Sweden's History

Cave paintings testify to mans arrival in Sweden as early as 12,000BC. In Roman times the Nordic tribes in Sweden were already accomplished seafarers bursting forth in the Viking Age from the 8th Century. Adventurous Vikings reached the Mediterranean, founded Kiev, explored the Black Sea and even reached Baghdad! Sweden accepted Christianity by 1050 and the Viking Age came to a close. Sweden was united with Denmark and Norway in the Kalmar Union from 1397-1523, but withdrew, entering into a golden age of its own achieving a great empire, controlling the Baltic region, peaking under King Charles X. From the 18th Century Swedish power retreated until the Napoleonic War when they chose to oppose Napoleon, gaining the Norwegian throne as a prize in 1814. Sweden remained strictly neutral in WWI, WWII and the Cold War. In 1985 Sweden joined the European Union but has declined to joined the Eurozone.

Right Now

Sweden’s commitment to free enterprise with a powerful role for Government, characterised by high taxes and elaborate social services, presented a third way throughout the Cold War. Sweden still follows this model and its social conscience now extends to the environment, the nation committed to become Carbon-neutral by 2020. The hard working, socially responsible and health conscious people of Sweden have long been considered Europe’s most liberal and humanitarian. They love the outdoors and healthy pursuits. Visitors to Sweden are attracted by the clean green image, lakes and mountains, attractive people and ancient cities preserved from war and property developers.

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