A Look Inside The Lives of Ordinary Swedes, 55 Facts About Swedish Culture Guaranteed To Make You Go “Wow!”
No.1 for Patents
Sweden is often recognized as the world’s most prosperous country despite its large population, thanks to its emphasis on technological innovation. As early as the 1600s, Sweden began enforcing laws to preserve inventors’ rights to their creations. A patent’s validity period starts on the filing date and ends 20 years afterward.
Several cutting-edge corporations, like global telecoms giant Ericsson and furnishing giant IKEA, call Sweden home. Both of these firms have filed for and been granted many patents in Sweden.
Södermalm
Among the several districts in Stockholm, Södermalm’s widely regarded as among the city’s hippest. Vogue named it one of the “World’s 15 Coolest Neighborhoods.” After years as a working-class district, the area has dramatically transformed into a vibrant center of cafes, bars, independent boutiques, and art galleries.
Look no further if you’re looking for fantastic vintage stores, experimental restaurants, and laid-back people. Moreover, you’ll find several art galleries along the water’s edge, including Fotografiska, the famed Swedish Museum of Photography.
The Power of the Swedish Passport
Covers for Swedish passports are easily recognizable thanks to their blue and gold color scheme and the golden crowns on a blue background seen in the country’s coat of arms. It’s noteworthy that Swedish citizens can use it to travel visa-free to 173 different countries. Seriously, how awesome is that?
Unsurprisingly, the Global Passport Power Rank places Sweden’s passport fifth place for best in the world. However, naturally, one must be a Swedish citizen to be eligible for it.
The Irony of the Healthy Swedish Lifestyle
Swedes are often not stereotyped as being unhealthy or overweight. In reality, one in five Swedes under the age of 30 follows a plant-based diet, and 9% of the total population in Sweden adheres to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Nonetheless, it is the European country with the most significant concentration of McDonald’s outlets. And therefore, it’s safe to say that there is no scarcity of fast food joints. Other fast-food franchises have tried and failed to thrive in Swedish cities.
No.1 for Patents
Sweden is often recognized as the world’s most prosperous country despite its large population, thanks to its emphasis on technological innovation. As early as the 1600s, Sweden began enforcing laws to preserve inventors’ rights to their creations. A patent’s validity period starts on the filing date and ends 20 years afterward.
Several cutting-edge corporations, like global telecoms giant Ericsson and furnishing giant IKEA, call Sweden home. Both of these firms have filed for and been granted many patents in Sweden.
Living Green
As a result of its dedication to environmental sustainability and preservation, Sweden’s famously a “green” country. In fact, in 1967, the nation was the first to enact legislation protecting the environment.
It boasts one of the highest per capita rates of use of renewable energy in the world due to a long history of favoring clean energy. Sweden is also home to numerous significant natural landscapes protected for future generations through the implementation of legislation to protect and manage forests, lakes, and mountains.
Honesty is the Best Policy
The Swedes place a premium on honesty and adhere strictly to the adage that “honesty is the best policy.” Swedes are famously trustworthy, and there’s evidence to support this assumption. They’re the world’s third most open and honest nation, according to the 2021 World Press Freedom
It also consistently achieves excellent marks in international studies measuring honesty and trust, like the World Values Survey. So if you lose something in Sweden, be confident it will find its way back to you.
Flat Hierarchy Structure
Sweden may be well-known for its consensus-based, horizontal organizational structure. But this country is also famous for its laid-back culture and lack of formal hierarchy in the workplace.
In Sweden, it is acceptable to use a person’s first name regardless of their professional or organizational title. It is expected, in fact, and has less to do with disrespect than typical Swedish culture. In this way, there is no place for superiors or subordinates. Here, everyone is on the same level.
No Small Talk, Thanks
Conversing with a stranger is considered normal in many cultures and can sometimes lead to the development of a lasting friendship. However, the Swedes don’t share this view. They see conversation as a means to an end and don’t put much stock in small talk that leads nowhere.
Frequently, they will avoid making eye contact with a stranger to avoid starting a potentially uncomfortable and pointless conversation. Despite their reserved appearance, Swedish people are known to be polite and friendly.
Nothing Personal
Many Swedes are sensitive about privacy. For instance, in crowded situations like elevators, Swedes will often place themselves as far apart from other passengers as possible. A bit over an arm’s length of separation is standard during talks.
In addition to respecting one another’s space, Swedes tend to keep their business to themselves. You wouldn’t catch them disclosing family secrets or personal concerns with strangers or acquaintances. Don’t take it personally if a new Swedish acquaintance keeps you at arm’s length.
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