Ten fun facts about Sweden

1. Urban Swedes: Living the Good Life

Sweden is a country of 9.2 million people, with an urban population of almost 85%. This means that the vast majority of the population lives in cities, making Sweden one of the most urbanized countries in the world. This has led to a high quality of life for many Swedes, with access to modern amenities and infrastructure, as well as a strong economy and a vibrant culture.

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2. Sweden's Moose Problem

Sweden is known for its abundance of moose, and as a result, road signs warning of moose-crossings are a popular souvenir. Unfortunately, this has led to a huge number of these signs being stolen from Swedish roads each year, causing a major problem for the country.

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3. The Legacy of the Swedish Migrants to the United States

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sweden experienced a mass exodus of its citizens, with over one million Swedes migrating to the United States between 1850 and 1910. This was largely due to the country's poor economic conditions, as well as the promise of a better life in America. The majority of these immigrants settled in the Midwest, particularly in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, where they established strong Swedish-American communities. These immigrants had a significant impact on the culture and economy of the United States, and their legacy can still be seen today.

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4. The Nobel Prize Ceremonies: A History of Sweden and Norway

Every year on December 10th, Sweden and Norway come together to host the Nobel Prize Ceremonies. This prestigious event is held in alternating locations between the two countries, with Sweden hosting the ceremony in even-numbered years and Norway hosting in odd-numbered years. The Nobel Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world, and the ceremony is a highly anticipated event that celebrates the accomplishments of the laureates in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, and economics.

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5. The Best of IKEA and H&M

Sweden is home to two of the world's most iconic modern retail shops: IKEA and H&M. Founded in 1943 and 1947 respectively, these two Swedish companies have become synonymous with affordable, stylish, and quality products. IKEA is known for its flat-pack furniture and home accessories, while H&M is renowned for its fashion-forward clothing and accessories. Both companies have become global giants, with IKEA having over 400 stores in 50 countries and H&M having over 4,500 stores in 73 countries.

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6. The 30-Year-Old Swedish Mom

In Sweden, the average age for women to have their first child is 30 years old. This is significantly higher than the global average, which is 28.2 years. This is likely due to the fact that Swedish women are more likely to pursue higher education and career opportunities before starting a family. Additionally, Sweden has some of the most generous parental leave policies in the world, allowing parents to take up to 480 days of paid leave. This allows Swedish women to have more time to focus on their careers before having children.

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7. Sweden's Love Affair with McDonald's

Sweden is home to the highest number of McDonald's restaurants per capita in all of Europe. With a population of 10.2 million people, the country boasts an impressive number of McDonald's restaurants, with one for every 8,500 citizens. This is a remarkable statistic, especially when compared to other European countries, where the average number of McDonald's restaurants per capita is one for every 25,000 citizens.

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8. The World's First Ice Hotel

Sweden is home to the world's first ever ice hotel, located in the Kiruna district near the village of Jukkasjärvi. Built entirely from snow and ice, the hotel has become a popular tourist destination, offering guests the unique experience of sleeping in a room made entirely of ice. The hotel is open from December to April each year, and features a variety of activities, from snowmobiling and ice sculpting to dog sledding and snowshoeing.

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9. Nordstan: The Shopping Mall of Europe

Sweden is home to the largest shopping mall in Europe, Nordstan in Gothenburg. Spanning over three city blocks, Nordstan is a shopper's paradise, boasting over 200 stores, restaurants, and cafes. With a wide variety of shops, from high-end fashion to electronics, Nordstan is the perfect place to find whatever you're looking for. Whether you're looking for a new outfit, a souvenir, or just a bite to eat, Nordstan has it all.

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10. The Most Vibrant and Busy City in the Nordic Region: Stockholm

Sweden's capital and largest city, Stockholm, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis. Located on the east coast of the country, it is home to over 1.5 million people, making it the most populous city in the Nordic region. It is a major cultural, economic, and political hub, and is home to many of the country's most important institutions, including the Swedish Parliament, the Royal Palace, and the Nobel Prize Museum. Stockholm is also a popular tourist destination, with its many museums, galleries, and parks, as well as its picturesque waterfront.

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