Sweden (6do encyclopedia)



Sweden, officially known as the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It is bordered by Norway to the west, Finland to the east, and the Baltic Sea to the south. With a population of over 10 million, Sweden is the fifth-largest country in Europe by land area and has a rich history and culture.

Geography and Climate:

Sweden is a primarily forested country with numerous lakes, rivers, and mountains. The country is divided into three distinct regions: Norrland in the north, Svealand in the central region, and Götaland in the south. Norrland is the largest region and covers over 60% of Sweden’s land area.

Sweden has a temperate climate that varies depending on the region. The southern region has milder temperatures due to its proximity to the Baltic Sea, while the northern region experiences harsh winters with snow and freezing temperatures. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with the exception of the mountainous regions in the north where snowfall is more common.

Demographics:

Sweden has a diverse population, with a significant proportion of the population being immigrants or second-generation immigrants. The largest ethnic groups are Swedes, followed by Finns, Iraqis, Iranians, and Syrians. The official language is Swedish, and it is one of the few European languages that has retained most of its original Germanic vocabulary.

Culture:

Sweden is known for its rich culture and history, which is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and tradition. The country has produced several notable musicians, artists, and writers over the years, including the popular ABBA group, inventor Alfred Nobel, and novelist Stieg Larsson.

Cuisine:

Swedish cuisine is diverse and is heavily influenced by the country’s geography and culture. Traditional Swedish dishes include meatballs, herring, and salmon, as well as potatoes and lingonberry jam. Swedes typically eat a light breakfast, a substantial lunch, and a lighter dinner, with fika (coffee and cakes) being an essential part of the Swedish culture.

Economy:

Sweden is a highly developed country and has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Its economy is export-oriented, with key exports including machinery, telecom equipment, and vehicles. The country is also known for its innovative business culture, with several successful start-ups such as Spotify and Klarna originating from Sweden.

Politics:

Sweden is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The monarch is King Carl XVI Gustaf, who has been the head of state since 1973. The Swedish parliament, the Riksdag, has 349 members elected via a proportional representation system.

Sweden has a welfare state model with a strong social safety net, which includes universal healthcare, free education, and comprehensive social services. The country also has one of the world’s highest tax rates to maintain its social welfare system.

Conclusion:

Sweden is a unique country with a rich history, culture, and traditions. From its diverse population to its innovative business culture, Sweden continues to thrive and remain a key player on the global stage. With its focus on social welfare and equality, Sweden is a model for other countries looking to create a more just and equal society.


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Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Lineup and running order

The Independent

23-05-13 12:17


The Eurovision Song Contest's 26-country grand final takes place on Saturday, after two semi-finals featuring 20 of the nations competing. The runs of Greece, Denmark, San Marino, Georgia and Iceland ended in the second semi-final in Liverpool on Thursday. The UK, alongside France, Germany, Spain, Ukraine and Italy, had already qualified for the tournament – based on its financial contributions – and will compete for a grand prize of a win for this year's competition, to be held in Paris.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/eurovision/eurovision-running-order-lineup-2023-b2338193.html
Eurovision 2023: Betting odds and favourites

The Independent

23-05-13 12:12


The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, which began in Liverpool on 9 May, is predicted to be won by 2012 victor, Swedish singer Loreen with her song “Tattoo”. Loreen's anthem "Euphoria" remains one of the most popular Eurovision songs of all time. Contestants from Finland, Israel, Ukraine and Belgium round out the top five favourites, according to the bookmaker Ladbrokes. The UK’s entrant, Mae Muller, has slipped down the rankings over recent days, with Ladbrokes' Jessica O'Reilly predicting that the 25-year-old will not achieve 2022 winner Sam Ryder's success.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/eurovision/betting-odds-eurovision-2023-b2338173.html
Blinken hopes to visit China ‘in the near future’, adviser says

South China Morning Post

23-05-13 11:57


US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is hoping to visit China “in the near future” to depresurise the relationship between the two superpowers. After diplomacy between China and the US was frozen in February due to an alleged Chinese spy balloon, the two countries are looking to return to planning made prior to the incident. State Department counsellor Derek Chollet said that the US has “been willing to have face-to-face contacts”, but China has been “reluctant to do so”. Additionally, he is attending the EU’s Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Sweden to discuss EU-China policy.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3220465/us-secretary-state-antony-blinken-hoping-visit-china-near-future-close-adviser-says
EU and US to pledge joint action over China concerns

Reuters

23-05-13 10:22


The US and the EU will pledge joint action to tackle concerns about China's non-market practices and coordinate their export controls on semiconductors and other goods at a meeting on May 30-31. The two sides will address non-market practices and economic coercion, with talks on how to stop companies' knowledge linked to outbound investment supporting technologies of strategic rivals, referring to China. They will also coordinate on their export controls on "sensitive items" and semiconductors. The European Union plans a policy recalibration, recognising coordination with the US is essential.

https://www.reuters.com/world/eu-us-pledge-joint-action-over-china-concerns-2023-05-13/
Eurovision 2023: How to watch the grand final

The Independent

23-05-13 10:22


The Eurovision Song Contest, hosted by Liverpool after Ukraine was unable to hold the competition due to its conflict with Russia, has confirmed participating countries and their finalists. The grand final, taking place on 13 May, will see 26 countries, including Albania, Australia, Belgium and Slovenia, compete alongside winners of the previous year, Ukraine, and the "Big Five" countries of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. The event will be shown on BBC One at 8pm and will be presented by Josie d’Arby, Ana Matronic, Scott Mills and Mel Giedroyc.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/eurovision/how-to-watch-eurovision-2023-b2338170.html
Russia slams Macron for saying Kremlin is becoming subservient to China

South China Morning Post

23-05-15 22:45


Russian officials have rejected comments by French President Emmanuel Macron claiming that Moscow was becoming subservient to China. Middle East Eye reported that they claimed Western countries must get used to a world underpinned by the Kremlin’s close ties with Beijing. The comments were made after Macron gave an interview to the Parisian daily, l’Opinion, in which he criticised Russia’s isolation caused by its invasion of Ukraine more than 14 months ago.

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3220665/ukraine-war-russia-slams-emmanuel-macron-saying-kremlin-becoming-subservient-china
The digital euro: a solution seeking a problem?

Financial Times

23-05-16 04:24


The European Central Bank's (ECB) plan to issue a digital euro has sparked controversy among citizens, financiers, and politicians who question the benefits of the scheme and fear it could replace cash and threaten decentralisation. Although the ECB plans to pilot the digital currency in coming months, its overall launch may not happen for another five to six years, and as such, the ECB is reportedly struggling to communicate the benefits of the programme. While officials believe that the digital euro will modernise European payments and provide a universal alternative to cash that is backed by the central bank, some opponents say it is unclear what problem it is seeking to solve. Additionally, there are concerns that it could create inefficiencies and complexity by creating a parallel payments system that would only be used by the digital euro.

The ECB, which is eager to promote the euro’s prominence globally, cites declining cash usage as a key motivation for the digital euro initiative. According to an ECB survey, cash usage has fallen from 79% of all point-of-sale transactions in the eurozone in 2016 to 59% in 2020. Policymakers worry that Europe is overly reliant on non-European payment providers like Visa, Mastercard, and even PayPal. Furthermore, as cash usage declines, some people may switch to other means of payment, such as stablecoins (digital tokens backed by fiat currency) or digital currencies launched by rival countries.

The ECB is keen to stress that the digital euro is intended to complement cash, not replace it. Still, bankers are reportedly worried that it could increase the likelihood of bank runs and require them to shoulder the costs of such a substantial project with little upside, especially as basic payments with the digital euro should be free. In any case, the ECB is poised to announce an implementation plan and pilot scheme in October, and this summer, the European Commission plans to set out legislative proposals that specify some of the key design features of the digital currency.


https://www.ft.com/content/7c892d3b-c646-4247-9504-5f755e486101

England moves into top five in international rankings for reading

The Independent

23-05-16 08:00


England has ranked fourth globally in a new international study of reading skills. Singapore achieved the highest score and was followed by Hong Kong in second place and Russia in third. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) tested more than 390,000 students in 1284 schools between November 2019 and March 2020, when 57 countries participated. The United States ranked twelfth, down from fourth in 2011. The UK performed particularly well in comparison to the less bright rankings for its maths performance in 2019’s PISA study. Schools minister Nick Gibb cited the implementation of phonics in 2012 for the successful reading outcomes.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/nick-gibb-england-government-rishi-sunak-taiwan-b2339630.html
Women aren’t ‘forgetting’ to have children – it’s just become financially crippling to do so

Telegraph

23-05-16 07:00


The falling birth rate in the UK is concerning politicians and far-right groups, which could have serious long-term economic implications. Miriam Cates MP said at a conference last week that the falling birth rate posed a bigger threat to the West than Russia, China or climate change. However, the decline in fertility rates is due to a plethora of factors including the high costs of childcare, an inability to afford a home, and a shortage of men who want to parent. Countries like Norway and Sweden, which offer better childcare and have fewer gender disparities, have not experienced the same decline in birth rates.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/05/16/the-real-reason-we-arent-having-babies-anymore/
What do Turkey’s election results mean and who will win the runoff?

The Independent

23-05-16 11:41


Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is to compete against main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu in a second-round presidential election due on 28 May, following preliminary results from Sunday's election which failed to produce an outright winner. Erdogan received 49.5% of the vote with Kilicdaroglu on 45%; a third candidate received 5.2%. The election is being watched internationally given the country's strategic location and Erdogan's growing links with Russia and adoption of a less secular, more authoritarian stance. The successful candidate is expected to direct Turkey either towards the West or Russia.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/turkey-election-results-erdogan-kilicdaroglu-runoff-b2339722.html
Denmark aims for closer Nordic security cooperation in new strategy

Reuters

23-05-16 10:35


Denmark is to strengthen defence ties with other Nordic countries in a bid to counteract the perceived threat from Russia in the Baltic Sea region and to safeguard critical infrastructure. The new foreign and security policy strategy calls for more joint military exercises and coordinated defence plans with neighbours, as well as developing a unified Nordic air defence. A NATO member since 1949, Denmark voted last year to join the European Union’s defence policy, with the new strategy underlining the need to increase Denmark’s defence spending to meet NATO’s target of 2% of GDP by 2030.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/denmark-aims-closer-nordic-security-cooperation-new-strategy-2023-05-16/
Eurovision sign language interpreter goes viral for ‘perfect’ video

The Independent

23-05-16 15:48


A sign language interpreter's enthusiastic performance while signing to Finland's Eurovision entry, "Cha Cha Cha", has gone viral on social media. The BBC presenter, Adrian Bailey, was just one of several interpreters who worked at the event, but his over-the-top performance saw him gain praise and compliments from Eurovision fans. Despite Bailey's interpretation of "Cha Cha Cha," Sweden's Loreen ultimately won the competition.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/eurovision-sign-language-translation-bbc-b2339827.html
Health tourism warning after mother-of-three’s liposuction death in Turkey

The Independent

23-05-16 15:28


The family of a 38 year old British woman, Abimbola Ajoke Bamgbose, who died following liposuction treatment in Turkey, are warning others about the risks associated with health tourism. Bamgbose bought an overseas package deal with Mono Cosmetic Surgery, acted as an intermediary between patients and surgeons in locations such as Turkey. Although she had initially hoped to have surgery in the UK, she looked abroad after finding it was too expensive. She eventually settled on spending £5,000 in Turkey. Bamgbose began experiencing severe abdominal pain after receiving the treatment and then died from peritonitis and multi-organ failure.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/turkey-izmir-british-turkish-network-rail-b2339954.html
China, Japan defence ministers hold first talks over new military hotline

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 15:15


China and Japan have stressed the importance of communication and mutual trust in a phone call held on Tuesday to discuss a new military hotline. The call came amid rising tensions between the two countries over territorial disputes in the East China Sea. The hotline was established in March as part of a defence liaison mechanism to help manage and control maritime and air crises. The countries hope it will help maintain peace and stability in the region.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3220790/chinese-defence-minister-li-shangfu-and-japanese-counterpart-yasukazu-hamada-hold-first-talks-over
Switzerland shuts out Kazakhstan 5-0, Denmark beats Austria 6-2 at ice hockey worlds

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 20:04


Switzerland secured their third consecutive victory at the Ice Hockey World Championship, beating Kazakhstan 5-0. Fabrice Herzog and Damien Riat each scored a goal and an assist in the game. Kazakhstan came closest to scoring in the second period, with Artur Gatiyatov hitting the post. Switzerland is yet to concede a goal and leads Group B with nine points. In other matches, Thomas Berg-Paulsen scored a solitary goal to help Norway secure their first victory by beating Slovenia 1-0. Denmark beat Austria 6-2 and Hungary secured a 3-2 victory over France.

https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2023/05/16/switzerland-shuts-out-kazakhstan-5-0-denmark-beats-austria-6-2-at-ice-hockey-worlds.html
Germany: Reading skills below European average, and dropping

Deutsche Welle

23-05-16 19:31


German schoolchildren's reading skills have reportedly fallen over the past 20 years, with one in four kids failing to reach required standards, according to the 2021 PIRLS international results in reading study. German education minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger said that one-quarter of fourth-grade children considered to be weak readers was an "alarming" statistic that should act as a "wake-up call." Schoene from the opposition CDU said that specific measures needed to be taken, while Nina Stahr from the Greens said the study was "yet another warning signal for educational politics at all levels."

https://www.dw.com/en/germany-reading-skills-below-european-average-and-dropping/a-65649180
Britain’s immigration is out of control, and could spell the end of the Tories

Telegraph

23-05-16 19:16


An op-ed has criticized the Eurovision Song Contest for its lack of racial diversity. Suzanne Moore, writing for the Spectator, called out the lack of representation among acts at the contest, with just a few of the 26 performers featuring a visible ethnic minority. Despite this, Moore questioned why left-wing activists did not voice criticism of Eurovision, compared to how they respond to events in the UK. She speculated that such activists remain silent due to not wanting to acknowledge that the UK is not as racist as it is often accused of being. Moore went on to accuse the Conservative government of “selling out to hyper-liberal globalists”, and for failing to take steps toward cutting immigration rates. Moore also criticized universities that she claims “discriminate against our own young people”.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2023/05/16/britains-immigration-out-of-control-end-of-tories/
The pressures and pace of modern life have left us yearning for relaxing sounds that aren't music

Telegraph

23-05-17 06:00


BBC Radio 4 aired “21st Century Relaxation Tape” on Sunday, exploring the growing industry of detailed, relaxing sounds which have become increasingly popular in recording format and on open-source media platforms such as Spotify and YouTube. The team behind the programme argued that as technology and urbanisation make the world increasingly loud and chaotic, sound artists are helping listeners to calm themselves and enhance their concentration.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/what-to-listen-to/radio-2-asmr-white-noise-vernon-kay-eurovision/
Estonian PM pleads with companies to resist ‘ghost trade’ with Russia

Financial Times

23-05-17 04:20


Estonian Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, has told local companies that she had to "plead" with them to find a "moral compass" and decline deals that may result in Moscow accessing sanctioned goods. Previously, it was noted by the Financial Times that an alarming $1bn of goods had passed through the Baltic states, believed to be partly part of Moscow's "ghost trade". Estonia and similar nations have seen a rise in exports to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia transiting through Russia, leaving suspicion about the scheme being used to circumvent the western sanctions regime.

https://www.ft.com/content/1a17dacf-9c8d-46fe-860d-36ae9b708987