As the third largest country in Western Europe, Sweden is perceived as a liberal and modern nation and its large middle class enjoys a generous welfare system and a high standard of living.
The UAE is Sweden's secondlargest trading partner in the Middle East. In 2006, Swedish exports to the UAE grew by 36 per cent to Dh2.3 billion, according to Bruno Beijer, Ambassador of Sweden to the UAE.
In the late 19th century, railroads and electricity made northern Sweden's enormous natural resources of forests, ore and hydroelectric power accessible as the Swedish industrial revolution took off in earnest.
