Sweden

Sweden


Culture

Sweden is best known for members of Sweden's artistic community have been writers: Vilhelm Moberg, a representative of 20th century literature, he won international acclaim with The Immigrants and The Emigrants. Carl von Linné was an 18th century scientist that made pioneering field studies of plant species by using Latin names. Still better known is Alfred Nobel, first patron of the Nobel Institute and the coveted international prizes.Swedish is a Germanic language, and belonging to the Nordic branch, which is spoken throughout Sweden and ohter parts of Finland. Swedes, Danes and Norwegians can, however, make themselves understood since their languages are similar. alot of Swedes speak English as a second language.

Landscape and Climate

Sweden is a little larger than the province of Newfoundland, and more than half of its land surface is covered by forests. There are nearly 100,000 lakes in Sweden, and thousands of islands line Sweden's long coastline. Sweden's climate varies from one region to another. The coldest month is February, and in northern Sweden the temperature can drop as low as-40C during the winter nights. In the northern interior, snow may remain for up to eight months. Southern Sweden has milder winters because winds from the Atlantic Ocean have a moderating effect. Summers are warm, but the summer is shorter in the north. Rain falls throughout year, but late summer and autumn are the rainiest seasons.

Early Inhabitants

Sweden's early history, like its day-to-day life, is intimately wrapped up with the natural rhythms of season and climate. It was the end of the Ice Age that brought the first inhabitants to Scandinavia more than twelve thousand years ago, as the receding glaciers and the warming climate turned barren permafrost into plains and vast forests. By 8,000 BC, there were extensive settlements in the region, but dropping temperatures pushed the inhabitants southward to the coasts. A few thousand years later the cycle reversed, and once again the interior became productive, fertile ground. This back and forth movement between the land and the water, between farm and boat, characterizes Swedish culture even today, although the cycle now follows season, holiday, and personal preference.

Public holidays

People have parties featuring this fish served with bread, potatoes, chopped onions and beer. At the end of October Swedes celebrate All Saint's Day. Boxing day, Sweden closes down during this time, not only are stores closed, but also public transportation is reduced. May 1, a political holiday, is celebrated with parades and speaches. Two church holidays are celebrated in May and early June. First comes Ascension Day, a Thursday, 39 days after Easter, and quot,Annandag pingst and quot.

Government

Sweden is a constitutional monarcy.King Carl XVI Gustaf, a desendant of the dynasty formed in 1818. Has ruled since 1973, his duties are mostly ceromial. The head of the goverment is the Prime Minister, members of parliament are elected for three-year terms. Munipal councils handle local elections, citizenship is required to vote in national elections.

Religions

All Swedes have the freedom to worship as they choose, but most people belong to a Lutheran Church.Although 85% of Sweden population is Lutheran, few Swedes attend church regularly. Nevertheless, most children are baptized , and many weddings and funerals are held in churches much like the United States. Although most priests are men, women are also eligible for ordination. Priests are allowed to marry. Immigrants who have come to Sweden have brought their own religions. Lots people are Muslims. Most of them tend to come from the middle east. There are also communities of Roman Catholics. A small number of people are Buddhists and Hindus.

Recreation and Sports

Most of Sweden people like exercise and sports. There are about 25,000 different clubs in Sweden. In the summer, Swedes enjoy lots of different activities such as; walking, hiking, and cycling in the countryside. They even enjoy having cross-country races, and have a military like exercise that they do. Swedes very much enjoy fishing and hunting in the summertime also. Sailing, Canoeing, and White Water Rafting are some other things that Swedes like to do. The sports that Swedes participate in is soccer, ice hockey, tennis, golf, and European Handball.

Education and Schools

 The Swedish goverment spends more money per person than most other countries. The public school system is a comprehensive nine-year program that children begin at age seven. All education is free and one free meal is provided each day. Books, and transportation are also free. Children attend school for about eight hours a day, with a lunch break at midday.

Bibliography

  • 1.http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/sweden/printable.htm#culture By: Lonely Planet Publications Accessed October 25, 2001

  • 2. http://www.luth.se/luth/present/sweden/public_hollidays.html By: Lynn Gustafsson.
     Public Holidays Accessed October 24, 2001

    Created by: Daniel, Tyler, Dylan, Amber, Ashley, and Cody
    Date Created: 11-2-01
    Return to Comparative Cultures Projects Page