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Sweden Background:
A
military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated
in any war in almost two centuries. An armed neutrality was
preserved in both World Wars. Sweden's long-successful economic
formula of a capitalist system interlarded with substantial
welfare elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment
and in 2000-02 by the global economic downturn, but fiscal
discipline over the past several years has allowed the country
to weather economic vagaries. Indecision over the country's
role in the political and economic integration of Europe delayed
Sweden's entry into the EU until 1995, and waived the introduction
of the euro in 1999.
Sweden Economy
Overview:
Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole 20th century,
Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a
mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare
benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal
and external communications, and a skilled labor force. Timber,
hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an
economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned
firms account for about 90% of industrial output, of which
the engineering sector accounts for 50% of output and exports.
Agriculture accounts for only 2% of GDP and 2% of the jobs.
The government's commitment to fiscal discipline resulted
in a substantial budgetary surplus in 2001, which was cut
by more than half in 2002, due to the global economic slowdown,
declining revenue, and increased spending. The Swedish central
bank (the Riksbank) is focusing on price stability with its
inflation target of 2%. Growth remained sluggish in 2003.
On September 14, 2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into
the euro system, concerned about the impact on democracy and
sovereignty.
For more
information please visit:
CIA
World Factbook
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Articles:
Tourist Attractions in Sweden
A Personal Top-10
by Marc A. De Jong
Ask Sweden
fans what's their favourite spot in Sweden and most will say
there are too many to mention. On one thing they will agree:
besides the beautiful capital Stockholm, the country’s
main attraction is its landscape. But there's more.
Sweden
is one of Europe's best kept secrets. The country has so much
to offer. Besides, it's very affordable nowadays and the climate
is much better than most people think.
Just
to give you an idea what to see I made a top-10 of tourist attractions
in Sweden. Here they are - in no particular order.
Stockholm
Stockholm has it all: unique location, great architecture, historical
sights, famous museums, huge parks, a vibrant nightlife, trendy
shops – and an archipelago of 24,000 islands just around
the corner. It's a remarkably clean and safe city as well. If
you haven’t seen Stockholm, you haven’t seen Sweden.
Gotland
Speaking of tourist attractions in Sweden, one wouldn’t
expect to think of beaches. But there are beaches in Sweden.
Some of the best are found on the Baltic island of Gotland,
which is popular among Swedes and attracts thousands of visitors
every summer. The walled medieval town of Visby is an attraction
on its own.
Lake
Siljan
Found in the heart of Dalarna, central Sweden, this lake is
the center of folklore and tradition. Dalarna is a popular holiday
destination in summer. Thousands of Swedes visit Leksand every
year to see the midsummer pole set up. The nearby town of Rättvik
is famous for its folk dancing. Also worth a visit is the bear
park in Orsa.
Mines
Mining has always had a special attraction. Mines make some
of the most exciting tourist attractions in Sweden. Three are
worth a visit. The copper mine of Falun, Dalarna (now on the
World Heritage List), and the iron-ore mines of Kiruna and Gällivare
in Lapland. You can book a guided tour and go down yourself.
National
Parks
Sweden has dozens of national parks and nature reserves. Even
Stockholm has a national park within its city borders! The most
impressive scenery - wild rivers, deep valleys, dark forests,
high mountains - is found in Lapland in the North. Very popular
is Abisko, a great spot with the famous Lapporten landmark.
Also recommended is Padjelanta park.
Bohuslän
Bohuslän is the area at the west-coast of Sweden, roughly
located between Gothenburg and the Norwegian border. It is characterized
by rocky fragmented islands and small fishing communities. Awesome
scenery, and one of the best tourist attractions in Sweden according
to the Swedes.
Göta
Canal
One of the most popular attractions in Sweden. Make a cruise
from Gothenburg to Stockholm with an old ship, crossing one
river, three canals, eight lakes, passing 66 locks and traveling
on two seas. The Göta Canal is one of the most pleasant
waterways in Sweden.
Inlandsbanan
Or the Inland Railway. Great trip for fans of train journeys,
across the Arctic circle. Inlandsbanan runs from Kristinehamn
at the side of lake Vänern to the wilderness near Gällivare,
Lapland. Distance: around 1300 km. Stop wherever you want or
spend the night and get back on the train - it's all up to you.
Kungsleden
The most famous hiking trail of Sweden, 500 km long and leading
from Abisko to Hemavan (south). Well-marked and popular, with
cabins along the trail that can be busy in the holiday season.
You’ll pass Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain
(2,078 m) and see some of Europe’s wildest and most beautiful
nature.
Storsjön
Storsjön (the Great Lake in Swedish) in the province of
Jämtland is the Nordic Loch Ness. Locals believe there's
a monster in its dark water – and typically Swedish, the
monster is even protected by law! The area around Storsjön
has a lot more to offer, with highlands, trails and the likable
Östersund as its biggest town.
About
the Author
Marc A. De Jong is a Dutch journalist and editor of
http://www.stockholm-sweden-travel-guide.com
This site tells you all about the major attractions, yearly
events, how to get there, where to stay, and gives lots of other
practical tips.
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