Sweden
Find a premier Hotel & Resort at
Hilton Hotels.
or book Sheraton Hotels and Resorts
|
Location:
|
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of
Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland
and Norway |
|
Background:
|
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. |
|
Natural hazards:
|
ice
floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the
Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic
|
|
Environment - current issues:
|
acid
rain damage to soils and lakes; pollution of the
North Sea and the Baltic Sea |
|
Languages:
|
Swedish
note: small Sami- and Finnish-speaking
minorities |
|
Exchange rates:
|
Swedish kronor per US dollar - 9.74 (2002), 10.33
(2001), 9.16 (2000), 8.26 (1999), 7.95 (1998) |
|
English
Italiano 
Deutsch
Español
Français 