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Sweden's History & Geography

Geography

Environment

  • Became the first European country to establish a national park in 1909, make approximately 10% of Sweden's land protected by national parks and nature reserves

  • The first country in the world to pass an environmental protection act in 1967

  • Hosted the first UN conference on global environment in 1972

  • Approximately 60% of Sweden's national energy comes from renewable resources

  • Legislation is in place to bring this percentage up to 100% by the year 2045

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  • Sweden is one of the most northern European countries, with the capital, Stockholm, having a latitude of about 59.3°N

  • Very diverse geography: mountains, lakes, waterfalls, tundra, glacier rivers, and lush forests

  • Two-thirds of the land is covered in forests

  • Its highest peak resides in the Scandinavian mountain chain along its border with Norway, and sits at 2,104 meters above sea level

Climate

  • Sweden's climate is diverse; ranging from colder climates at its northern point and more milder temperatures in the south due to the Gulf Stream

  • Southern Sweden has mild winters and cool summers

  • The northern end may experience little to no hours of darkness in the summer months, while the southern end will experience of few hours of darkness

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Sarek National Park

History

  • There are settlements dating back to the Stone Age, when some of Sweden's first inhabitants survived by hunting, gathering, and fishing

  • The Bronze Age was marked by an increased level of culture, shown by many of the artifacts that date to this time period

  • Sami are considered indigenous people who are estimated to have lived in the inland parts of Sweden and northern Europe for thousands of years

  • The Viking Age (800-1050 AD) marked an increase in sea exploration and trade

  • Sweden's monarchy is one of the oldest in the world, dating back approximately 1000 years with many changes

  • Sweden joined the EU in 1995

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Sources

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