Learn More About Sweden
General Information
· Country Name: Sweden (officially: Kingdom of Sweden)
· Continent: Europe
· Capital: Stockholm
· Population: around 10,5 million
· Area: about 450,000 km²
· Language: Swedish (most people also speak very good English)
· Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
Landscape
Forests, Lakes, and Northern Lights: What Sweden Looks Like
Sweden has a super calm, peaceful landscape with lots of nature. About two-thirds of the country is covered in forests, and there are over 100,000 lakes—no joke! In the south, the land is more open with fields and small towns, while the north has vast forests, mountains, and even reindeer.
If you’re placed up north, you might get to see the Northern Lights during winter, which is honestly magical. But winter also means lots of snow, early sunsets, and cozy indoor vibes. Summers, on the other hand, are full of light—literally. In parts of the country, the sun barely sets in June!
There’s also a long coastline, thousands of islands, and even an area called the archipelago around Stockholm. Nature is a huge part of life in Sweden, and it's normal to go hiking, ice skating, skiing, or just for a simple walk in the woods.
Culture & Traditions
Fika, Flat-Pack Furniture & Traditions: Everyday Culture in Sweden
Swedish culture is known for being calm, polite, and equal. People really value personal space and quiet, but they’re also super helpful and kind once you get to know them. It might take a little while to make close friends, but once you do, they’re for real.
One of the most famous parts of Swedish life is “fika”—a break to drink coffee, eat something sweet (like a cinnamon bun), and just slow down. It’s not about the coffee, really. It’s about taking time to connect, even if just for 15 minutes.
There are also lots of traditions, like Midsummer (a huge celebration in June with flower crowns, dancing around a pole, and tons of food), Lucia Day in December (where students wear white robes and carry candles), and cozy Christmas markets.
Swedes love being outside, especially when the weather is nice. In winter, people embrace the cold with skiing and ice baths, while summer is full of swimming, biking, and lake days.
Education System
Inside a Swedish High School: What School Life Is Like
School in Sweden is usually relaxed but organized. You’ll likely attend gymnasiet, which is for students aged 16–19. It lasts three years, and students choose a “program” like science, arts, or social studies depending on their interests. As an exchange student, you’ll be placed in one of these programs, often based on language skills or what fits your age.
The school year starts in mid-August and ends in early June, with breaks in the fall, at Christmas, in winter, and spring. The schedule is different each day, and the school day usually starts around 8 or 9 a.m. and ends by 3 or 4 p.m.
Students often call teachers by their first name, and the vibe is pretty informal. Lessons are a mix of lectures, group work, and presentations. Most people speak great English, but some lessons might be in Swedish, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re still learning.
There are usually not many clubs or sports teams connected to the school itself, but people often join local clubs outside of school—everything from band to handball to debate.
Daily Life
How Swedish Teens Spend Their Free Time
Free time in Sweden is often spent outdoors or just chilling with friends. In winter, people like to go sledding, ski, or just hang out at someone’s house with blankets, snacks, and Netflix. In summer, everyone takes advantage of the long days by swimming in lakes, grilling outside, or biking around town.
A lot of teens work part-time jobs or volunteer. Some towns are small and quiet, while others are more urban—but even in cities, things don’t feel rushed.
Hanging out at cafés, walking in the forest, or grabbing a fika with friends is super normal. Swedish teens are pretty independent, and it’s common to take the bus or bike wherever you need to go.
Fun Fact
Swedes eat more candy per person than almost anywhere in the world—especially on Saturdays. It’s called lördagsgodis, or “Saturday candy.” Supermarkets even have entire walls of pick-and-mix candy where people fill their bags with gummy bears, sour stuff, and chocolate. It’s basically a national tradition to go wild with sweets once a week.
