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Sweden
WHO code: SWE
ISO2: SE
ISO3: SWE
Country code: +46
Country groups:
  • WHO_EURO
  • EU_MEMBERS
  • EU_BEFORE_MAY2004
  • NORDIC
  • HBSC_MEMBER
  • EURO_SURVEIL
  • EU_BEFORE_FEB2020
General notes

Sweden – a quick snapshot

Sweden's up in Northern Europe — nestled between Norway and Finland — and it stretches all the way along the Baltic Sea. It's a place of contrast: snowy mountains in the north, calm countryside down south, and a ton of lakes and forests in between. This unique landscape plays a key role in shaping the Sweden health profile, contributing to both mental well-being and physical activity levels.

Even though it's one of the biggest countries in Europe by area, not many people live here compared to the size. About 10.4 million folks in total, and most of them stick to the cities — Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö — all buzzing but still close to nature. Sweden's population density, urbanization, and accessibility to healthcare are all factors closely tied to Sweden health statistics.

Sweden's known for being clean, smart, and future-focused. Its economy’s in good shape thanks to tech, industry, and services. But beyond that, it just feels like a place that really tries to make everyday life work well — public transport, healthcare, education — it’s all thoughtfully done. This contributes significantly to Sweden's life expectancy, which remains among the highest in the world.

Sweden’s scenery: forests, lakes & plenty of space

Think of Sweden and chances are, nature pops into your head — and for good reason. This place is packed with deep forests, calm lakes, and open green spaces that seem to stretch on forever. In fact, about 70% of the country is covered in forest. That’s a lot of trees — and a lot of fresh air.

And the lakes? There are over 100,000 of them. Yep, you read that right. Whether it’s a tiny pond tucked in the woods or a huge stretch of water reflecting the sky, Sweden's lakes are a big part of its charm. Add in the snowy mountains up north and the peaceful fields down south, and the landscape really has a bit of everything. This abundance of nature supports a healthy lifestyle and plays a role in reducing the overall Sweden disease burden.

But it’s not just about good looks — Sweden’s land actually works hard too. Forestry and farming are still a big deal here, and the country’s pretty serious about doing things in a sustainable way. Whether you're hiking through a national park or just relaxing by a lake in a little red cabin, the Swedish countryside makes it easy to hit pause and enjoy the moment.

What’s the weather like in Sweden?

You might think Sweden is all freezing temps and snow drifts — but that’s only part of the story. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate is actually milder than you’d expect, especially in the southern parts. Summers are lovely, with long daylight hours and temps often landing between 20 and 25°C. In the far north, summer nights barely get dark — that magical light show is called the Midnight Sun.

Of course, winter does make itself known, particularly up north where it gets seriously cold and snowy. But Swedes don’t just endure winter — they embrace it. Whether it’s skiing, ice fishing, or just curling up with candles and hot drinks, they know how to stay warm and cozy. (They even have a word for that cozy feeling — «mys.»)

With four distinct seasons, Sweden offers everything from snowy adventures to sun-soaked hikes, all in one place.

Talking Sweden: languages and cultural mix

Swedish is the go-to language pretty much everywhere in the country — it’s what you’ll hear on the streets, in schools, and on TV. But Sweden doesn’t stop there. It officially recognizes five minority languages too: Finnish, Meänkieli (a Finnish dialect), Sami, Romani, and Yiddish.

These languages tell stories of Sweden’s diverse roots. For example, Sami is spoken by the indigenous Sami people up in the north and comes in several dialects. There’s been a strong push to keep it alive through schools and cultural programs.

Language rights are taken seriously in Sweden. Thanks to the Swedish Language Act, people who speak these minority languages have the right to use them in things like schools, courts, and government services. These efforts, alongside inclusive policies, reflect the overall strength and accessibility of healthcare and social support, helping keep Sweden mortality rates relatively low.

Demographic trends in Sweden

Sweden’s population is going through some big changes. One of the most noticeable trends is the country’s aging population. Thanks to longer Sweden life expectancy and fewer births, there are more older adults than ever before. While that’s a sign of good healthcare and living conditions, it also means Sweden has to plan ahead — especially when it comes to elderly care and support services.

At the same time, immigration has become a major part of Sweden’s demographic story. Over the past few decades, people from all over the world have moved to Sweden, adding to its cultural diversity. This has made the country more multicultural, but it also brings new challenges in areas like education, employment, and social integration.

Understanding these population shifts is essential to analyzing Sweden health statistics and preparing for future healthcare needs. Change is constant, but with good planning, Sweden is staying ahead of the curve.

Sweden: cool facts you might not know

Sweden gave the world the Nobel Prize — it all started with Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor who wanted to reward important work in science, literature, and peace. Today, the awards are still handed out in Stockholm every year.

The country takes the environment seriously. Sweden recycles almost everything and is shifting fast to green energy. By 2045, it plans to stop using fossil fuels altogether — not many countries are that ambitious.

Sweden also has a strong creative side. It's the home of IKEA, but design is just the beginning. From music and fashion to architecture and art, Swedish culture has made its way into homes and hearts all over the world.

European Programme of Work (EPW)
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Pillar 2: Protecting against health emergencies