Other Sweden

You can get local news in Sweden through several available platforms in both Swedish and English, which makes it easy to stay informed about events for both locals and foreigners.

 

In Swedish:

   - SVT Nyheter: The Swedish public television channel provides the latest news on its website and app. You can also follow the news in video and text formats.

   - Sveriges Radio: One of the largest sources of radio news, including Klartext, which offers news in simple Swedish, which is especially useful for those learning the language.

 

In English:

   - The Local Sweden: This is one of the most popular news sites, providing the latest events concerning Sweden in English. 

   - Radio Sweden: Radio Sweden offers news bulletins in English and other languages (e.g., Arabic, Russian).

 

Other resources:

   - 8sidor.se: This site offers news in simple Swedish, which can be useful for new immigrants striving to better master the language.

 

Many Swedish news agencies and platforms actively maintain pages on social networks, making it convenient to get current news in real-time. Here are a few popular news sources on social networks:

 

SVT Nyheter:

   - Facebook: [SVT Nyheter Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/svtnyheter)  — a regularly updated page where major news is published.

   - Twitter: [@svtnyheter] (https://twitter.com/svtnyheter)  — here you can also get short updates and refer to complete articles on the website.

 

The Local Sweden (news in English):

   - Twitter: [@TheLocalSweden](https://twitter.com/TheLocalSweden) — urgent and important news from Sweden in English.

   - Facebook: [The Local Sweden Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/TheLocalSweden) .

 

Aftonbladet:

   - Instagram: [@aftonbladet] (https://www.instagram.com/aftonbladet)  — a popular platform for news and updates in Swedish.

   - Twitter: [@Aftonbladet] (https://twitter.com/Aftonbladet)  — a news feed for quick access to real-time news.

There are many stereotypes about Sweden, both positive and negative. Here are some of the most common ones:

 

All Swedes are blond with blue eyes: Although there are indeed many people with blue eyes and light hair in Sweden, this stereotype does not hold true for everyone. Many people in the country have different eye and hair colors, particularly due to immigration.

 

Swedes are very reserved and introverted: Swedes are often perceived as reserved and not very sociable. This is related to a culture of conflict avoidance and modesty, which can sometimes be perceived as coldness. However, when Swedes get to know people better, they can be very warm and friendly.

 

Everyone loves IKEA and ABBA: While the Swedish furniture company IKEA and the music group ABBA are important symbols of the country, not all Swedes are fans of these brands. IKEA is popular among students and young people, but not everyone buys furniture exclusively there. As for ABBA, although it is a cultural heritage, it does not excite everyone.

 

Sweden is a country of eternal winter: This stereotype is also not true. Although winters in Sweden are long and cold, summers can be quite warm, especially in the south of the country, with temperatures up to 23°C.

 

Swedes are environmentally conscious people: This stereotype is generally true. Most Swedes actively participate in recycling and use environmentally friendly solutions in everyday life. Many also prefer outdoor activities at their summer cottages.

 

Thus, stereotypes about Sweden have both truthful and erroneous aspects, but as in any other country, real life is much more diverse than general clichés may suggest.

For a comfortable life in Sweden, there are many useful mobile apps that help with everyday tasks, from paying for purchases to obtaining medical assistance. Here are some important apps worth installing:

 

Swish – This is one of the most popular apps for money transfers. You can send money instantly using only a phone number. The app requires BankID for authentication.

 

SL and Skånetrafiken – Applications for purchasing tickets and tracking public transport in Stockholm and the Skåne region, respectively. They allow you to plan trips and buy tickets for buses, metros, trams, and trains.

 

Karma and Too Good To Go – Applications for buying food and ready meals at reduced prices. These platforms help combat food waste by offering products that might soon be disposed of.

 

Min Doktor and KRY – Online doctor applications that allow you to get a consultation with a physician via video call. This is a great way to get quick medical help without visiting a clinic.

 

ICA and Coop – Supermarket applications that make the shopping process easier. You can create lists, order delivery, and track special offers.

 

Blocket and Tradera – Platforms for buying and selling used items, from furniture to electronics. An excellent solution for those who want to save or sell unnecessary things.

In Sweden, there are numerous entertainment and cultural events that attract both locals and tourists. Here are the main directions that are popular in the country:

 

Music festivals:

   - Way Out West (Gothenburg): One of the largest music festivals held every August. It brings together world-renowned performers and includes genres ranging from indie rock to electronic music. The festival is known for its eco-friendliness, serving only vegetarian food.

   - Stockholm Jazz Festival: Held in October and attracts jazz lovers from around the world. It is one of the most prestigious events of its kind in Northern Europe.

 

Traditional holidays:

   - Midsommar: One of the most important holidays in Sweden, celebrated in June. It is a time when people gather outdoors, set up a maypole and dance, celebrating the summer solstice.

   - Crayfish Party: In August, Swedes hold parties celebrating the crayfish season, enjoying these seafood delicacies outdoors with friends and family.

 

Cultural festivals:

   - Gothenburg Book Festival: This is the largest literary event in Scandinavia, held in September. Thousands of participants attend workshops and meetings with authors.

   - Stockholm Culture Festival: In August, concerts, theater performances, dances, and other cultural events take place on the streets of the capital, accessible to everyone.

 

Sports events:

   - Toughest Göteborg: For those who love challenges, this obstacle course race attracts participants in September. The event takes place in the surroundings of Gothenburg and allows you to test your endurance.

 

These events help immerse oneself in the cultural life of Sweden, whether through music, literature, or sports, and provide vivid experiences throughout the year.

In Sweden, public toilets are common, especially in large cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. For example, Stockholm has over 200 public toilets that are regularly serviced and kept clean. Many of them are equipped with modern technologies, such as sensor systems for water saving and automatic flushing devices. Some toilets even self-clean.

 

However, many public toilets in Sweden are paid, and the cost of use can range from 5 to 10 SEK (about 50 cents – 1 euro). For convenience, there is the ToaSverige app, which helps find the nearest public toilet, check if it's paid, and get information about its cleanliness.

 

Many toilets are also equipped for people with disabilities and have changing tables, making them convenient for families with children.

Learning the Swedish language in Sweden for immigrants offers several effective options, both free and paid.

 

SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) – This is a free program available to all foreigners with a residence permit. The courses offer both in-person and online classes, tailored to different levels of language proficiency. SFI is available in most municipalities and is often combined with other activities, such as work or internships.

 

SFX (Swedish for Professionals) are specialized courses aimed at professionals in various fields, such as medicine, engineering, or economics. These courses teach not only general language skills but also specific professional terms.

 

Folkuniversitetet and Medborgarskolan are educational organizations offering Swedish language courses for adults. They are available nationwide and offer flexible programs, including summer courses and intensive classes.

 

Online courses – platforms like Babbel, Duolingo, and Clozemaster offer convenient mobile apps for learning the Swedish language. There are also specialized Swedish resources, such as Digitala spåret and Lexin, which offer interactive exercises and translations.

 

Practice through media – listen to podcasts like Radio Sweden på lätt svenska, watch Swedish series, or read news in simple Swedish. This will help you better adapt to everyday speech.

 

These programs and resources will help you effectively master the Swedish language, ensuring easy integration into society and improving employment opportunities.

Sweden celebrates many national holidays and traditional events, many of which have roots in Christianity or the country's cultural customs.

 

Main holidays:

Midsummer – one of the most beloved Swedish holidays, celebrated in June. People gather in open spaces, set up a maypole around which they dance, sing, and enjoy traditional Swedish food, including herring and potatoes. This holiday symbolizes the summer solstice and is often accompanied by abundant alcohol consumption.

 

Saint Lucia's Day – celebrated on December 13, symbolizing light amid winter darkness. The holiday begins with processions of children in white gowns with lit candles, singing traditional songs. This is an important part of the Christmas celebrations in Sweden.

 

Walpurgis Night – celebrated on April 30, dedicated to welcoming spring. On this day, bonfires are lit, folk songs are performed, and large outdoor events are held. This holiday has ancient roots and symbolizes the end of winter.

 

Sweden's National Day – celebrated on June 6. On this day, festive ceremonies are held across the country, with participation from the royal family, flag-raising, and welcoming new citizens of Sweden. It is one of the most significant public holidays.

 

Christmas and Christmas Eve – traditionally celebrated on December 24 and 25. The evening before Christmas is the main celebration, when Swedish families gather around the table, exchange gifts and enjoy traditional dishes.

 

These holidays not only reflect Sweden's cultural values but also offer a better understanding of the country's unique traditions.

Sweden has many interesting places and attractions that are worth visiting for both tourists and new residents of the country. Here are a few of them:

 

Stockholm – the capital and largest city of Sweden, impresses with its architectural contrasts. Here you can visit the old town of Gamla Stan, see the Royal Palace and the Stockholm City Hall. Stockholm is also known for its museums, such as the Vasa Museum and the ABBA Museum.

 

Gothenburg – the second-largest city in Sweden, famous for its parks and Liseberg – the largest amusement park in Scandinavia. Gothenburg is also known for its music and film festivals.

 

Visby – a town on the island of Gotland, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visby features medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and numerous historic buildings. Here you can also enjoy beaches and parks.

 

Abisko – a national park in Lapland, known for its stunning views of the Northern Lights in winter and picturesque hiking trails in summer. This park is particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

 

The Stockholm Archipelago – a network of over 30,000 islands, perfect for sailing and camping. This area attracts with its natural beauty and tranquility.

 

These attractions offer unique experiences and allow for a deeper immersion in the culture and nature of Sweden.

Local etiquette and rules of conduct in Sweden are based on several key principles that help maintain harmony and respect in society:

 

Punctuality: Swedes highly value punctuality in both social and work interactions. Being late is considered a sign of disrespect for other people’s time, so it is always important to be on time, whether it’s a meeting with friends or a business meeting.

 

The concept of “Lagom”: This Swedish principle can be translated as “in moderation” or “balance.” Swedes avoid extremes in behavior and strive to maintain balance in everything: from work and leisure to communication and consumption. Excessive boasting or ostentatious wealth is not welcomed.

 

Personal space: In Sweden, it is customary to respect other people's personal space. For example, when standing in line or on public transport, Swedes prefer to keep their distance. Invasive behaviors, such as touching or standing too close, may be perceived as inappropriate.

 

Honesty and straightforwardness: Swedes are known for their honesty and direct communication style. They value honest relationships and prefer to speak directly, without unnecessary formalities. This may seem strict, but it reflects their respect for honesty and other people's time.

 

Dining etiquette: During meals, Swedes adhere to European dining etiquette standards: knife in the right hand, fork in the left. It is customary to begin the meal only after the host says “varsågoda” (enjoy your meal). It is also considerate to finish your food to avoid leaving a negative impression.

 

Fika: One of the favorite traditions in Sweden is fika — a coffee break with pastries. It is not just a pause in work but also an opportunity to socialize with colleagues or friends. Joining fika is a wonderful way to integrate into a team and build relationships.

Working hours and flexibility: The standard workweek in Sweden is 40 hours, and overtime is not encouraged. Many companies offer flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work, allowing employees to manage their time more easily. Workers generally finish work on time and rarely stay after official hours, as this can be perceived as inefficiency or inability to manage tasks correctly.

 

Vacation and parental rights: Every worker in Sweden is entitled to at least five weeks of paid vacation per year, and most companies expect employees to use this time for adequate rest. Parents are entitled to up to 480 days of paid leave to care for their child, which can be shared between both parents. This provides significant freedom to balance family responsibilities with work.

 

Supporting health and well-being: Many employers in Sweden provide subsidies for sports or physical activities to encourage employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Special “health hours” may also be offered, which can be used to visit the gym or engage in other activities to maintain physical and emotional health.

 

These elements provide Swedes with one of the best work-life balance indicators in the world, contributing to their productivity and overall well-being, and help maintain respect, equality, and order in society.

In Sweden, the local government system is organized at three levels: national, regional, and municipal. Each level has its area of responsibility and is governed by elected politicians.

National level: Political power in the country begins with the parliament (Riksdag), which passes laws and forms the government headed by the prime minister. The government is responsible for implementing Riksdag decisions and managing state agencies. At the national level, issues concerning the entire country are addressed, such as foreign policy, defense, national economy, and taxation.

Regional level: Sweden is divided into 21 regions, each dealing with healthcare, public transport, and infrastructure. Regional councils are elected by residents and make decisions on local matters, including the management of hospitals and regional development planning.

Municipal level: In Sweden, there are 290 municipalities that have significant authority in local self-government matters. Municipalities are responsible for education, social services, urban planning, and municipal taxation. They can also set their own tax rates to fund local projects. Municipalities are managed by municipal councils, whose members are elected by local residents in elections.

Thus, the local self-government system in Sweden is deeply decentralized, allowing regions and municipalities to independently make decisions concerning their residents.