Sweden
A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war in almost two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both World Wars. Sweden's long-successful economic formula of a capitalist system interlarded with substantial welfare elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment, rising maintenance costs, and a declining position in world markets. Indecision over the country's role in the political and economic integration of Europe delayed Sweden's entry into the EU until 1995, and waived the introduction of the euro in 1999.

Location:
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway

Area:
total: 449,964 sq km
water: 39,030 sq km
land: 410,934 sq km

Land boundaries:
total: 2,205 km
border countries: Finland 586 km, Norway 1,619 km

Climate:
temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north

Terrain:
mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Land use:
arable land: 6.8%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 93.2% (1998 est.)

Population:
8,878,085 (July 2003 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Swede(s)
adjective: Swedish

Languages:
Swedish
note: small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities