Described as ‘a land of frozen seas and the midnight sun’ by Greek explorer and trader Phytheas of Massilia in AD550, by the time the 9th century arrived, Sweden’s icy waters were proving an outlet for explorers of its own. From AD800 until the mid-11th century, Sweden's Vikings took eastern Europe and Byzantium by storm; sacking monasteries, carrying off shiploads of plunder and providing some of the most memorably monikered characters to walk the earth, including Ingvar the Far-Travelled and Eric the Victorious.
Towards the end of this period, the modern kingdom of Sweden came into being, along with the advent of Christianity. Political history in this period is complex but some sense of order was engendered by the accession of Margaret – then Regent of Denmark and ruler of Norway – to the throne in 1387. She made an attempt to establish a united Scandinavia (the Union of Kalmar) but this did not last long after her death and during the 15th century, the nobility were able to do much as they pleased at the expense of royal authority.
The most significant event of this period was the Massacre of Stockholm in 1520, occasioned by Christian of Denmark's ill-judged attempt to reassert his authority in Sweden. During the resulting revolt, headed by Gustav Ericksson Vasa, the Danes were defeated and Gustav was crowned Gustav I in 1523, establishing the House of Vasa and heralding the beginning of Sweden's ascendancy in Europe. In 1611, Gustav II Adolf (better known as Gustavus Adolphus), one of the most famous names in Swedish history, became king. Much of the foreign policy of the 17th century was dominated by the desire to transform the Baltic into a Swedish lake. Despite his Protestantism, Gustav II allied with Catholic France to oppose their common enemy, the Emperor Ferdinand II. Sweden won the last remaining Baltic territories not under their control - Prussia and Pomerania – but Gustav was killed at the battle of Lützen in 1632.
The next couple of centuries saw the country lose the majority of its territory outside of Scandinavia, along with political upheavals that resulted in a succession of royal dynasties playing a gilded sort of musical chairs with the throne. By 1818, the regal tussle had been concluded, with the Bernadotte family (which still rules) emerging as the winners. But while the country’s political leadership was assured, its overseas territories remained in a state of flux thanks to the emergence of Norwegian nationalism, which culminated in Norway's declaration of full independence in 1905.
By this time, a parliamentary form of government had emerged in Sweden, with a strong Socialist opposition. The Socialdemokratiska Arbetarepartiet (SAP, Social Democrats) first gained power in the early-1920s and then, apart from a short break in 1936, held power continuously from 1932 until 1976. Since the end of WW2, in which Sweden remained neutral (as it had done in WWI), the country has enjoyed growing economic prosperity with continued investment in, and expansion of, the welfare state.
Around 86% of the population belong to the Church of Sweden (Evangelical Lutheran), which separated from the state in January 2000. The remainder belong to minority Protestant denominations although the country also has significant numbers of Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians and Muslims.
Social conventions:Normal courtesies should be observed. It is customary for the guest to refrain from drinking until the host makes a toast. The guest should also thank the host for the meal by saying tack för maten (thank you for the food). Casual dress is acceptable for everyday occasions; smarter threads are worn for social occasions, exclusive restaurants and clubs. Evening wear (black tie) will usually be specified when required. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in most public buildings.
The main language is Swedish but Sámi (Lapp) is spoken by the Sámi population in the north. There are also Finnish, Meänkieli, Romani and Yiddish-speaking minorities. English is taught as the first foreign language from an early age.
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