In many minds, Sweden is quintessential Northern Europe. Wedged between Norway and Finland and covering the Eastern half of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the country has the reputation of a liberal, open-minded society living in an environment marked by bodies of water everywhere. Sweden is the fifth-largest European country by area but has a low population density, leaving plenty of room for a variety of fascinating landscapes.

Sweden draws many visitors with its picturesque sceneries. These include almost pristine, remote areas that provide large habitats for wildlife and dense forests as well as a rugged coastline dotted with typical colorful wooden houses.

A true vacation experience in Sweden often includes a visit to the islands. The country has plenty of those and the locals often spend a large part of their summer months on them. Right outside the capital, the Stockholm archipelago in the Baltic Sea consists of thousands of islands, with a few larger ones that are popular with tourists. In the Western half of the country, the Gothenburg archipelago in the Kattegat sea also are well-known vacation spots.

Once you are there, don’t forget to visit one of the eclectic cities of Sweden. The townscape of Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, is marked by canals and waterways. Malmö in the Øresund Region borders Denmark’s capital region and presents itself as a modern, vibrant city with a young, multicultural population.

Sweden’s capital Stockholm, the center of Scandinavia’s largest metropolitan region, combines historic attractions with a dynamic atmosphere. The city stretches across fourteen islands and has plenty of attractions including the old town, many renown museums and a bustling arts scene.

PopulationAreaCurrencyEU memberSchengen area
10,223,500450,295 km²Swedish Kronayesyes

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