Flag of Sweden

Sweden

EuropeSW December 22, 2025
Map of Sweden
Locator map of Sweden

Background

A military power during the 17th century, Sweden maintained a policy of military non-alignment until it applied to join NATO in 2022. Sweden has not participated in any war for two centuries. Stockholm preserved an armed neutrality in both World Wars. Since then, Sweden has pursued a successful economic formula consisting of a capitalist system intermixed with substantial welfare elements. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum. The share of Sweden’s population born abroad increased from 11.3% in 2000 to 20% in 2022.

Quick Facts

Capital
Stockholm
Population
10,589,835
Area
450,295 sq km
GDP
$610.118 billion
GDP per Capita
$63,300
Life Expectancy
82.9 years
Government
Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Languages
Swedish (official)