|
Land & people
Area: 450,000 sq km
Capital: Stockholm
Population (July 2005 est.):
9 million
Languages: Swedish and recognised minority languages such as Sami (Lapp), Finnish, Meankieli (Tornedalen Finnish), Yiddish, Romani Chib (a Gypsy language)
Per capita GDP (2005 est.): $29,600 (about Dh108,720)
Situated between Finland and Norway, Sweden borders the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat and Skagerrak. It is the third-largest country in Western Europe with an ever-varying coastline stretching for thousands of kilometres from Haparanda on the Finnish border, high up in the Gulf of Bothnia, all the way to Norway and the North Sea to the west.
Due to its long, narrow shape and northerly location, the Swedish landscape is highly diversified. There are majestic mountains and glaciers as well as wide-open countryside, interspersed by small idyllic villages and vibrant cities such as the capital ? Stockholm. The southern part of the country is noted for its variation and contrasts. Central Sweden enjoys the perfect balance between nature and culture. Here fertile plains and mystical forests provide a magnificent backdrop to rock carvings and manor houses. The central region is characterised by rolling hills, forests, lakes and folklore. The northern half of Sweden, with enormous forests, unregulated rivers, clean air and water, treats the visitor to powerful experiences. Administratively, the country is divided into 21 counties. Useful addresses - Embassy of Sweden,
P.O. Box 31867, Abu Dhabi. Tel: 02-6210162; Fax: 02-6394941
- Swedish Business Council, P.O. Box 25906, Dubai. Tel: 04-3371410
Fax: 04-3376343 When to go Sweden's northerly position has a definite summer advantage in that temperatures are rarely extreme and humidity levels are not high. For sunshine lovers it's ideal to visit the country between late May and late July, scooting out before the August rains. Getting around Daily domestic flights crisscross the country. For those who are not really pressed for time, the country offers an extensive bus and train network. Trains are the basis of Swedish transport outside cities, serving regional centres more quickly than buses. Train travel is ideal as you may need to cover long distances especially in northern Sweden. Buses are often the only option once you get off the beaten track. An extensive network of boats, vintage steamers and ferries link the country's many lakes, islands and canals. Where to stay Accommodation in the country comes in all shapes and sizes. Plenty of excellent hotels in all price categories are available. If you prefer to stay in a more modest guesthouse, the range of choices is impressive.
Several other options are available for those who seek some fun and adventure: chill on a bed of ice or get a birds-eye view of life from a bed in a tree house. You can even spend some of your vacation time in an authentic 19th century prison to experience life behind bars. Or you can live in a monastery built in 1420.
Hassle-free travel
Most of the major air carriers offer services to Sweden. Most flights from North American and Asian centres fly through Denmark's capital Copenhagen. The main international airport is Arlanda, about a half hour's bus ride north of Stockholm.
If you are travelling from mainland Europe or Britain, you may choose to go by train or ferry. Buses and trains link up with ferries to provide services to and from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany, Poland, Estonia and the UK. Opening of the Oresund Bridge on July 1, 2000 has made non-stop travel between mainland Europe and Sweden a reality.
|
