Sweden

Life in Sweden is greatly influenced by its geographic location and climate.  Much of the country experiences long, dark winters and short vibrant summers.  Despite the harshness of winter, Swedes are not a people to hide indoors. Instead, they participate in many winter sports and activities that help winter days pass quickly. Swedes are somewhat reserved, friendships are meaningful but take time to develop.

Swedes are proud of their nation as well as regions and towns.

Swedes can rely on a generous social welfare system to provide health, education, and retirement benefits.

Sweden awards all Nobel prizes (Chemistry, literature, medicine, and physics) except the Nobel Peace Prize.

Being on time is extremely important to adults in Sweden, In fact, Swedes are stereotyped as being obsessive about time.  In Swedish schools, tardy slips and hall passes are not used

Swedes shake hands when entering or leaving a social setting or nod from a distance.  Titles are used in formal situations.

People usually address each other by one's first name. Hup is a non-word with several meanings from "let's go" to "what a shame". Many words in Swedish can be pronounced differently for several meanings.

Sweden has some unique gestures and customs that are specific to the culture. Here are a few examples:

The Swedish "two-finger salute": This gesture involves raising the hand with the index and middle fingers extended and pressed together. It is often used as a friendly greeting or to acknowledge someone, similar to a casual wave. It can also be used to thank someone or show appreciation.

Handshake with a slight bow: When greeting someone formally, particularly in business settings or formal occasions, Swedes may shake hands while simultaneously giving a slight nod or bow of the head. This gesture demonstrates respect and politeness.

Removing shoes indoors: In Sweden, it is common etiquette to remove your shoes when entering someone's home. This is seen as a way to keep the floors clean and is considered a gesture of respect towards the host.

Toasting with eye contact: When raising a glass for a toast in Sweden, it is customary to make eye contact with each person present before taking a sip. This gesture is seen as a sign of sincerity and engagement.

"Knocking on wood": Like in many other cultures, Swedes also have a superstition where they knock on a wooden surface, usually three times, to ward off bad luck or to avoid tempting fate. It is often done after expressing a hope or wish.

A host usually offers something to drink to their guests. Usually, people invite others over for an evening meal. Swedes don't visit unless prior arrangements have been made. Guests are expected to arrive on time or a few minutes early. During bad weather, they usually bring a pair of indoor shoes or clogs. If guests don't get a gift they send a thank-you card. Swedes expect guests to stay after dinner for coffee and conversation until 11 PM.

In 1989, Icehotel was conceived when a group of businesspeople devised the idea to entice visitors to their frozen little town during the darkest part of winter.  They built a 100 sq foot igloo and filled it with elaborate ice sculptures and art.  The project was a huge success.  They expanded the igloo idea and today it is called Icehotel.  Recently more than 43,000 people visited Icehotel.  Each November a brand new hotel is built.  It requires 3,000  tons of Ice and 30,000 cubic meters of snow. The indoor temperature is about 30 degrees Fahrenheit which may seem cold until you compare it to the -35 degrees Fahrenheit outside.   The hotel also contains a fantastic ice art exhibit. Icehotel is situated in the village Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden.

Swedes wear warm conservative European fashions.  Swedish folk costumes consist of white blouses, vests, and long dark skirts often with aprons for women. It is white shirts, vests, dark knee-length breeches, and white hose for men.

For breakfast, one might eat fil (a kind of yogurt), knäckebröd (crisp bread) with margarine, and coffee. They might also have a coffee or tea break at mid-morning. The main meal , "middag" has traditionally been eaten during midday. Health concerns have affected eating patterns in Sweden in much the same way they have in other industrialized countries. Once heavy in meat, fish, and cheese, the diet now includes many fresh vegetables and fruits. Open-face sandwiches (smörgåsar) are also popular.

In August, Swedes enjoy crayfish parties. They boil freshwater shellfish in water, add dill, salt and sugar and leave it to cool overnight. They eat the crayfish with hot buttered toast and caraway cheese, accompanied by beer and aquavit, a vodka-like drink.

About 80 percent of Sweden's people live in urban areas, the remaining 20 percent are scattered across the land in small villages, towns, and farms.  Rural people have about the same standard of living as urban people.  Some rural people work in industries or services in nearby towns and only work their farms part-time.

People pay high taxes to the government, and in turn, the government provides its citizens with a variety of social services.  For example, families receive government money to help support each child under 16 and each child attending a secondary school or a university.

Every employed person receives at least five weeks of paid vacation each year.  The government also provides benefits in other situations such as unemployment, retirement, and medical care. Elderly people, widows, and orphans receive an income from the government.

In Sweden, dating is generally characterized by egalitarian values and a casual approach. Here are some aspects of dating in Sweden:

Equality: Swedish dating culture emphasizes gender equality, and it is common for both individuals to actively participate and contribute to the dating process. Initiating contact, planning dates, and splitting the bill are often done on an equal basis.

Casual and Relaxed: Dating in Sweden tends to be more informal and less focused on formalities compared to some other cultures. People often prefer casual meet-ups, such as going for a walk, grabbing a coffee, or enjoying outdoor activities, as a way to get to know each other.

No Formal Dating Rules: There are no strict or predefined rules for dating in Sweden. It is common for individuals to have open and honest conversations about their expectations and intentions early on to ensure mutual understanding.

Group Activities: Group dating or spending time with friends is common in Sweden, especially in the initial stages of dating. This allows people to get to know each other in a more relaxed and social setting.

Taking Things Slow: Swedes generally prefer to take their time getting to know someone before becoming exclusive or entering into a serious relationship. They value personal space and independence and may not rush into commitment.

Online Dating: Like in many other countries, online dating has become increasingly popular in Sweden. Dating apps and websites are commonly used platforms to meet new people and expand one's social circle.

Singing in choirs is Sweden's most popular hobby.  Popular sports include fotboll (FOOT boll) or soccer, skiing, tennis, golf, swimming, ice hockey bandy ( game related to hockey) Many students that are in high school take gymnastics. Swedes love to spend time outdoors. Most towns have lighted exercise trails for jogging/walking or cross-country skiing.

Every March, thousands of Swedes take part in an 86-kilometer cross-country ski race called the Vasaloppet (Vasa Race). This race commemorates an event in 1523, when Gustav Vasa, who rallied the Swedes against the Danes, was forced to flee for his life on skis.

The popularity of tennis in Sweden increased dramatically in the 1970s when Swedish player Björn Borg won his first Wimbledon title. He won the Wimbledon championship five times in a row.

Pre-school education in Sweden belongs to the public-care sector and is regulated under the Social Services Act of 1980. Only preschool for 6-year-olds is free of charge. All public child care is co-educational. Swedish children are required to attend school from ages 7 to 16.  The government provides free elementary and high school education.  Swedish schools include primary and secondary education.  The primary school has three divisions, first through third graders are in the junior state, and fourth through sixth graders are in the intermediate state.  Children in the intermediate state must study English and many continue to study English in high school.  Students enter the Senior state in seventh grade.  They begin to choose their own subjects.  In ninth grade, students select a specific course of study such as general education, home economics, or technology.  Some children go to secondary school after primary school. Children can choose from three types of secondary schools.  One type prepares students for a university. Another type provides courses in social, economic, and technical subjects. The third type offers programs in areas such as industry, handicrafts, and home economics.