History - Sweden's history starts nearly 10,000 years ago when people migrated from central Europe and Siberia to Sweden. From 1800 to 500 B.C Sweden saw Bronze Age and after 500 B.C Iron age. In the early 9th century Christianity was spread over in Sweden. By second half of the 19th century Industrialization arrived which was pretty late but still it converted Sweden into one of the richest countries from one of the poorest one.
Government & Politics - Sweden has a constitutional hereditary monarchy but the monarch doesn’t participate in government and only has ceremonial duties. The elections held every four years on the 3rd Sunday in September for 349 seats in the Riksdag. All citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to vote. Women’s hold 149 seats in the Riksdag which is highest percentage (43%) in the world and are well represented.
Foreign Exchange & Currency - The national currency of Sweden is Swedish Krona usually represented as Skr. One Swedish krona equals 100 ore and coins comes in denominations of 50 ore and Ske 1, 5 and 10, while notes comes in denominations of Skr 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. All major foreign currencies and travelers cheques are accepted by banks and post offices but Eurocheques are not accepted anywhere.
Population - As per 1999 census Sweden's population was 8,853,540, estimated around 21.5 persons per sq km. Stockholm is the largest with 736,113 residents, Gothenburg with 459,593, upscale with 187,302 malmo with 254,904.
Religion - Sweden is a christen country. There are several christen denominations such as Roman Catholics, Orthodox Churches, Pentecostals etc.
Language - Swedish is the official language but English is spoken as a second language and they both have similarities except pronunciation. It is advisable to learn few phrases of Swedish, which will be greatly appreciated.
Visa - A valid visa and a valid passport is needed to enter Sweden but the European Union country citizens can enter Sweden only with a valid passport or a national identification card for a minimum stay upto 3 months. We provide visa assistance to
scantour@del2.vsnl.net.in. The Nordic countries which include Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland can stay and work for an indefinite period. A 90 days tourist visa costs Skr 250 is required by nationals of Asian and African countries. Visa extension is not easy.
Time - Sweden is one hour ahead of Greenwich Meantime and 3 hrs and 30 minutes behind India.
Climate - Sweden has a cold climate in most of its parts but the southern region has quite a warm temperature climate. The winter starts in October and ends in April and also it usually rains in winter, which makes winters quite harsh. The temperature goes down around -5 degree C. Summers are fairly sunny where rain falls occasionally. The average maximum temperature is 18 degree C in south and 14 degree C in north.
Cities - Sweden is a beautiful place to visit and it might take a lifetime to visit the major sites of interests around Sweden. Some of the major cities are Stockholm - Gamle Stan, Livrustkammaren - The Royal armory, Riddarhuset - House of Nobility, Stadshuset - The Town hall. Skane - Malmo, Malmo Museer, Oversunds Utstallningen. Gothenburg - Konstmuseet, Rohsska Museet, Churches, Parks etc.
Restrictions - To protect fragile artwork taking photographs is prohibited at a many tourist places. Also taking photographs of military areas and major highways is prohibited.
