Religion

As Sweden becomes a more multicultural society, the variety of religions here is flourishing. And although the Church of Sweden is Lutheran, there is a strict separation of church and state, guaranteeing freedom of religion to people of all faiths and beliefs. Religions and traditions from other parts of the world enrich Sweden as a country, Islam’s Ramadan being one example. With an estimated 400,000 Muslims in Sweden, the month of fasting is a significant event in Sweden. Islam is now the second-largest religion after Christianity in Sweden.

According to studies, however, only one in ten Swedes thinks religion is important in daily life. It is important to be aware, however, that for cultural and historical reasons the Lutheran church is the country’s largest, meaning you will find churches and chapels throughout Sweden. This also means that many significant rites and rituals, such as weddings and funerals, are often held in connection with the church and that many national holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, also have a religious heritage in an otherwise largely secularized country.