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SWEDEN
Sweden is bounded on the west by Norway, northeast Finland and the Baltic Sea to the east and south. Approximately half of the country's land is covered by forests. Sweden has thousands of lakes, mostly in the central area of the south. Lake Vänern is the largest, covering an area of 5540 km ². Swedish Lapland in the north is mountainous and extends into the Arctic Circle.
Constitutional monarchy. Became independent from Denmark in 1523. Head of state: King Carl Gustav XVI (1973). Head of Government: Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt since 2006. Recent history: Two events marked the tragic recent past of Sweden: the assassination of Prime Minister Olaf Palme (known as the greatest exponent of Swedish neutrality) in 1986 and the assassination of Foreign Minister Anna Lindh in 2003 days before a national referendum rejected the idea of coining the euro as currency. Since the end of World War II, the nation has enjoyed increasing prosperity, and has developed a welfare state based on high taxes. However, early 90s, the economy began to decline and the government of center-right coalition of Carl Bildt instituted an austerity program. This program was designed to reduce inflation and the country's deficit by cutting spending and privatizing much of the Swedish public sector. Relations with the (then) European Community became one of the main issues of Swedish politics, and though most political parties called for unity to it, the issue still generates much controversy. Sweden joined the EU in early 1995. However, he refused to join the Euro Zone in 1999 and this remains their position today
Swedish. There are Finnish-speaking minorities and Lappish or Sami in the north. Children from 9 years learning English as a first foreign language.
86% of Swedes belong to the Lutheran Church, separate from the state since January 2000. There are other Protestant minorities.
220 volt AC three-phase, 50Hz. Plugs are continental two dowels.
Must observe the basic rules of courtesy. If you are celebrating something, before drinking should wait until the host makes a toast. The way a food is to be welcomed with the phrase 'tack för killed. The use of informal clothing is widespread, but some restaurants and clubs require their customers more elegant clothes. The invitations will specify if required dress suit or evening dress. No smoking is allowed in most public buildings and on public transport.
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