,412 km includes 104,705 km of state roads, 433,034 km of private roads, and 41,825 km of municipal roads (2010)

total

579,564 km (includes 1,913 km of expressways)

unpaved

444,412 km

Waterways

2,052 km (2010)

Manpower available for military service

2,065,691 1,996,764 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,996,764 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

2,065,691

Manpower fit for military service

1,709,055 1,650,432 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,650,432 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,709,055

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

54,960 52,275 (2010 est.)

female

52,275 (2010 est.)

male

54,960

Military branches

Swedish Armed Forces (Forsvarsmakten): Army (Armen), Royal Swedish Navy (Marinen), Swedish Air Force (Svenska Flygvapnet) (2010)

Swedish Armed Forces (Forsvarsmakten)

Army (Armen), Royal Swedish Navy (Marinen), Swedish Air Force (Svenska Flygvapnet) (2010)

Military expenditures

1.18% of GDP (2012) 1.17% of GDP (2011) 1.18% of GDP (2010)

Military service age and obligation

18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; Swedish citizenship required; service obligation: 7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy), 8-12 months (Air Force); the Swedish Parliament has abolished compulsory military service, with exclusively voluntary recruitment as of July 2010; conscription remains an option in emergencies; after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment until age 47 (2013)

18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; Swedish citizenship required; service obligation

7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy), 8-12 months (Air Force); the Swedish Parliament has abolished compulsory military service, with exclusively voluntary recruitment as of July 2010; conscription remains an option in emergencies; after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment until age 47 (2013)

Disputes - international

none

Refugees and internally displaced persons

24,006 (Iraq); 20,613 (Somalia); 17,984 (Syria); 10,499 (Afghanistan); 8,954 (Eritrea) (2013) 9,596 (2012); note - the majority of stateless people come from the Middle East and Somalia

refugees (country of origin)

24,006 (Iraq); 20,613 (Somalia); 17,984 (Syria); 10,499 (Afghanistan); 8,954 (Eritrea) (2013)

stateless persons

9,596 (2012); note - the majority of stateless people come from the Middle East and Somalia