12 Cool and Quirky Facts About Sweden You Never Knew. Sweden, the land of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and innovative design, is a country that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. From its picturesque lakes and forests to its bustling cities and cutting-edge technology, Sweden is a treasure trove of fascinating facts and surprising secrets. In this article, we’ll delve into 12 interesting and fun facts about Sweden that will take you beyond the meatballs and IKEA, and reveal the unique charm and character of this captivating Nordic nation.
Facts About Sweden
1. Sweden has a large moose population.
Sweden is home to a thriving moose population, with estimates suggesting that between 300,000 and 400,000 of these majestic creatures roam freely throughout the country.
2. Sweden has an unusual right for its people that is called ‘the freedom to roam’.
The Swedish freedom to roam is a right protected by the law that allows you to sleep, eat, and walk pretty much wherever you want. The only thing, however, you have to do is respect nature and the animals living there. The country allows its citizens the right to access all public land that is not cultivated. It also grants the right to pick berries and flowers without a permit.
3. In Sweden, there are about 100,000 lakes.
Sweden, the largest country in the Scandinavian of Northern Europe, has more than 97,500 lakes including Vänern” and “Vättern, which are also part of Europe’s largest lakes. According to Alfred Gabriel Narthorst, a Swedish geologist, Sweden has so many lakes due to glacial activity during the last ice age.
4. Some notable brands that originate from Sweden include Saab, Electrolux, Ericsson, and Volvo.
Sweden is also responsible for the Tetra Park, ball bearing, and the heart pacemaker among many others.
5. The country features a hotel made entirely of ice that is constructed anew each winter.
Every year, builders in Jukkasjarvi construct the ice hotel using massive two-ton blocks of ice, carefully cut from the local Torne River.
More Facts About Sweden
6. Sweden has one of the most generous parental leave systems in the world.
Sweden grants parents the right to take 480 days of leave with their newborn, paying them 80% of their salary during this time.
7. Forests actively blanket 70% of Sweden’s landscape.
Although Sweden is one of the biggest exporters of lumber in the world, according to the World Bank, almost 70% of the country is covered by forest. This is because Sweden grows more trees annually than it uses. They have a sustainable forestry model and using that model the annual growth stands at around 120 million forest cubic meters, and each year around 90 million forest cubic meters of that growth is harvested.
8. It is one of the cleanest countries on the planet.
In Swedish culture and Nordic countries in general, environmental consciousness runs deep. The country is one of the most sustainability-focused in the world, with an EpI score of 78.7. By embracing renewable energy sources, Sweden has achieved a remarkable distinction: it now shares the title of the world’s second-cleanest air with Australia.
9. Sweden imports waste from Norway!
Apparently, the Swedish people love to recycle. Sweden’s waste management system is incredibly efficient, recycling and composting 50% of waste, incinerating 49% for energy, and sending only 1% to landfills. This sounds amazing but in reality, Sweden recycles so well that they do not have enough waste left to keep the incinerators running. So, they have to import waste from Norway and the UK to keep the lights on. The countries actually pay Sweden to take the waste off their hands.
Including the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights
10. The Swedish Passport is among the world’s most powerful passports.
As of 2022, Singapore and Japan are the top passport holders. While Sweden stands at the 4th place, Swedish citizens can rejoice because they hold one of the world’s most powerful passports. This ranking is based on The Henley Passport Index and includes 199 different passports and 227 travel destinations. As of this year, Swedish citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 188 countries and territories.
11. A land of Midnight sun and Northern Lights.
Due to its geographical position, the country goes from one end of the daylight spectrum to the other over the year. At summer’s peak, the sun, where the region of Sweden experiences a phenomenon known as the midnight sun, where the sun never sets – creating a unique, 24 hours of daylight. Further south this creates “white nights” – in places like Stockholm and Gothenburg, where the sun goes under the horizon but only just, so it’s never completely dark.
12. Stockholm’s metro doubles as an art gallery.
The Swedish capital has got to have one of the coolest public transport systems in the world. In the first version, the focus is on the visitor’s experience, emphasizing that they are actively experiencing the art exhibition. Artists have transformed the metro system, adorning 90 stations with vibrant themes and diverse art forms, stretching over 110 kilometers (68 miles).
Conclusion
In conclusion, 12 fascinating facts that reveal the quirky charm and cool credentials of Sweden. Therefore, from its stunning natural beauty and innovative design to its commitment to sustainability and love of meatballs, it is a country that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Whether you’re a fan of ABBA, IKEA, or simply the great outdoors, Sweden has something for everyone. So next time you’re thinking of traveling to a country that’s a little bit different, consider Sweden – you never know what hidden gems you might discover!
