Country Profile: Sweden

Sweden is a Northern European nation bordered by Norway and Finland, with a rich history as a military power in the 17th century. The country maintains a parliamentary constitutional monarchy and is recognized for its highly developed economy, which emphasizes welfare alongside capitalism. With a population forecasted at over 10 million in 2025, Sweden also boasts a diverse society with a significant percentage of residents born abroad. The nation has gradually moved toward greater military alignment, applying to join NATO in 2022 while historically adhering to a policy of military non-alignment.

Geography

Sweden is located in Northern Europe, characterized by its extensive waterways and a coastline of 3,218 km along the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Bothnia. The nation's terrain is mostly flat or gently rolling, with mountains in the west and a temperate climate in the south that transitions to subarctic conditions in the north. Sweden is notable for its vast number of lakes and natural resources, including iron ore, copper, and timber.

Area: 450,295 sq km
Climate: Temperate in the south and subarctic in the north
Natural Resources: Iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver
Elevation: Highest point is Kebnekaise at 2,100 m
Forestation: 68.6% of land is forested (2023)

People and Society

Sweden's population is projected to reach approximately 10.6 million by 2025, with a diverse ethnic composition where Swedish nationals make up 79.6% of the populace. The official language is Swedish, and a significant proportion of the population practices Lutheranism. With high urbanization, about 88.7% of residents live in urban areas, predominantly in the south where the climate is milder.

Population: 10,643,745 (2025 est.)
Urbanization Rate: 88.7% of total population (2023)
Median Age: 41.2 years (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy: 82.9 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate: 10.56 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.)

Economy

Sweden has a high-income economy and is the largest Nordic economy. It is export-oriented, with key sectors including automotive, electronics, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. The country does not use the euro and is characterized by a competitive business environment with significant investments in research and development (R&D). Sweden experienced economic recovery in recent years, balancing inflation and wage growth against trade risks.

GDP (PPP): $668.628 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per Capita: $63,300 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 8.6% (2024 est.)
Industrial Production Growth Rate: 0.3% (2024 est.)
Exports: $338.852 billion (2024 est.)

Government

Sweden operates under a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the King serving as the chief of state. The country's legal system is based on civil law, and it has a unicameral parliament known as the Riksdagen. Sweden's governance emphasizes human rights, welfare, and the principles of democracy, with a commitment to international law and a diverse political landscape.

Capital: Stockholm
Legislature: Riksdagen (349 seats)
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
Prime Minister: Ulf Kristersson (since 2022)
National Holiday: National Day, celebrated on June 6

Military and Security

The Swedish Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Home Guard. Sweden has increased its military expenditures as a percentage of GDP, reflecting its recent application for NATO membership. Historically neutral, Sweden's military focuses on national defense and international peacekeeping missions.

Military Expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2025 est.)
Active Personnel: Approximately 25,000 (2025)
Military Age: 18 years for conscription
NATO Membership: Joined in March 2024
Military Deployments: Approximately 600 in Latvia (2025)

Energy

Sweden boasts a fully electrified population and a diverse energy portfolio that relies heavily on renewable sources, particularly hydroelectric and nuclear energy. The country has made significant strides toward sustainability, with a strong emphasis on reducing carbon emissions.

Electricity Access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)
Installed Capacity: 55.307 million kW (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 40.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear Energy: 28.6% of total electricity production (2023 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 142.102 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Environment

Sweden faces environmental challenges such as air pollution and marine pollution, particularly affecting the Baltic Sea. The country is committed to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainability.

Total Water Resources: 174 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 43.96 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Municipal Waste Recycled: 39.7% (2022 est.)
Air Quality: Particulate matter emissions at 6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Biodiversity Efforts: Active participant in various international environmental protocols

Transportation

Sweden has an extensive transportation network, including a well-developed rail system and numerous airports. The country emphasizes accessibility and sustainability in its transport policies.

Total Airports: 206 (2025)
Railways: 10,910 km total (2020)
Merchant Marine: 361 vessels (2023)
Total Ports: 92 (2024)
Heliports: 11 (2025)

Communications

Sweden has a high rate of telecommunications access, with a majority of the population utilizing mobile and internet services. The media landscape is diverse, featuring a mix of public and private broadcasters.

Internet Users: 96% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 14.9 million (2024 est.)
Fixed-line Telephones: 898,000 subscriptions (2023 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 4.3 million (2023 est.)
Broadcast Media: Extensive local and regional TV and radio networks

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,643,745	2025 est.
Area	450,295 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$668.628 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	8.6%	2024 est.
Electricity Access	100%	2022 est.
Life Expectancy	82.9 years	2024 est.
Birth Rate	10.56 births/1,000 population	2025 est.
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	142.102 million Btu/person	2023 est.
Total Ports	92	2024
Military Expenditures	2.5% of GDP	2025 est.