Sweden, one of the
Scandinavian countries,
occupies the eastern part of
the Scandinavian Peninsula in
northern Europe. The country is
slightly larger than the state of California
(U. S.) The Swedes have lived in present-day Sweden for at least 5,000 years, longer than nearly any other European people.
History
The Swedes were Christianized from the 11th century, and a strong centralized monarchy developed. A parliament was first called in 1435, the earliest parliament on the European continent with all classes of society represented. Swedish independence from Danish Kings was secured in 1521 -1523. The Napoleonic Wars, in which Sweden acquired Norway, were the last wars in which Sweden participated. Armed neutrality was maintained in both World War I and World War II. (Norway became independent in 1905.)
Landscape
Sweden is a land of contrasts, from urban centers of culture to the pine forests, lakes, and farms of the countryside. Sweden stretches from miles of sunny beaches in the south to the land of reindeer and the midnight sun in the North. Sweden is famous for its steel, high tech equipment, and design - and for the Vikings of old. The government is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government.
Head of State: King Carl XVI Gustaf
Capital: Stockholm
Largest Cities: Gothenburg & Malmo
Emigration to America
The largest emigration took place between 1850 and the 1920s. Many of the Swedish immigrants became prominent and successful citizens. |
