1. Sweden
By Clark Simons

2. Physical Characteristics
• Sweden is one of the largest countries in
Europe.
• It is about the size of California
• It has many lakes, vast forest, and a long
coastline.
• Its capital is Stockholm
• Its area is 174,000 square miles.

3. Cultural Characteristics
• Most people in Sweden speak Swedish
• 87% of Swedes are Lutheran.
• Sweden has many castles and palaces.
• Literature, music, fashion, theatre and dance
make Sweden so unique.

4. Customs and Traditions
• Swedes favor season changing holidays to celebrate the
upcoming new seasons.
• Dancing singing and performing old traditions brings the
people of Sweden together.
• Religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and All Souls Day
are celebrated with a Swedish twist.
• Swedes not only celebrate their old customs but instead, they
make their own creative public Holidays such as Waffle Day
and Cinnamon Bun Day.
Swedish Waffle Day

5. Winter
• Winter in Sweden is harsh and difficult to handle.
• The darkest months start in mid to late October and last until mid to late
may.
• Natural occurrences called polar nights create a period of long lasting
darkness.
• Ski resorts are popular for tourist. Not to mention the beautiful and
outspoken northern lights that attract so many.
• The scenery of Sweden makes Christmas a delight in the winter months.

6. Spring
• The frosty and darkened winter starts to end around
late April.
• It brings such beauty and fortune to Sweden as the
flowers bloom and outdoor activities come to life.
• The sun shines brighter and longer and the tourist
instantly fall in love with the results of Sweden’s
successful spring awakening.
• On the last day of April, Choirs sing songs about Spring
and people gather around and light bonfires.
• This celebration is known as Walpurgis Eve.

7. Summer
• The Spring ends in late May/early June.
• People enjoy its moderate and cloudy climate
• A lot can be done in these summer months as the
growing season is at its peak.
• It doesn’t last to long so people do there best to enjoy
every last second of this wonderful time of year.
• Mid Summers Eve is a Holiday where people gather
around the Maypole and dance and snaps.

8. Autumn
• Summer ends in late September/early October.
• The climate is still moderate and is perfect for tourist.
• People in Sweden start to prepare themselves for the dark months of
winter ahead.
• Activities in Fall include fishing and outdoor activities.
• People light candles for the dead honoring All Saints Day which is a
popular event.
All SAINTS DAY

9. Government and Politics
• Sweden consists of a Parliamentary Democracy.
• It belongs to a Monarchy and the people are free to
criticize.
• Sweden has a high percentage of voters and continues
to stay at a high standard of living.
• Most of the people in Sweden are social democrats.

10. Health Care
• Life expectancy in Sweden for men is 79.1 and for
women is 83.2
• People in Sweden are healthy and the birth percentage is
rising.
• Everybody has equal access to the health care system
with good medical results.
• The Swedish Health Care System is tax payer funded
and greatly decentralized.

11. Sweden Today
• Sweden has a high standard of living with little poverty.
• The economy is in good shape and so are the people.
• There are many places to see such as Stockholm,
Gothenburg, and Malmo.