Swédia: Béda antarrépisi

Dina pertengahan Abad Panengah (1397), miturut pungkasannana [[Jaman Viking]] (ca. 800-1100), Swédia jadi bagian tina [[Uni Kalmar]] babarengan jeung [[Dénmark]] sarta [[Norwégia]] ([[Finlandia]] kiwari mangrupakeunmangrupa bagian tina karajaan Swédia). Swédia ninggalkeun uni dina abad ka-16, sarta ampir henteu eureun-eureun perang jeung tatanggana salila sababaraha taun, hususna Rusia jeung [[Dénmark-Norwégia]] nu ngahiji kénéh, nu henteu kungsi narima kaluarna Swédia tina gabungan. Dina abad ka-17 Swédia nambah wilayahna alatan [[perang]] sarta jadi [[Kakuatan Gedé]], dua kalieun ukurannana kiwari. Taun 1814 Swédia leungiteun karajaannana saperti Finlandia, nu saméméhna mangrupakeunmangrupa bagian tina Karajaan Swédia. Ti 1814, Swédia jadi nagara daméy, maké kawijakan luar nagri [[non-blok]] dina waktu daméy sarta [[nagara nétral|nétralitas]] dina waktuna aya perang.

Sweden has been a major EuropeanEuropéan exporter of [[beusi]], [[tambaga]] jeung [[kayu]] since the [[Middle Ages]]. However, [[transportation in Sweden|improved transportation]] and [[communications in Sweden|communication]] allowed it to utilize natural assets from different parts of the country on a far larger scale, most notably [[Logging|timber]] and [[iron ore]]. Economic liberalization as well as universal schooling contributed to the rapid industrialization, and by the 1890s the country had begun to develop an advanced manufacturing industry. In the 20th century, Sweden emerged as a [[welfare state]]; consequently, it usually ranks among the top countries in the [[UN Human Development Index]].

The first population came to Sweden from the eastéast. In the beginning the land was populated by Sami peoplepéople (see Fenno-Ugrian languages and cultures). Generally we can see that soon after the end of the last ice age, Sweden became populated by Indo-EuropeanEuropéan [[hunter-gatherer]]s and then farmers during the [[Nordic Stone Age]] (10 000 BC – 1700 BC). This was followed by the [[Nordic Bronze Age]] (1700 - 500 BC) and [[Iron Age]] (500 BC - AD 1050). Societies in Sweden remained on the preliterate tribal and [[chiefdom]] levels to the 1st millennium AD.

At this time a lot of peoplepéople had access to this areaaréa. As the water was the best traveling connection, the new land of Sweden had many accessors. The inhabitants of this time frame are peoplepéople from all over surrounding areasaréas. The country borders did not exist.

|}</ref> Sweden was first mentioned in the 1st century, by Roman historian [[Tacitus]], who wrote that the [[Suiones]] tribe lived out in the seaséa and were powerful in both arms and ships. Tacitus expressed concern that these Swedes might ally with neighboring tribes and cause trouble for the Roman Empire. This referred to the inhabitants of easternéastern Sweden: [[Svealand]], primarily around lake [[Mälaren]]. From this tribe, Sweden derived its name (see [[Etymology of Sweden]]). The southern parts, on the other hand, were inhabited by the [[Geat]]s in the [[Götaland]] territory, and ''[[Beowulf]]'' speaksspéaks of semi-legendary [[Swedish-Geatish wars]] in the [[6th century]]. The northern part, [[Norrland]], was according to him, populated by [[Sami]] and possibly peoplepéople related to the Finns (the northern men).

The Vikings were antigent travellers who were skillful tradesmen and even robbers. During the [[Viking Age]] of the 9th and 10th century, [[Varangian|Swedish vikings]] travelled eastéast starting from Sweden and Finland going to Baltic countries, and Russia, whose name probably comes from the [[Slavic]] name for these Vikings: ''Rus''. There are researchersreséarchers who are having strong evidence for the name "Roslagen" being taken into the Finnish language as the country name "Ruotsi." The name "Ruotsi" has been latterly referred to word Ryssi (foreigners). Their routes passed the [[The Trade Route from the Varangians to the Greeks|rivers of Russia]] down south to [[Constantinople]].

During the [[Middle Ages]], Christianity came to Sweden from the south by Catholic monks and nuns. Christianity came from the eastéast to Finland possibly via the Vikings. Sweden expanded towards the northern part of the country, Lappland. Finland was still a part of Sweden from 1155 until 1809.

In 1389, [[Norway]], [[Denmark]] and Sweden were united under a single [[monarch]] in a treatytréaty known as the [[Kalmar Union]]. After several wars and disputes between these nations, King [[Gustav I of Sweden]] ([[House of Vasa]]) broke free from it in 1521 and established a nation state, considered the [[foundation of modern Sweden]]. Shortly afterwards he rejected [[Catholicism]] and led Sweden to the [[Protestant Reformation]]. Gustav I is considered to be Sweden's "[[Father of the Nation]]".

The 17th century saw [[Rise of Sweden as a Great Power|the rise of Sweden]] as one of the [[Great Power]]s in Europe, because of successful participation, initiated by King [[Gustav II Adolph of Sweden|Gustav II Adolph]], in the [[Thirty Years' War]] and by [[Charles X Gustav of Sweden]] in the [[The Deluge (Polish history)|The Deluge]] of [[Poland]]. During this time Sweden was a nation of some importance in northern Europe, but its overall standing was not comparable to that of Europe's leadingléading nations. Sweden also acquired several mighty enemies and the greatgréat power status crumbled in the 18th century, after the [[Great Northern War]] (1700 - 1721). Finally in 1809 there was a shift of the rule. The part of the country that was once named [[Österland]] (Easternéastern district) was left by Swedish forces in a battle 1809 in [[Sveaborg]] in Finland. Finland became an [[Grand Duchy of Finland|autonomous Duchy]] of [[Imperial Russia]].

After Denmark was defeateddeféated in the [[Napoleonic wars]], Norway was ceded to Sweden in the [[Treaty of Kiel]]. Norway had meanwhileméanwhile declared itself independent and this led to the [[Campaign against Norway]], which was fought in 1814. It ended with the [[Convention of Moss]], which forced Norway into a union with Sweden that was not dissolved until 1905. But the campaign also signified the last of the Swedish wars.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw a significant population increaseincréase, which the writer [[Esaias Tegnér]] in 1833 famously attributed to ''"the peace, the ([[smallpox]]) [[vaccine]], and the [[potatoes]]"'',<ref>{{cite book

}}</ref> with the population doubling between 1750 and 1850. Many looked towards America for a better life, and although not affluent, many Swedes had sufficiently high incomes to be able to afford the boat tickets necessary to makemaké the journey across the Atlantic. It is believed that between 1850 and 1910 more than one million Swedes moved to the [[United States]]. In the earlyéarly 20th century, more Swedes lived in [[Chicago]] than in [[Gothenburg]] (Sweden's second largest city). Most Swedish immigrants moved to the Midwestern United States, with a large population in [[Minnesota]]. Some Swedes also moved to [[Canada]].

Sweden was traditionally less developed than [[Western Europe]] (though more affluent than much of Easternéastern and Southern Europe); industrialization began in earnestéarnest after 1870. During the late 19th century, Sweden was influenced by Protestant [[temperance movement]]s, mainly of American origin. As a result of their intense propaganda, it is often claimed that alcohol consumption was unusually high in Sweden at this time.<ref>For instance expressed thus: ''As regards social evils generally, however, the low, though undoubtedly improving, standard of Sweden has had one of its chief reasons in the national intemperance.'' [http://25.1911encyclopedia.org/S/SW/SWEDEN.htm Article ''Sweden'' in the online 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica].</ref> However, there is no factual ground for believing that alcohol consumption was higher than in other comparable countries.

Strong grassroots movements sprung up during the latter half of the 19th century (unions, temperance groups, and independent religious groups). They were all based on democratic principles and built a strong base for Sweden's migration into a modern parliamentary democracy, achieved by the time of [[World War I]]. As the [[Industrial Revolution]] progressed during the century, peoplepéople gradually began moving into [[Cities of Sweden|cities]] to work in [[factory|factories]], and became involved in [[Socialist]] [[trade union|unions]]. A [[Socialist]] [[revolution]] was avoided in 1917, following the re-introduction of [[Parliamentarism]], and the country was [[democratization|democratized]].

Following the war, Sweden took advantage of intact industrial base, social stability and its natural resources, making it possible to expand its industry to supply the rebuilding of Europe, leadingléading it to be one of the richest countries in the world by 1960. Sweden was part of the [[Marshall Plan]] but continued to stay non-aligned during the [[Cold War]], and is still not a member of any [[military alliance]]. During most of the post-war era, the country was governed by the [[Swedish Social Democratic Party]] (in [[Swedish language|Swedish]]: ''Socialdemokraterna'') and established a [[welfare state]], striving for a "well being for all"-policy.

Sweden joined the [[European Union]] in 1995. During the Cold War, Europe's non-aligned Western countries, except Ireland, had considered membership unwise as the then EuropeanEuropéan Community, although not involved in military co-operation, was strongly associated with NATO countries; following the end of the Cold War, Sweden, Austria and Finland joined. However, in a 2003 consultative referendum, Swedish citizens declined to adopt the [[Euro]]. Sweden remains non-aligned militarily although it participates in some joint military exercises with NATO (and other) countries and has extensive cooperation with other EuropeanEuropéan countries in the areaaréa of defence technology and defence industry. Sweden has a long history of participating in international military operations, including most recently, Afghanistan, where Swedish troops are under NATO command, and in EU sponsored peacepéace keeping operations in Kosovo and Bosnia.

Sweden's economic performance worsened beginning in the 1970s. Following a recession in the earlyéarly 1990s as a result of global economic slowdown, measuresméasures were taken to liberalize the economy. Although the basis of the welfare state have been maintained a number of economic reforms have been implemented, including a reform of the pension system, privatization of state-owned companies and liberalization of markets. The economic situation has improved significantly since then with growth rates outpacing those of the Eurozone.

At 449,964&nbsp;km² (173,720 square miles), Sweden is the 55th largest country in the world, the 3rd largest in Europe and the 1st largest in [[Northern Europe]]. The country is somewhat larger than the [[U.S. state]] of [[California]], and in 2006 it had a population of 9.1 million peoplepéople.

Eastéast of Sweden lies the [[Baltic Sea]] and the [[Gulf of Bothnia]], providing a long coastline, and mellowing the climate. To the west is the [[Scandinavian mountain chain]] (Skanderna), a range that separates Sweden from [[Norway]].

Sweden enjoys a mostly [[temperate climate]] despite its northern [[latitude]], mainly because of the [[Gulf Stream]]. In the south of Sweden, leafléaf-bearingbéaring [[tree]]s are prolific, further north [[pine]]s, [[spruce]]s and in the very north hardy [[birch]]es dominate the landscape. In the mountains of northern Sweden a sub-Arctic climate predominates. North of the [[Arctic Circle]], the sun never sets for part of eachéach summer, and in the winter, night is unending for a corresponding period.

Eachéach has a [[County Administrative Boards of Sweden|County Administrative Board]] or ''länsstyrelse'' (the first Swedish County Administrative Board was made up by the Swedish Prime minister Axel Oxenstierna in 1634), which is appointed by the Government. In eachéach county there is also a separate [[County Councils of Sweden|County Council]] or ''landsting'', which is the municipal representation appointed by the county electorate. Eachéach county further divides into a number of [[Municipalities of Sweden|municipalities]] or ''kommuner'', making a total of 290 municipalities, in 2004. There are also older historical divisions of Sweden, primarily into the 25 [[Provinces of Sweden|provinces]] and three [[Lands of Sweden|lands]]. These divisions are still significant.

Sweden has one of the world's highest [[life expectancies]]. As of approximately [[12 Agustus]] [[2004]], the total population of Sweden for the first time exceeded 9,000,000, according to the [[Statistics Sweden|SCB]]. As of February 2006, the population was 9,060,430.<ref>[http://www.scb.se/Pages/TableAndChart____25897.aspx Swedish Statistical Agency statistics]</ref> About 86.7% of the population is [[Ethnic Swedes|ethnic Swedish]]. The largest non-Swedish ethnic group are the Finns, who makemaké up about 5% of the whole population and in the areasaréas nearnéar the border to Finland 50% of the population. A big group that has immigrated is from former Yugoslavia and the Middle Eastéast. The original population of [[Sami people]] (a folk group living in 4 countries) is only about 20 000 persons. Approximately 77,500 of the nation's population is of [[sub-Saharan]] [[African]] ancestry.

Sweden has been transformed from a nation of [[emigration]] ending after [[World War I]] to a nation of [[immigration]] from [[World War II]] onwards. Currently, almost 12% of the residents were born abroad, and about one fifth of Sweden's population are either immigrants or the children of immigrants. The largest immigrant groups are from [[Finland]], the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|former Yugoslavia]], the [[Middle East]] and other [[Nordic Countries]], in that order. This reflects the inter-Nordic migrations, earlieréarlier periods of labour immigration, and later decades of refugee and family immigration.

[[Uni Soviet|Soviet]] intervention against the [[1956 Hungarian Revolution]] and the [[Prague Spring|1968 Czechoslovak liberalization]] resulted in the first surges of intellectual [[political refugee]]s. Some [[United States|American]] deserters from the [[Vietnam War]] also found refuge among the Swedes, who in international politics took a clearcléar stand against what they typically viewed as [[imperialism]] executed by both the Soviet Union and the United States. Following the [[Chilean coup of 1973|1973 coup]] in [[Chile]], a large number of political refugees arrived in Sweden. Others came from [[South America]]n countries like [[Argentina]] and [[Uruguay]] following the rise of military dictatorships. Sweden has also taken in refugees from [[Iran]], [[Irak]] jeung [[Palestinian territories|those from the Palestinian territories]].

Swedish is a [[north Germanic languages|North Germanic language]], related and very similar to [[Danish language|Danish]] and [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]], but differing in pronunciation and [[orthography]]. Sweden has no [[basa resmi]] but Swedish holds a [[de facto]] status as such. The dominant language has always been Swedish and there has previously never been a political need to makemaké it an [[official language]]. However, with the recognition of five [[minority languages of Sweden]] ([[Finnish language|Finnish]], [[Meänkieli]], [[basa Sami|Sami]], [[Romany language|Romani]] and [[Yiddish]]) on [[1 April]], [[2000]], the issue of whether Swedish should be declared the official language was raised. On [[7 Désémber]] [[2005]], the parliament voted on this issue, but with a count of 147 to 145 because of voting errors by some members of parliament the proposal to makemaké Swedish the official language failed.{{citation needed}} It was, however, strengthened as the principal language in that same proposal.

A majority of Swedes, especially those born after World War II, are able to understand and speakspéak [[English language|English]] thanks to trade links, the popularity of overseasoverséas travel, a strong Anglo-American influence and the tradition of [[Subtitle (captioning)|subtitling]] rather than dubbing foreign television shows and films. English became a compulsory subject for [[Secondary education|secondary school]] students studying [[natural science]]s as earlyéarly as 1849 and has

</ref> Depending on the local school authorities, English is currently a compulsory subject from [[third grade|third]] until [[ninth grade]], and all students continuing in secondary school study English for at leastléast another yearyéar. Most students also learnléarn one and sometimes two additional languages; the most popular being [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[German language|German]], [[French language|French]]. Some [[Danish language|Danish]] and [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]] is, at times, also taught as part of the Swedish course taught to native speakersspéakers of Swedish to emphasize differences and similarities between the two languages.

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, in which [[King Carl XVI Gustaf]] is headhéad of state, but royal power has long been limited to official and ceremonial functions.

The nation's legislature is the Swedish Parliament ([[Riksdag]]), with 349 members. Parliamentary elections are held every four yearsyéars, on the third Sunday of September.

Sweden has been a [[monarchy]] for almost a [[millennium]], with its [[taxation]] controlled by the [[Riksdag]] (parliament). It consisted of [[Riksdag of the Estates|two chambers]], made up by representatives from the 4 [[Estates of the realm|estates]]: ''clergy, [[Swedish nobility|nobility]], townsmen'' and ''[[peasants]]'', until 1866 when Sweden became a [[Constitutional monarchy]] with a [[bicameral]] parliament. Its First Chamber was indirectly elected by [[local government]]s, and the Second Chamber directly elected in national elections every four yearsyéars.

Legislation may be initiated by the [[Government of Sweden|Cabinet]] or by members of Parliament. Members are elected on the basis of [[proportional representation]] for a four-yearyéar term. The [[Constitution of Sweden]] can be altered by the Riksdag, which requires a [[supermajority]] and confirmation after the following general elections. Sweden has three other constitutional laws: the Act of Royal Succession, the Freedom of Press Act and the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression.

Executive power was shared between the King and a noble [[Privy Council]] until 1680, followed by the King's [[autocracy|autocratic rule]] initiated by the common estates of the Parliament. As a reactionréaction to the failed [[Great Northern War]], [[Parliamentarism]] was introduced in 1719, followed by three different flavours of [[Constitutional Monarchy]] in 1772, 1789 and 1809, [[Swedish constitution of 1809|the latter]] granting several civil liberties. The monarch remains as the formal, but merely symbolic [[head of state]] with [[ceremony|ceremonial]] duties.

The [[Swedish Social Democratic Party]] has played a leadingléading political role since 1917, after [[Reformist]]s had confirmed their strength and the [[Left Party (Sweden)|revolutionaries]] left the party. After 1932, the [[Government of Sweden|Cabinets]] have been dominated by the Social Democrats. Only four general elections (1976, 1979, 1991 and 2006) have given the centre-right bloc enough seatsséats in Parliament to form a government. It is considered the reasonréason for the Swedish post-war [[welfare state]],{{fact}} with government expenditure of slightly more than 50% of the [[gross domestic product]]. In the 2006 general election the Moderate Party, allied with the Centre Party, Liberal PeoplePéople's Party, and the Christian Democrats, with a common political platform, won a majority of the votes. Together they have formed a majority government under the leadershipléadership of the Moderate party's leaderléader [[Fredrik Reinfeldt]].

The following political parties hold seatsséats in the Riksdag (the most recent elections were held in September 2006; the next elections will be held in [[Sweden general election, 2010|September 2010]]):

* [[Swedish Social Democratic Party|Socialdemokraterna]] (s, Social Democrats): 130 seatsséats, 35.0% (2002: 39.8% of votes, 144 seatsséats)

* [[Moderate Party|Moderaterna]] (m, Moderates): 97 seatsséats, 26.2% (2002: 15.2% of votes, 55 seatsséats)

* [[Centre Party (Sweden)|Centerpartiet]] (c, Centre Party): 29 seatsséats, 7.9% (2002: 22 seatsséats, 6.1% of votes)

* [[Liberal People's Party (Sweden)|Folkpartiet liberalerna]] (fp, Liberal Party): 28 seatsséats, 7.5% (2002: 13.3% of votes, 48 seatsséats)

* [[Christian Democrats (Sweden)|Kristdemokraterna]] (kd, Christian Democrats): 24 seatsséats, 6.6% (2002: 33 seatsséats, 9.1% of votes)

* [[Left Party (Sweden)|Vänsterpartiet]] (v, Left Party): 22 seatsséats, 5.8% (2002: 28 seatsséats, 8.3% of votes)

* [[Green Party (Sweden)|Miljöpartiet]] (mp, Greens): 19 seatsséats, 5.2% (2002: 17 seatsséats, 4.6% of votes)

Sweden has a history of strong political involvement by ordinary peoplepéople through its "popular movements" ("Folkrörelser" in Swedish), the most notable being [[trade unions]], the [[women's movement]], the [[temperance movement]], and - more recently - the sports movement. Election turnout in Sweden has always been high in international comparisons, although it has declined in recent decades, and is currently around 80% (80.11 in [[Sweden general election, 2002]], 81.99 in [[Sweden general election, 2006]]).

The [[1973 oil crisis]] strengthened Sweden's commitment to decreasedecréase dependence on imported fossil fuels. Since then, electricity has been generated mostly from [[hydropower]] and nuclearnucléar power. Among other things, the accident of [[Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station]] ([[AS]]) prompted the [[Swedish parliament]] to hold a [[referendum]] on nuclearnucléar power. The referendum led to a decision that no further nuclearnucléar power plants should be built and that a [[nuclear power phase-out]] should be completed by 2010. [[As of 2005]], the use of [[renewable energy|renewables]] amounted to 26% of the energy supply in Sweden, most important being [[hydroelectricity|hydropower]] and, on a far smaller scale, [[biomass]]. In 2003, electricity from hydropower accounted for 53 [[TWh]] and 40% of the country's production of [[electricity]] with nuclearnucléar power delivering 65 TWh (49%). At the same time, the use of [[biofuel]]s, [[peat]] etc. produced 13 TWh of electricity.<ref>[http://www.scb.se/Pages/TableAndChart____24270.aspx SCB figures about energy production and usage 1994-2003 - in Swedish]</ref>

In Maret 2005, an opinion poll showed that 83% supported maintaining or increasingincréasing nuclearnucléar power.<ref>[http://www.uic.com.au/nip39.htm "Nuclear Power in Sweden" - Uranium Information Centre, Australia]</ref> Since then however, reports about radioactive leakagesléakages at a nuclearnucléar waste store in Forsmark, Sweden, have been published.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/finance/feeds/afx/2005/06/29/afx2116521.html "Swedish nuclear power station leaks high levels of radioactive waste into Baltic" - Forbes June 29, 2005]</ref> This does not seem to have changed the public support of continued use of nuclearnucléar power.

Throughout the 20th century, [[Swedish foreign policy]] was based on the principle of [[non-alignment]] in peacetimepéacetime and [[Neutral country|neutrality]] in wartime.

Sweden has been known as one of, if not the most, diplomatically [[Neutral country|neutral]] state during times of war. Dating back to [[World War II]] Sweden did not favour any one side. This has been disputed by many since in effect Sweden allowed the Nazi regime to use its railroad system to transport troops and goods, especially iron ore from the rich mines in northern Sweden, something the German war machine was in desperate need of. This also carries on to [[Cold War]] era politics in which Sweden was not under the [[Warsaw Pact]] and received only minimal aid from the [[Marshall Plan]] and remained neutral for quite some time. Sweden was also known to be the first western nation to detect unusually high [[radiation]] levels in the atmosphere, which later was confirmed to have been the residual nuclearnucléar fallout from the [[Chernobyl]] accident.

During the earlyéarly Cold War era, Sweden combined its policy of non-alignment with a low profile in international affairs. At the same time, the country maintained relatively close informal connections with the Western bloc, especially in the realmréalm of intelligence exchange. In 1952 a Swedish [[DC-3]] was [[Catalina affair|shot down]] over the Baltic seaséa by a Soviet Fighter. Later investigations revealedrevéaled that the plane was actually gathering information for [[NATO]]. Another plane, a [[PBY Catalina|Catalina]] [[search and rescue]] craft, was sent out a few days later and shot down by the Soviets as well.

Beginning in the late 1960s, Sweden for a period attempted to play a more significant and independent role in international relations. This involved significant activity in international peacepéace efforts, especially through the [[United Nations]], and in support to the [[Third World]]. Since the murder of [[Olof Palme]] in 1986 and the end of the Cold War, this has been significantly toned down, although Sweden is still comparatively active in peacepéace keeping missions and maintains a generous foreign aid budget.

In 1981 a Soviet [[Whiskey class submarine]] ran aground close to the Swedish naval base at [[Karlskrona]] in the southern part of the country. It has never been clearlycléarly established whether the submarine ended up on the shoals through a navigational mistake or if it was a matter of [[espionage]] against Swedish military potential. The incident triggered a diplomatic crisis between Sweden and the Soviet Union.

Since 1995 Sweden has been a member of the [[European Union]], and as a consequence of a new world security situation the country's foreign policy doctrine has been partly modified, with Sweden playing a more active role in EuropeanEuropéan security co-operation as well.

The '''Swedish Armed Forces''' (Swedish: ''Försvarsmakten'') is a Government agency responsible for the peacetimepéacetime operation of the armed forces of Sweden. The primary task of the agency is to train and deploy peacepéace support forces abroad, while maintaining the long-term ability to refocus on the defense of the country in the event of war. The Armed Forces is branched into Army, Air Force and Navy. As a Government agency, it reports to the Swedish Ministry of Defence. The headhéad of armed forces is the Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces (Överbefälhavaren, ÖB), beside the Sovereign the most senior officer in the country.

Sweden's military is built on conscription, and until the end of the Cold War nearlynéarly all males reachingréaching the age of military service were conscripted. In recent yearsyéars, the number of conscripted males has reduced dramatically, while the number of female volunteers has increasedincréased slightly. Recruitment has generally shifted towards finding the most motivated recruits, rather than solely on the otherwise most fit for service. All soldiers serving abroad are by law required to be volunteers. In 1975 the total number of conscripts was 45,000. By 2003 it was down to 15,000. After the Defense Proposition 2004, the number of troops in training will decreasedecréase even more to between 5000 and 10000 eachéach yearyéar, which emphasizes the need to recruit only the soldiers later prepared to volunteer for international service.

During the yearsyéars Swedish units have taken part in peacekeepingpéacekeeping operations, in [[Congo]], [[Cyprus]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]], [[Kosovo]] and [[Afghanistan]].

Currently, one of the most important tasks for the Swedish Armed Forces is to form a Swedish-led EU Battle Group to which Norway, Finland and Estonia will also contribute. The [[Nordic Battlegroup]] (NBG) is to have a 10-day deployment readinessréadiness during the first half of 2008.

Sweden is an export oriented market economy featuringféaturing a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labour force. [[Timber]], [[hydropower]], and [[iron ore]] constitute the resource base of an [[economics|economy]] heavilyhéavily oriented toward [[foreign trade]]. The engineering sector accounts for 50% of output and exports. Telecommunications, the automotive industry and the pharmaceutical industries are of greatgréat importance. [[Agriculture]] accounts for 2% of [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] and employment.

The Swedish [[Sveriges Riksbank|Riksbank]] - founded in 1668 and thus making it the oldest central bank in the world - is focusing on price stability with its inflation target of 2%. Growth is expected to reachréach 3.3% in 2006. High taxes have however ensured a higher degree of government influence on household consumption decisions than in most other Western nations. Public sector spending amounts to 53% of the GDP; the high figure primarily reflects the large transfer payments of the Swedish welfare state. <!-- Note that it is wrong to say that public sector spending contributes 53% to GDP, as much of that is transfer payments -->

Swedish unemployment figures are highly contested, with the Social-Democrats defending the official figure of 5.4% (as of 2006) and the centre-right [[Alliance for Sweden]] claiming a much higher figure. These numbers do not, however, include unemployed peoplepéople in government programmes (about 2% of the workforce), peoplepéople on extended sick-leaveléave, those in earlyéarly retirement or those outside the unemployment system. Unemployment is higher amongst younger peoplepéople. Many Swedes work abroad in [[Denmark]], [[Norway]] and even the [[UK]], where they are desired and viewed as a skilled workforce. Because of the contradiction - unemployment and a growing commercial enterprise economy, politicians and analysts often speakspéak of the "jobless growth".

Sweden is known for having an even distribution of income, with a [[Gini coefficient]] at 0.21 in 2001 (one of the most even income distributions in the industrialized world). However Sweden still bearsbéars scars from the economic crisis in the 1990s, induced by a glitch in the economic system and poor leadershipléadership. The crisis resulted in thousands of peoplepéople unemployed and a greatgréat national debt. Two remnants of the event are the greatgréat economic segregation in the country and the national debt of approximately 1245 billion [[Swedish Krona]] (approx. €133 billion , 09.2006).<ref>[http://www.rgk.se/](2006).</ref>

In recent yearsyéars, economic liberalization has ensured that Sweden is now more similar to other high tax EuropeanEuropéan countries. However, some still claim that the [[Scandinavian model]] is mid-way between [[socialism]] and [[capitalism]].

Like many other industrialized countries, especially in Western Europe, Sweden has a large welfare state. However, it is unusually extensive in Sweden. The state provides for tax-funded childcare, parental leaveléave, a ceiling on healthhéalth care costs, tax-funded education (all levels up to, and including university), retirement pensions, tax-funded dental care up to 20 yearsyéars of age and [[sick leave]] (partly paid by the employer). Parents are entitled to a total of 480 days partly paid leaveléave between birth and the child's eighth birthday, with 60 days reserved specifically for eachéach parent, in effect providing the father with two so-called "daddy-months". In addition, the ceiling on healthhéalth care costs makes it easieréasier, relative to other nations, for Swedish workers to take time off for medical reasonsréasons.

The Swedish welfare system remains extensive, but a recession in the 1990s forced an introduction of a number of reforms, such as [[education voucher]]s in 1992 and decentralization of some types of healthcarehéalthcare services to municipal control.<ref>[http://fcpp.org/main/publication_detail.php?PubID=814 "Law of the Labour Back Benches" - New Statesman September 6, 2004]</ref>

The welfare state requires high taxes. Since the late 1960s, Sweden has had the highest tax quota (as percentage of GDP) in the industrialized world, but today the difference is only a couple of percentage points of GDP above that of other high-tax countries such as France, Belgium and Denmark. Sweden has a two step [[progressive tax]] scale with a municipal income tax of about 30% and an additional high-income state tax of 20-25% when a salary exceeds roughly 300 000 SEK per yearyéar. The employing company pays an additional 32% of an "employer's fee". In addition, a national [[Value added tax|VAT]] of 25% or 18% is added to many things bought by private citizens, with the exception of food (12% VAT), transportation, and books (6% VAT). Certain items are taxed at higher rates, e.g. petrol/diesel and alcoholic beverages.

As part of its social welfare system, Sweden provides an extensive [[childcare]] system that guarantees a place for all young children from 1–5 yearsyéars old in a public day-care facility (''förskola'' or ''dagis''). Between ages 6–16, children attend compulsory comprehensive school, divided in three stages. After completing the ninth grade, 90% continue with a three-yearyéar upper secondary school (''gymnasium'') leadingléading sometimes to a vocational diploma and often to qualifications for further studies at a [[List of universities in Sweden|university or university college (''högskola'')]]. Both upper secondary school and university studies are financed by taxes. Some Swedes go straight to work after secondary school.

Before the 11th century, peoplepéople of Sweden adhered to [[Norse paganism]], worshiping [[Æsir]] gods, with its centre at the [[temple at Uppsala|Temple in Uppsala]]. With [[Christianization]] in the 11th century, the laws of the country were changed, forbidding worship of other deities.

Not until liberalization in the late 18th century, were believers of other faiths, including [[Judaism]] and [[Catholicism]], allowed to openly live and work in Sweden, although it remained [[illegal]] until 1860 for Lutheran Swedes to convert to another religion. The 19th century saw the arrival of various [[Low church|evangelical]] [[free church]]es, and, towards the end of the century [[secularism]] began attracting attention, leadingléading peoplepéople to distance themselves from Church rituals. LeavingLéaving the [[Church of Sweden]] became legal with the so-called dissenter law of 1860, but only under the provision of entering another denomination. The right to stand outside any religious denomination was established in the Law on Freedom of Religion in 1951. Today about 78% of Swedes belong to the Church of Sweden, but the number is decreasingdecréasing by about one per cent every yearyéar, and Church of Sweden services are sparsely attended (hovering in the single digit percentages of the population).<ref>[http://www.svenskakyrkan.se/ Church of Sweden], [http://web.archive.org/web/20080309122514/http://www.svenskakyrkan.se/statistik/pdf/medlemmar.pdf Members 1978-2004, PDF document in Swedish]</ref> The reasonréason for the large number of inactive members is that until 1996, all children became members automatically at birth, if at leastléast one of their parents were a member. Since 1996, all children that are baptised become members. Some 275,000 Swedes are today members of various free churches (where congregation attendance is much higher), and, in addition, [[immigration]] has meantméant that there are now some 92,000 [[Roman Catholics]] and 100,000 [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox Christians]] living in Sweden.<ref>[http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frikyrka Statistics about free churches and immigration churches from Swedish Wikipedia - in Swedish]</ref> Due to [[immigration]], Sweden also has a significant [[Muslim]] population. As many as 500,000 are Muslims by tradition<ref>[http://sydsvenskan.se/sverige/article140868.ece Swedish Newspaper - in Swedish]</ref> and between 80,000 - 400,000 of these are practicing Muslims. ''(See also [[Islam in Sweden]])''

According to the most recent Eurostat "Eurobarometer" poll, in 2005,<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf Eurostat poll on the social and religious beliefs of Europeans Eurobarometer,] ([[PDF]] format)</ref> 23% of Swedish citizens responded that "they believe there is a god", whereaswheréas 53% answered that "they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" and 23% that "they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force".

Swedish 20th century culture is noted by pioneering works in the earlyéarly days of [[Film|cinema]], with [[Mauritz Stiller]] and [[Victor Sjöström]]. In the 1920s–1980s, the filmmakers [[Ingmar Bergman]] and [[Bo Widerberg]] received [[Academy Awards]], and actresses [[Greta Garbo]], [[Ingrid Bergman]], [[Ann-Margret]], [[Lena Olin]], [[Zarah Leander]], and [[Anita Ekberg]] made careers abroad. The actors [[Max von Sydow]], [[Stellan Skarsgård]], [[Dolph Lundgren]] and [[Peter Stormare]] are also worth mentioning. More recently, the films of [[Lukas Moodysson]] and [[Lasse Hallström]] have received international recognition.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s Sweden was perceived as an international leaderléader in what is now referred to as the "[[sexual revolution]]",{{citation needed}} with gender equality particularly promoted.{{citation needed}} At the present time, the number of single peoplepéople is one of the highest in the world. Some Swedish films reflected a liberal view of sexuality, including scenes of love making that caught international attention, and introduced the concept of the "Swedish sin". However, Sweden was at that time not as sexually liberal as peoplepéople believed. Sweden has also become, in recent decades, fairly liberal regarding homosexuality, as is reflected in the popular acceptance of films such as ''[[Fucking Åmål]]'' (In English: ''Show Me Love''), and the popular writer [[Jonas Gardell]], among others. In Sweden many gay and lesbian celebrities live openly without causing a stir, much as in many other Western countries. Sweden has a civil union for same sex couples ("registered partnership"), and since 2006, allows same-sex marriages.

Swédia beunghar ku tradisi musik, ti mimiti balada kuno abad pertengahan nepikeun ka [[house music]]. The music of the pre-Christian Norse has been lost to history, although there have been historical attempts to recreaterecréate how it could have sounded based on instruments found in Viking sites. Instruments used were the [[Lur|lur (a sort of trumpet)]], simple string instruments, wooden flutes and drums. It is possible that the Viking musical legacy lives on in some of the old [[Music of Sweden|Swedish folk music]].

[[Carl Michael Bellman]], [[Wilhelm Stenhammar]], [[Wilhelm Peterson-Berger]], [[Hugo Alfvén]], [[Franz Berwald]], jeung [[Johan Helmich Roman]] are among Sweden's greatgréat classical composers. The best-known [[opera]] singers are the 19th century [[soprano]] [[Jenny Lind]] and the 20th century [[tenor]] [[Jussi Björling]], who had greatgréat success abroad. Björling is considered by many to be the epitome of a greatgréat tenor. Also [[soprano]]s [[Christina Nilsson]], [[Birgit Nilsson]], and [[tenor]] [[Nicolai Gedda]], [[baritone]] [[Håkan Hagegård]] and the contemporary [[mezzo-soprano]] [[Anne-Sofie von Otter]] have become known in the world of opera.

[[ABBA]] is without a doubt the most well-known popular music group from Sweden, and the only one that ranks among the most well-known in the world. [[ABBA]] were [[Agnetha Fältskog]], [[Björn Ulvaeus]], [[Anni-Frid Lyngstad]], and [[Benny Andersson]], and whose first name initials createcréate the palindrome "ABBA." With [[ABBA]], Sweden entered into a new era, in which Swedish pop music gained international prominence. Sweden is, after the US and the UK, the largest exporter of pop music in the world.{{fact}}Some of the most successful post-ABBA popular music artists from Sweden are [[Roxette]], [[Ace of Base]], [[Carola Häggkvist]], [[Army of Lovers]], [[Robyn]], [[A*Teens]], [[The Cardigans]], [[Europe (band)|Europe]], [[Alcazar (band)|Alcazar]], [[Play]], and guitarist [[Yngwie J. Malmsteen|Yngwie Malmsteen]]. A number of bands with less emphasis on pop music have come out of the country in recent yearsyéars, including [[Eskobar]], [[Clawfinger]], [[The Sounds]], [[José González]], [[The Hives]], [[Hardcore Superstar]], [[Millencolin]], [[Sahara Hotnights]], [[The Hellacopters]], [[Kent (band)|Kent]], [[The Ark (band)|The Ark]], [[Infinite Mass]], [[Love is All]], [[I'm From Barcelona]], [[The Knife]],[[The Shout Out Louds]], [[Looptroop]], [[Caesars (band)|Caesars]] and [[Stefan Olsdal]] of [[Placebo (band)|Placebo]]. Such has been the success of music abroad that clubs specializing in Swedish music have sprung up in major cities like, Berlin, Barcelona and London where the likes of [http://www.myspace.com/tacktacktack Tack!Tack!Tack!] the Monthly Swedish Music club is produced.

In the [[Synth (culture)|synth world]], the band [[S.P.O.C.K]] is still active after 18 yearsyéars. Sweden is also responsible for the Swechno scene, offering a distinct house and techno sound, of which artists like [[Adam Beyer]] is famous. More recently, the so-called Swedish House Mafia including [[Steve Angello]], Sebastian Ingrosso, [[Axwell]], and [[Eric Prydz]] have topped the house music charts and DJ top 10s around the world. Also worth mentioning are [[Joakim Thåström]] and his punk band [[Ebba Grön]]. Sweden is also home to several influential [[Emo (music)|emo]] and [[hardcore punk]] bands, such as [[Fireside (band)|Fireside]], [[The Last Days Of April]], [[Kelly 8]] and landmark post-hardcore band [[Refused]]. In the last yearyéar, [[Basshunter]] has become popular with his eurodance songs, mostly about computer games.

[[ABBA]]-members [[Benny Andersson]] and [[Björn Ulvaeus]] have been very successful in musical theatrethéatre, with their international hit [[Mamma Mia!]], as well as [[Chess (musical)|Chess]], and [[Kristina från Duvemåla]], which was a huge success in Sweden. An English version is expected to hit Broadway in 2007.

Swedes are among the greatestgréatest consumers of [[newspaper]]s in the world, and nearlynéarly every town is served by a local paper. The country's main quality morning papers are [[Dagens Nyheter]] (liberal), [[Göteborgs-Posten]] (liberal), [[Svenska Dagbladet]] (conservative) and [[Sydsvenska Dagbladet]] (liberal). The two largest evening [[tabloid]]s are [[Aftonbladet]] (social democratic) and [[Expressen]] (centrist). The ad-financed, free international morning paper, [[Metro International]], was originally founded in Stockholm, Sweden. The country's news is reported in English by, among others, [[The Local]] (liberal).

For many yearsyéars Swedish [[television]] consisted solely of the two channels broadcast by the public service company [[Sveriges Television]], which, as in most other EuropeanEuropéan countries, is financed through a [[TV license|radio and TV license]]. In 1987 the first commercial Scandinavian channel, [[TV3 (Viasat)|TV3]], started transmitting from London, and today there are five free broadcast channels in the [[Terrestrial television|terrestrial network]], which is currently switching from [[Analog television|analogue]] to [[Digital terrestrial television|digital]], However, most Swedes have access to numerous other free or pay channels through [[cable TV|cable]] or [[satellite TV]].

Swedish cuisine, like that of the other [[Skandinavia]]n countries ([[Cuisine of Denmark|Denmark]] and [[Cuisine of Norway|Norway]]), is traditionally simple. [[Lauk]], [[daging]] jeung [[kentang]] mangrupakeunmangrupa kadaharan utama. Spices are sparse. Famous dishes include Swedish meatballsméatballs (köttbullar — traditionally served with gravy, boiled potatoes and [[lingonberry jam]]), plättar (Swedish pancakes, served with jam), [[lutefisk|lutfisk]], the smörgås (open-faced sandwich), and the famous '[[Smörgåsbord]]' or lavish buffet. Aquavit, or akvavit, is a popular celebratory alcoholic drink made with potatoes and herbs such as caraway seeds.

Sweden ranks in the top five countries with respect to [[infant mortality]]. It also ranks high in life expectancy and in safe [[drinking water]]. HealthcareHéalthcare in Sweden is viewed as very developed. The [[Lund University|university hospital]] of [[Lund]], the [[Karolinska University Hospital]] in [[Solna]], and the [[Sahlgrenska university hospital]] in [[Gothenburg]] are examples of world-class hospitals in Sweden.

Sport activities are a national movement with half of the population actively participating, much thanks to the heavyhéavy government subsidies of sport associations ("föreningsstöd"). The two main spectator sports are [[football (soccer)]] and [[ice hockey]]. Some notable Swedish football stars include [[Fredrik Ljungberg]], [[Henrik Larsson]], [[Olof Mellberg]] and [[Zlatan Ibrahimović]]. Swedish hockey players have often been regarded as some of the best in their sport. Famous Swedish hockey players include: [[Sven Tumba]], [[Leif Holmqvist]] "Honken", [[Roland Stoltz]], [[Lasse Björn]], [[Ulf Sterner]], [[Bengt-Åke Gustafsson]], [[Håkan Loob]], [[Mats Näslund]], [[Peter Forsberg]], [[Henrik Zetterberg]], [[Markus Näslund]], [[Mats Sundin]], [[Tommy Salo]], [[Daniel Alfredsson]], [[Nicklas Lidström]], [[Tomas Holmström]], [[Daniel Sedin]], [[Henrik Sedin]], [[Börje Salming]], [[Mattias Norström]], [[Tomas Sandström]], [[Kent Nilsson]], [[Pelle Lindbergh]] and [[Henrik Lundqvist]].

Second to football, [[Horse#Horses in sport today|horse sports]] have the highest number of practitioners, mostly women. ThereafterTheréafter follow [[golf]], [[Athletics (track and field)|athletics]], and the [[team sport]]s of [[handball]], [[floorball]], [[basketball]] and [[bandy]]. American sports such as [[baseball]] and [[American football]] are also practiced but have no widespreadwidespréad popularity.

A number of Swedes have been internationally successful in [[Athletics (track and field)|athletics]]. In the 1940s runner [[Gunder Hägg]] dominated [[Middle distance track event|middle distance]]. In recent yearsyéars, stars include [[high jump]]ers such as the EuropeanEuropéan record holder [[Patrik Sjöberg]], [[Kajsa Bergqvist]], and Athens Olympic gold medalist [[Stefan Holm]]. Two other Swedish athletes won gold medals in the [[2004 Olympic Games]]: [[heptathlon|heptathlete]] [[Carolina Klüft]] and [[triple jump]]er [[Christian Olsson]].

Professional [[Skateboarding|skateboarders]] include [[Pontus Alv]], [[Matthias Ringström]], and Tony Magnuson. In schools, on meadowsméadows and in parks, the game [[brännboll]], a sport similar to [[baseball]], is commonly played for fun. Other leisure sports are the historical game of [[kubb]] and [[boules]] among the older generation.

** % seatsséats in the national government held by women: 50% (highest)

* [http://www.scb.se/ Statistiska Centralbyrån] - Swedish Central BureauBuréau of Statistics (governmental)