How strong is your Nordic knowledge? Dive into 25 quirky and captivating facts about Sweden—Norway's intriguing neighbour that never ceases to surprise.
For many outside the region, Norway and Sweden might seem like two sides of the same Nordic coin. I certainly felt that way when I first moved to Norway. But after 14 years living here and travelling frequently across the border, I see the differences.
Though they share intertwined histories, similar languages, and a mutual love for stunning landscapes, each country wears its own cultural crown.
In Sweden's case, it's a nation of delightful contrasts—from a population that offers a fascinating counterpoint to Norway’s, to an array of beloved culinary treats and spirited cultural events.
Join us as we peel back the layers of Sweden's identity, uncovering quirky, lesser-known facts that showcase the unique charm of this Scandinavian sibling.
1. Sweden has twice the population of Norway
As of the end of 2024, Sweden is home to roughly 10.6 million people—almost double the population of Norway.
This significant demographic edge not only paints a picture of a more densely populated nation but also sets the stage for a vibrant cultural and urban landscape.
In contrast, Denmark's population of about 6 million further highlights Sweden's unique scale within the Scandinavian trio.
Read more: Learn more about Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm, together with the other big cities of Northern Europe in our article on the Cities of Scandinavia
This population difference reflects centuries of diverse historical, economic, and social developments that have shaped each country’s identity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the contrasting yet intertwined narratives of the Nordic region.
2. Sweden imports waste from Norway!
The Swedish people love to recycle. Only 1% of waste ends up in landfill with 50% being recycled or composted and 49% being incinerated for energy. This may sound like great news but it has caused one big problem: there’s not enough waste left to keep the incinerators running.
So, Sweden has come up with a novel solution. They import waste from Norway and the UK to keep the lights on. And as a double bonus, the countries actually pay Sweden to take their waste away!
Okay, enough with the Norway facts. We are talking about Sweden after all!
3. More than half of Sweden is covered in forest
According to Sveaskog, around 57% of the country—approximately 23 million hectares—is covered by woodlands, an area nearly equivalent to the entire United Kingdom.
These expansive forests not only enhance Sweden’s scenic beauty but also underpin its strong commitment to sustainable practices.
Under the Swedish Forestry Act, forest management is rigorously regulated to balance both production and environmental concerns, with replanting being mandatory after any felling.
Curious about how these lush landscapes compare with those in neighboring Finland? Check out our Finland facts article for more fascinating insights into Nordic nature.
4. There’s a hotel made of ice
Sweden is home to the famous Ice Hotel in the village of Jukkasjärvi. The hotel is crafted each year from two-tonne blocks of ice from the nearby Torne River.
Starting from scratch, the hotel starts to take place as soon as the cold season arrives in the Arctic. Builders and artists alike work to create a hotel that’s unique every time.
And if you ever think health and safety regulations go too far sometimes, spare a thought for the owners of the Ice Hotel. Despite being made entirely of frozen water, the gigantic igloo is still required to have fire alarms fitted!
5. Donald Duck is more popular than Mickey Mouse
In most of the world, Mickey Mouse reigns supreme as Disney’s best loved character. But in Sweden, Donald Duck is WAY more popular.
Some put this down to Donald’s rather flawed character being more relatable to Europeans than Mickey’s virtuous perfection. Whatever the reason, Donald is by far Sweden’s favourite Disney character.
Every Christmas Eve since 1959, at 3pm, the nation sits together to watch Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar god jul. That’s Donald Duck and his friends wish you a Merry Christmas, for the non-Swedes among you!
Donald is so popular that in 2006 the country had to change the law to forbid voting for non-existent candidates as protest voters would typically write in ‘Donald Duck’!
6. A Swedish drink outsells Coca-Cola
A surprising brand that takes a backseat in Sweden is Coca-Cola, at least during the Christmas period. While many nations enjoy traditional festive drinks, such as Egg Nog or Mulled Wine, Sweden’s yuletide drink of choice is a carbonated beverage, or soda, called Julmust.
Julmust is a fermented, though alcohol-free, malt drink similar to root beer. 45 million litres are consumed in December when it outsells Coc-Cola and, in fact, every other soft drink brand combined.
Julmust then disappears from shelves for a few months when it reappears at Easter as Påskmust – the same drink in a different bottle! 75% of ‘must’ is drunk in December and the remaining 25% whenever Easter falls. Outside of these times the drink is almost impossible to obtain.
7. Stockholm's metro doubles as an art gallery
Stockholm’s metro system is more than just a means of transportation—it’s a sprawling underground art gallery. Nearly 90% of its stations have been transformed into canvases showcasing creativity throughout Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm.
Dubbed one of the world’s longest art galleries, this initiative has seen over 150 artists contribute a dazzling array of mosaic murals, vibrant paintings, edgy graffiti, thought-provoking installations, and intricate sculptures.
For example, T-Centralen, the network’s beating heart, enchants commuters with its intricate mosaic murals that beautifully merge historical motifs with contemporary aesthetics.
Meanwhile, Kungsträdgården station captivates visitors through a fusion of modern installations and classic artistic touches, turning an ordinary transit stop into an immersive cultural experience.
Even stations like Rådmansgatan offer a dynamic urban canvas where innovative art challenges traditional public space, reflecting Stockholm’s forward-thinking spirit and deep-rooted creative heritage.
8. North Korea owes 45-year-old Volvo debt
After the Korean War, North Korea attempted to rebrand itself as paradise and started some grand engineering projects using machinery bought from the West.
Sweden was one of the first countries to jump aboard the hype train and open up financial relations. The people of paradise needed opulent vehicles to drive around in and so in the 1970s ordered 1000 Volvo 144GL luxury cars from Sweden.
The first of these were delivered in 1974. Shortly afterwards, it became clear that North Korea neither could, nor wanted to, pay for these vehicles. Instead, it was simply letting the bills pile up and, to this day the debt remains.
In typical Swedish fashion, realising there was little they could actually do, they simply kept sending invoices. And so, every year, the Swedish government recalculates the debt and sends a new invoice.
The debt stands at around €300m and while the country knows there’s little chance of seeing the money, they’re making sure it never gets forgotten!
9. Sweden had a pirate King!
Scandinavia’s political history can make fascinating reading, especially the machinations of the Kalmar Union era, but one King stands out as being more bizarre than most. Eric of Pomerania became Eric XIII of Sweden on the death of his Grandaunt, Margaret I.
Eric wasn’t the best King. He inherited a war that Margaret had been winning and proceeded to lose it spectacularly, losing large parts of his Kingdom. He also managed to annoy the nobles in Sweden, Norway and Denmark – scholars will tell you that’s rarely a good idea.
When the Danish nobility refused to ratify his choice of successor, he fled to Gotland and took over Visborg Castle as a kind of Royal strike! But things get weirder still.
After being fully deposed, he started a career – successful by all accounts – as a pirate in the Baltic Sea, taking revenge on the Hanseatic merchants who had caused much trouble during his reign.
Then, after ten years of piracy, he returned to high society as Duke of Pomerania!
10. Yes, fika is really a thing
Fika isn’t just a coffee break—it’s a cherished Swedish institution. While most people might relish a pause from work, in Sweden, the ritual of fika is woven into the very fabric of daily life.
Typically enjoyed twice a day, fika involves gathering over coffee, cake, and lively conversation, turning an ordinary break into a moment of connection and relaxation.
In many workplaces, fika is treated as a sacred, almost compulsory, communal ritual. Skipping out isn’t just a personal loss—it’s seen as missing an opportunity to bond with colleagues, a practice that’s credited with boosting workplace morale.
Perhaps this deep-seated commitment to balance and community is why Swedish employees consistently rank among the happiest in the world.
Steeped in history and tradition, fika goes beyond simply recharging your batteries. It’s a celebration of pause and conversation, reflecting Sweden’s broader cultural values of equality, togetherness, and work-life harmony.
Whether at the office, in a local café, or at home, fika offers a moment to slow down, share stories, and enjoy life—one cup of coffee at a time.
11. Swedes love quirky marketing
The Swedish Tourist Association loves finding new ways to market the country to people from other countries. Two of the most popular and interesting have been @Sweden and the Call a Swede phone line.
@Sweden was an initiative on Twitter where each week a new citizen would take over the account and tweet things that interested them about their country, life and work.
Tweeters would also interact with the public and answer questions about the country as they saw it. The initiative ran for 7 years and more than 350 Swedish citizens had the chance to represent their country to the world.
The Call a Swede phoneline was introduced to celebrate 250 years since censorship was abolished. The idea was that there would be a single telephone number that anyone around the world could call and talk to a Swedish person picked at random from a group of volunteers. The scheme ran for 3 months and fielded calls from all around the world.
12. The Swedes invented nicotine replacement gum
If you or anyone you know has ever given up smoking with nicotine gum, you can give thanks to Sweden.
The first product – Nicorette – was developed by Leo AB in Helsingborg. It followed the observation that smoking Swedish submariners would switch from tobacco to chewing tobacco or snus to receive their nicotine fix when on duty.
Nicorette wasn’t the first time anyone put nicotine in chewing gum but what they did do was develop a polymer that controlled the release of nicotine into the bloodstream making it possible to control levels allowing for a sustained release and a steady withdrawal, helping millions of people quit for good.
13. Making light of dark days
It can be tough living in the North of Sweden in winter when there’s less than 5 hours of daylight for months on end.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that arises in response to a lack of daylight and affect many people in the far North of Europe.
To help combat this, one city in Sweden installed lightboxes in bus stops to allow people waiting for their transport to experience a little extra daylight during the dark days of winter.
14. Scaling the Solar System
Sweden might not be the first place on your mind when thinking of space exploration, but it does lead the world in one key astronomical way – it has the world’s largest scale model of the solar system.
Emanating from the Avicii Arena – the world’s largest hemispherical building – in Stockholm, the model reaches 950km away in Kiruna where the concept of Termination Shock – the end of the solar system – is marked.
The scale is 1:20million and each object is marked with a model or statue. Mercury is a mere 3km from the centre while Earth is 7.6km away, Neptune is 229km away and Pluto is 300km away.
15. Sweden is the biggest Scandinavian nation
Sweden is the largest of the Scandinavian countries, boasting an impressive land area of 450,295 km²—making it the fifth largest country in Europe.
This vast territory easily surpasses the sizes of both Norway and Denmark. Yet, despite its expansive landscape, Sweden remains one of Europe’s least densely populated countries.
16. 63% of Sweden's population live in cities
Urban living is a cornerstone of modern Swedish life. In 2018, 63% of Swedes were concentrated in one of the 126 urban centers boasting more than 10,000 inhabitants, according to Statistics Sweden.
This urban majority not only reflects Sweden’s rapid modernization and economic dynamism but also underscores its unique ability to balance bustling cityscapes with vast expanses of pristine nature.
17. Sweden is an economic powerhouse
Many prominent companies were founded in Sweden, especially in the areas of design and technology. Electrolux, Ericsson, H&M, IKEA, Saab, Scania and Volvo are just some of the famous Swedish names in global business.
Also, countless inventions and innovations come from Sweden. Notable ones include Tetra Pak, the pacemaker, dynamite and the spherical ball bearing.
18. Sweden is home to the Nobel Prize
Sweden is home to one of the world’s most prestigious accolades—the Nobel Prize. Instituted by the visionary Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel, these awards have been honoring groundbreaking achievements since 1901.
In Stockholm, laureates are celebrated for their exceptional contributions in fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and the Economic Sciences (the latter officially known as the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel).
While these categories are awarded in Sweden, the Nobel Peace Prize is uniquely presented in Oslo, Norway—a reflection of the enduring cultural ties and mutual respect between these two Nordic nations.
19. Sweden is the home of the smörgåsbord
The smörgåsbord is a quintessential Swedish culinary tradition that has evolved into much more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of variety and conviviality. Originating from Sweden, this delightful buffet offers an array of cold and hot dishes that showcase the nation’s rich gastronomic heritage.
The term itself hints at its purpose: “smörgås” means open-faced sandwich, while “bord” refers to table, evoking images of a table laden with diverse treats.
Historically, the smörgåsbord emerged as a festive spread during special occasions, allowing families and friends to gather around a table brimming with everything from pickled herring and gravlax to hearty meatballs and warm, comforting dishes.
This tradition not only highlights the range of flavors—from tangy and savory to sweet and delicate—but also reflects the Swedish emphasis on sharing and togetherness.
Over time, the smörgåsbord has remained a beloved symbol of Swedish hospitality, inviting diners to sample a little bit of everything and celebrate the art of dining in true Nordic style.
20. Midsummer is a major holiday
Rooted deeply in ancient traditions, Swedish Midsummer is a celebration that marks the longest day of the year, the summer solstice.
As the sun barely sets, Swedes gather to revel in the extended daylight and nature's abundance.
Central to the celebrations is the maypole, a decorated wooden pole, around which people dance in circles, often wearing traditional folk costumes. As songs of joy echo through the air, tables are laden with fresh potatoes, pickled herring, strawberries, and not forgetting Swedish schnapps.
Beyond just merriment, this festivity is also a time for folklore. Legend says that if young women pick seven different flowers in silence on Midsummer's Eve and place them under their pillow, they'll dream of the person they will marry.
21. Sweden is a Global Pop Music Powerhouse
ABBA, one of the most iconic pop groups in history, epitomizes Sweden's reputation as a global pop music powerhouse. Their catchy tunes and timeless appeal not only revolutionized pop music in the 1970s but also paved the way for Sweden’s continued influence on the international music scene.
Swedish producers such as Max Martin have engineered chart-topping hits for superstars like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry, further cementing the nation’s legacy.
Contemporary artists like Robyn and Avicii have also broken new ground with innovative sounds and styles.
22. Sweden is the most successful Eurovision nation
Sweden has emerged as a Eurovision powerhouse, clinching the coveted top prize seven times—a record beaten by no other country and matched only by Ireland.
A landmark victory came in 1974 when ABBA's performance of “Waterloo” not only won Eurovision but also catapulted them to international stardom.
This success is celebrated annually through Melodifestivalen, Sweden’s highly popular national selection process, which showcases cutting-edge pop music and garners millions of viewers.
Sweden’s continual commitment to musical excellence and innovative performances has firmly established it as a perennial powerhouse in Eurovision, making it an enduring symbol of Scandinavian pop culture.
23. Sweden had its own phone number
In a unique initiative titled The Swedish Number in 2016, Sweden became the first country to have its own phone number.
This allowed curious callers from across the globe to dial in and chat with a random Swede, bridging cultural gaps one conversation at a time.
Unfortunately, the experiment is now over. During the time it was open, there were 197,678 calls, of which almost one-third came from the United States.
24. Sweden is known as a ‘neutral’ country
Sweden's enduring commitment to neutrality has been a hallmark of its national identity for over two centuries.
Since 1814, the nation has abstained from military alliances and active participation in armed conflicts, allowing it to maintain a stance of impartiality even during major global events like World War I and II.
This long-held policy has enabled Sweden to focus on domestic progress, fostering a stable, prosperous society renowned for its social welfare and innovative spirit. Swedish neutrality has also positioned the country as an effective mediator in international diplomacy.
25. Learn Swedish—Get two languages for free!
The Swedish language, with its melodic tones and engaging structure, serves as a gateway into the family of Scandinavian languages.
Mastering Swedish often unlocks the ability to understand both Norwegian and Danish, thanks to their shared vocabulary and similar grammar. All three languages share the same roots in Old Norse.
This means that by learning one language, you effectively open the door to three cultures. Additionally, learning Swedish not only enhances travel and career opportunities, but also deepens your appreciation for Nordic culture and history.
Did you learn something new about Sweden? Which is your favourite fact? Let us know in the comments.
Being half Swedish I found the article most interesting but I never knew the story of the Volvo cars and the North Koreans. I doubt that would happen in any other country.. Sweden is a beautiful country and seeing by car makes It very enjoyable especially if you rent a Volvo..
Yes l have learned a lot.l used some products from Sweden İn Türkiye. İKEA,Electrolux, İn My home.l know more company from Sweden,l have been worked a furnace Steel Casting:ABB lnduction furnace and we user ESAB product for joining metals İn Metallurgy but l know very vell Volvo,Saab,unfortunately not a Owner of it.Thanks.
I enjoyed this article emensly!! I wasn’t surprised to hear any of these fascinating facts! I find Sweden to be of breathtaking beauty!!!! It’s people are wonderful and caring and after reading about what North Korea did to them and the way they handle it, they also show how classy they are. I Love the way they take care of the environment as the example with the trees and how they care for their employees as the example with having two breaks a day!! The burn out effect is reduced so much in the way they do this and they are still very effective workers. Probably more so because workers want to give 100% back to a company that takes good care of them. That would be my mentality. I would love to try this popular drink they spoke of and see the ice castle, solor system and so much more!! I have always wanted to go to Sweden. I wish I could live there. I don’t like living in North America. It’s supposed to be this land of opportunity and dreams. What a joke. EVERYTHING is broken here!! The justice system, the political system is corrupt, people are arrogant and only care about beautiy and wealth. If you are poor from bad health you are treated like a leapor. No one cares or really wants to help you. Price gouging is huge here! Stealing, lying, cheating, trafficking, child porn, incest, rape, murder! All the ugly stuff no one wants to talk about. Cover up is everywhere. Pollution and the environment are not treated important enough. We cut trees down and wipe out the birds and everything else. We pollute our oceans!! We are killing ourselves!! There is no law against having exotic animals as pets like Tigers, venemous snakes and camen!! These are not pets!!! They kill people and then they kill the innocent animal that was just being a wild animal as it was born to be. We took God out of school and our young kids are committing suicide at alarming rates. Parents are too busy for their kids because we Americans have to have the best toys and keep up with appearances. Employers work you to death for as little as possible!!! I could go on all day!! I am different. I should say there are many good Americans doing their best to fix some of these issues but it’s hard when you don’t have enough support. I have dreamt about moving to another country for so long but I don’t have the funds to do it. I’m stuck in this horrible place. So I read and view pictures and videos of Sweden, Norway, Netherlands and Ireland all the time. I recently did a DNA ancestry test and I am 38% Scottish, I also have a small amount of Baltics, Eastern Europe and Wales in me. I was very excited to find that out. I knew I didn’t belong here but … well not much I can do. Thank you for the fun and interesting read!!!!!
How much would you need to go.
This article made me LOVE Sweden even more than I already did. The way you recycle waste not only from Sweden but also from Norway and Denmark is just amazing!!!! How wonderful for earth!!!! That was probably my favorite part of the article and also how you treat your workers with two breaks!! That’s so benifitial for all.
I Love your foreign cars I have to say!! I also wanted to say Donald Duck is my favorite too. I love how he talks. I really wish you still had call a Sweden !!! I would love to have made friends with someone and been able to ask some questions about life and living there. I would like to have a pen pal from Sweden. I did learn some things I did not know, like the nicotine gum. How cool!! Other things too. Sweden is a great place to live. I would not mind the dark period myself. I like the coziness of home and snuggling in. Thanks for posting this article.
I am from Sweden! Hej means hi in Sweden!
I’m from Sweden and I find this article very interesting. There’s many facts here that I didn’t know. Such as the Volvo, North Korea thingy. I really find this funny to know that we are double the popularity than Norway, they are really our lil bro.
Hi, I’d say Swedes like Donald Duck because he wears blue and yellow!
You forgot Roxette which is one of Sweden’s biggest musical exports. Not only for their massive world wide chart and touring success but also their domestic success. Also Per Gessle has written songs for a number of international stars.