The Country
In the period of 8,000 BC to 6,000 BC Sweden became populated by people who lived by hunting, gathering and fishing, and who used simple stone tools. Dwelling places and graves dating from the Stone Age, lasting until about 1,800 BC, are found today in increasing numbers. The Viking Age (800–1050 AD) was characterised by a significant expansion of activity, in Sweden’s case largely toward the east. Many Viking expeditions set off from Sweden to both plunder and trade along the Baltic coast and the rivers that stretched deep into present-day Russia.
The various provinces of Sweden were absorbed around 1000 AD into a single unit, but the crown began to gain significant influence only during the late 13th century. By the mid-16th century, the Hanseatic League, dominated Swedish trade, and many towns were founded because of lively commercial activity. However, the Black Death, which reached Sweden in 1350, led to a long period of economic and population decline.
After Sweden intervened in 1630 with great success in the Thirty Years’ War on the side of the German Protestants, and Gustav II Adolf became one of Europe’s most powerful monarchs.
Industry in Sweden did not begin to grow until the 1890s, although it then developed rapidly between 1900 and 1930 and transformed Sweden into one of Europe’s leading industrial nations after World War II.
In 1974 a new Instrument of Government was adopted stating that all public power is derived from the people, who are to select the members of parliament in free elections. The monarch is still the head of state, but in name only.
Sweden is the first country in the world to pass an environmental protection act in 1967. Meeting the environmental challenges of the future is not just about protecting landscapes, though, and Sweden is making big strides towards safeguarding the future as well as conserving the past.
The climate is in general mild for its northerly latitude due to significant maritime influence. In spite of the high latitude, Sweden often has warm continental summers,