Sweden
Sweden is a prominent Northern European nation known for its parliamentary constitutional monarchy and high standard of living. Current estimates indicate a population of approximately 11 million people, with a GDP per capita of 58,058 USD.
Where is Sweden?
Sweden
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Sweden
- Coordinates
- 62.00°, 15.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 11M
- Area
- 450,295 km²
- Density per km²
- 24 / km²
- Growth rate
- +0.31%
- Annual growth
- +33.3K people
- Daily growth
- +91.33 people
- World population share
- 0.13%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Sweden
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Stockholm
- Region
- Europe
- Area
- 450,295 km²
- Languages
- Swedish
- Currency
- Swedish krona (kr)
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The Swedish economy is characterized by a mix of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits, supported by a GDP per capita of 58,058 USD. While recent data shows an annual GDP growth rate of 0.82%, the country maintains a strong position, ranking global 25 for total nominal GDP and global 22 for GDP per capita. The labor market currently shows an unemployment rate of 8.694%, as the nation continues to rely on industrial excellence in telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and automotive sectors.
Society
Sweden boasts exceptional social outcomes, with a life expectancy at birth of approximately 84.1 years, which ranks global 9. The nation is highly digitized, as recent data shows 95.76% of the population are internet users, placing it at a rank of global 24 for connectivity. Most citizens reside in urban areas, with 88.86% of the population living in cities, reflecting the country's modern infrastructure and commitment to high education and social equity.
Climate & Environment
Sweden experiences a varied climate ranging from temperate in the south to subarctic in the far north, where peaks reach 2100 m (6890 ft). Winters are typically cold and snowy with limited daylight, while summers are mild and characterized by long days that support the nation's vast timber and hydropower resources.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Independence
- 1523-06-06 (Kalmar Union)
Sweden is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy where the monarch serves as the ceremonial head of state with no executive power. Political authority is vested in the Riksdag, a unicameral legislature composed of 349 members elected through a system of proportional representation. The Prime Minister serves as the head of government, leading the Cabinet and overseeing the implementation of national policy. The Swedish political system is noted for its emphasis on consensus-building and transparency. Governance is highly decentralized, with 290 municipalities and 21 regional councils responsible for providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and social care. This structure ensures that local needs are addressed while maintaining a stable national framework based on the rule of law and democratic principles. The country is an active member of the United Nations and the European Union, contributing significantly to international diplomacy and peacekeeping efforts.
History
The history of Sweden transitioned from the tribal expansion of the Viking Age to the formation of a unified kingdom in the Middle Ages. In 1397, Sweden joined Denmark and Norway in the Kalmar Union, but tensions eventually led to its collapse. Sweden achieved independence on 6 June 1523 when Gustav Vasa was elected king, marking the start of the modern Swedish state. During the 17th century, Sweden emerged as a dominant Great Power in Europe, controlling much of the Baltic region. This era ended in the early 18th century following the Great Northern War. After the loss of Finland in 1809, Sweden adopted a policy of neutrality that lasted through both World Wars. The 20th century was defined by rapid industrialization and the development of the Swedish Model, a unique socioeconomic system combining market capitalism with an expansive welfare state. Sweden joined the European Union in 1995 but continues to use the Swedish krona (kr) as its currency. In recent decades, the country has evolved into a global hub for technology and innovation, with an estimated 2026 population of 10636071 and a life expectancy ranking 9 globally at 84.0634146341463 years. Current estimates show that 95.76629783% of the population are internet users.
Notable Facts
- Sweden is home to more than 220,000 islands, the most of any country in the world, though only a small fraction are inhabited.
- The concept of Allemansrätten, or the Right of Public Access, allows anyone to freely roam the countryside, hike in forests, and camp on private land, provided they respect the natural environment.
- The highest point in the country is Kebnekaise South at 2100 m (6890 ft), while the lowest point is a reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon at -2.4 m (-7.9 ft).
- Sweden is a global leader in innovation and the birthplace of major international brands including IKEA, Spotify, and Ericsson.
- The nation has a long-standing cultural tradition known as fika, which involves a social break for coffee and baked goods, viewed as an essential part of daily life and workplace productivity.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Kebnekaise South (2,100 m)
- Lowest Point
- reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad (-2 m)
- Coastline
- 3,218 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in SwedenExplore weather and climate data for cities in Sweden
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Stockholm
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / -2°C | -3°C / -7°C | 11days (51 mm) Wet | 2.3h Poor | 87% Very Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| February | 2°C / -2°C | -2°C / -7°C | 8days (33 mm) Wet | 4.8h Fair | 84% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| March | 6°C / -1°C | 2°C / -5°C | 7days (30 mm) Good | 7.7h Good | 75% Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| April | 9°C / 1°C | 5°C / -3°C | 7days (30 mm) Good | 10.6h Excellent | 68% Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| May | 14°C / 6°C | 11°C / 3°C | 9days (49 mm) Wet | 13.1h Excellent | 68% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| June best | 20°C / 12°C | 19°C / 10°C | 9days (51 mm) Wet | 15.3h Excellent | 70% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| July best | 21°C / 14°C | 21°C / 13°C | 15days (79 mm) Wet | 13.9h Excellent | 74% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| August best | 21°C / 13°C | 20°C / 12°C | 10days (69 mm) Wet | 11.9h Excellent | 77% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| September best | 17°C / 10°C | 15°C / 8°C | 8days (45 mm) Wet | 8.9h Good | 81% Humid | Good | View Details |
| October | 11°C / 6°C | 8°C / 3°C | 11days (58 mm) Wet | 5.5h Fair | 84% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| November | 6°C / 2°C | 2°C / -2°C | 8days (37 mm) Wet | 3h Poor | 88% Very Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| December | 2°C / -1°C | -2°C / -6°C | 12days (46 mm) Wet | 1.5h Poor | 88% Very Muggy | Poor | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 2°C / -2°C . Feb: 2°C / -2°C . Mar: 6°C / -1°C . Apr: 9°C / 1°C . May: 14°C / 6°C . Jun: 20°C / 12°C . Jul: 21°C / 14°C . Aug: 21°C / 13°C . Sep: 17°C / 10°C . Oct: 11°C / 6°C . Nov: 6°C / 2°C . Dec: 2°C / -1°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 51 mm. Feb: 33 mm. Mar: 30 mm. Apr: 30 mm. May: 49 mm. Jun: 51 mm. Jul: 79 mm. Aug: 69 mm. Sep: 45 mm. Oct: 58 mm. Nov: 37 mm. Dec: 46 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Sweden is approximately 11M (2024).
The capital of Sweden is Stockholm.
Sweden's GDP per capita is $58.1K (2024).
Life expectancy in Sweden is 84.06 years (2024).
Sweden covers 450,295 km² (173,860 sq mi).
Sweden is sparsely populated, averaging 24 people per km², below the global average of 60.
Sweden's population is growing slowly at 0.3% per year, below the global average.
Yes — based on GDP per capita, Sweden falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $58.1K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Sweden reports a low intentional homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people, below the global average.
The official language of Sweden is Swedish.
Sweden uses the Swedish krona (kr) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Sweden are June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.
Recent estimates show that Sweden has a population of approximately 11 million people. This reflects an annual growth rate of 0.31%, with the country ranking subregional 2 of 12 for population size in Northern Europe. Most residents are concentrated in urban centers, with a total urban population percentage of 88.86%.
Sweden is a world leader in longevity, with a life expectancy at birth of approximately 84.1 years. This places the nation at a rank of global 9 for life expectancy according to the latest data. High-quality universal healthcare and a focus on public health contribute to these favorable outcomes for the population.
According to current estimates, the GDP per capita in Sweden is 58,058 USD. The nation holds a strong economic position, ranking global 22 of 212 for GDP per capita and regional 14 of 46 within Europe. This high level of wealth supports a comprehensive social welfare system and advanced industrial infrastructure.
Digital connectivity is extremely high in Sweden, with 95.76% of the population identified as internet users. This level of access ranks the country global 24 in the latest data. The widespread use of digital services is a cornerstone of the Swedish economy, facilitating everything from government administration to advanced telecommunications.
Recent data indicates that the unemployment rate in Sweden is 8.694%. This figure places the country at an unemployment rank of global 48 of 186 when sorted from lowest to highest. While the labor market remains dynamic, the government continues to invest in vocational training to manage shifts in key industrial sectors.
The current estimated 2026 population of Sweden is approximately 10.6 million. This figure is based on a projected increase from the official 2024 data of 10,569,709. The country continues to experience slow growth, primarily driven by international migration rather than a high domestic birth rate.
Sweden currently holds a global population rank of 92nd out of 215 countries and territories. Within its immediate region, it is ranked 14th in Europe and 2nd in Northern Europe, maintaining its status as the most populous country among the Nordic nations.
Sweden has a low population density, with a current estimate of 26.1 people per km² (67.6 people per sq mi). This places it 179th globally and 43rd in Europe, as vast areas of the northern interior remain largely uninhabited compared to the concentrated urban centers in the south.
The population is currently growing at an annual rate of 0.31%. This growth is modest and increasingly dependent on net migration, as the natural increase—the difference between births and deaths—is narrow. Recent trends show that migration remains the primary contributor to Sweden's total population gains.
The latest fertility rate in Sweden is 1.43 births per woman. This is well below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population without migration. This rate has reached historical lows recently, reflecting broader demographic shifts and aging trends across the European continent.
Current estimates show that 88.9% of Sweden's population lives in urban areas. Most residents are concentrated in the 'Major City' regions of Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. This high level of urbanization is a result of long-term migration from rural agricultural areas to industrial and service-oriented hubs.
All Indicators
Explore Sweden's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
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Geography
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