Introduction To Sweden

Sweden is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. Its capital and largest city is Stockholm. Sweden has a population of approximately 10 million people, and its official language is Swedish. The country is known for its high standard of living, social welfare system, and progressive values. Sweden is recognized as being one of the most equal societies globally, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and LGBT rights. The Swedish economy is primarily dependent on exports, and its industries include automotive, telecommunications, pharmaceutical, and life sciences. Sweden is also famous for its cultural and natural attractions, including historic architecture, museums, and parks. Sweden has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to prehistoric times. The Viking Age, which lasted from the 8th to the 11th century, greatly influenced the country's culture and identity. Sweden became a sovereign state in the 16th century and enjoyed a period of dominance in the Baltic region. In the 20th century, Sweden became a modern welfare state with a highly developed healthcare and education system. Sweden is also famous for its cuisine, including traditional dishes like meatballs, herring, and potatoes, as well as modern cuisine influenced by international trends. Overall, Sweden is a prosperous, innovative, and culturally diverse country that has made significant contributions to the world.

This book represents the first recent attempt to provide a comprehensive treatment of Sweden's economic development since the middle of the 18th century. It traces the rapid industrialisation, the political currents and the social ambitions, that transformed Sweden from a backward agrarian economy into what is now regarded by many as a model welfar

The history of Sweden in the seventeenth century is perhaps one of the most remarkable political success stories of early modern Europe. Little more than a century after achieving independence from Denmark, Sweden - an impoverished and sparsely-populated state - had defeated all of its most fearsome enemies and was ranked amongst the great powers of Europe. In this book, which incorporates the latest research on the subject, Paul Douglas Lockhart: - Surveys the political, diplomatic, economic, social and cultural history of the country, from the beginnings of its career as an empire to its decline at the end of the seventeenth century - Examines the mechanisms that helped Sweden to achieve the status of a great power, and the reasons for its eventual downfall - Emphasises the interplay between social structure, constitutional development, and military necessity Clear and well-written, Lockhart's text is essential reading for all those with an interest in the fascinating history of early modern Sweden.

A history of Sweden, showing how a monarchical state transformed itself into an egalitarian, democratic system.

A comprehensive history of Sweden covering events from the Stone Age onwards.

The Handbook provides a broad introduction to Swedish politics, and how Sweden's political system and policies have evolved over the past few decades.

With its midnight sun and Gulf Stream climate, Sweden is a land of contradictions. It is home to petroglyphs dating from 9000 BC, thriving high-tech industries, and the ubiquitous design chain Ikea. A comparatively peaceful and economically stable twentieth century secured its reputation as a great place to live, with a solid economy and generous welfare system. Emigration reversed itself -- now over ten percent of the country's nine million residents were born abroad. When Sweden entered the EU in 1995, and introduced the Euro in 2002, visiting became even easier. This short history is ideal for travellers, students, and those with an eye to the new Europe.

Since 1814 Sweden has avoided involvement in armed conflicts and carried out policies of non-alignment in peacetime and neutrality during war. Even though the Swedish government often describes Sweden as a ‘nation of peace’, in 2004 the 200-year anniversary of that peace passed by with barely any attention. Despite its extraordinary longevity, research about the Swedish experience of enduring peace is underdeveloped. 200 Years of Peace places this long period of peace in broader academic and public discussions surrounding claimed Swedish exceptionality as it is represented in the nation’s social policies, expansive welfare state, eugenics, gender equality programs, and peace.

Comprehensive and concise, this account details the agrarian history of Sweden - as it is defined by its present national borders - from the Neolithic times to present day. Key historical concepts and events are discussed, including the introduction of planned agriculture alongside the domestication of animals; the feudal relationships and interactions between men and women, various age groups, and different social classes during the Middle Ages; the changes brought about by industrialism and the development of political democracy; the effects of World Wars I and II; and Sweden's inclusion in the European Union in 1995. This study also examines the interdependence between agriculture and other industries as well as the relationship between agriculture and politics on a local, regional, national, and international level.

From Stone Age settlements to the middle of the 20th century shows the formative contribution of political and social conflict, economic development and popular pressure, and the arts. A well-sifted, synoptic account of Sweden's history.