Swedish lifestyle
The Swedish lifestyle brings together a love of nature, good housing, environmental thinking and lots of culture – all tied up with awareness of health and a strong sense of equality. Efficiency is combined with a laid-back attitude, and old traditions blended with openness for new technologies. Swedes in general work hard but treasure their free time and enjoy long relaxing holidays.
The Swedish lifestyle varies greatly with the seasons. During the darker winter months, there are lights in the windows, evenings in the cinema, and winter sports during the day. In spring and summer, life is lived outdoors: music festivals, outdoor theatres and open-air museums are popular. Not only are the flowers blooming, the Swedes themselves are too.
Traditions such as June’s Midsummer and December’s Lucia are of great importance to Swedes and are celebrated just as enthusiastically today as they have been for generations. This sense of heritage is mixed with an open-mindedness for other cultures, due to the facts that one-fifth of the population has roots in other countries, that Swedes travel a great deal, and that they speak other languages. The most innovative country in the world, as highlighted by numerous reports, is not only the home of inventors and entrepreneurs but also a creative hub for fashion, music and food.
by: Lola Akinmade-Åkerström
Like any other country, Sweden comes with its own laws, tax regulations and social traditions. From getting registered with the right authorities to finding a job, here are 10 things to take care of once you've arrived in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Watch — Sweden's official film player
Watch, Sweden's official film player, is loaded with short films from both famous and lesser known directors. And by short we mean anything from less than a minute up to an hour. Animation, documentary or fiction? Or you might be more into dance, sports or music?
by: Lola Akinmade-Åkerström
As diverse as Sweden is, there are a few societal norms that are distinctly Swedish. Understanding a handful of them will hopefully prepare you culturally before you relocate. When you're invited home to a Swede, you better be on time and take your shoes off, writes expat Lola Akinmade-Åkerström.
by: Åke Daun, Professor of European Ethnology
Is it true that Swedes are suicide-prone? And what about Swedish sin — does it exist? Are Swedes as gloomy as people say? Are they cold, or simply shy? All nationalities are subject to myths, but all groups do in fact have distinctive characteristics.