Are you thinking about traveling to Sweden? Or do you consider moving there for a while, for studies or work? But you don’t know exactly whether Sweden is the right country for you?
In case you (or some of your friends or family members) still doubt your decision, here are a few aspects where Sweden emerges in comparison with many other countries.
Friendly Swedes Individually and as a nation. For how many years has your country not been at war? Probably not over 200 years, has it?
Technologically advanced For example, fast mobile internet and high digitalisation of Swedish institutions. (Paper is for artists and toilets.)
Honesty and a low levels of corruption “Swedes – a non-bribe tribe.” High transparency in public administration helps to achieve this. You can even look up how much tax someone has paid last year.
Stuff just works Institutions, infrastructure and Volvos. Most of the time. Pretty well at least.
Low exposure to natural catastrophes A wild fire here and then, but apart from that … knock on wood.
Fluency in English You don’t necessarily need to learn Swedish in order to live in Sweden for a while. But if you still want to learn some basic Swedish, it could be a good idea to start by learning these funny Swedish words: bra, puss, kock and more, here.
Swedes have dedicated days where they celebrate their pastries (and other foods) Who doesn’t want a kanelbullens dag, cinnamon bun’s day? More about traditional Swedish food, here.
Free water Feeling thirsty in a bar, restaurant or café? Just ask for tap water. It’s free. And of great quality. It is so common, no need to think others might find you stingy for not paying for bottled water. (While writing these lines in a café, I placed a glas of freshly tapped water right next to my laptop.)
Freedom: allemansrätten (freedom to roam) You’re free in Sweden. You can basically go anywhere you want. Cross any forest or field! Pick berries and mushrooms. No permission required. Just let the owner know when you put up a tent or intend to stay a little longer.
And some more …
Proper winters Do you like driving on a sleigh and building a snowmen? What about a snowball fight? Even if you live in the south of Sweden, you can be certain that winters will deliver at least some snow to enable sculpturing ambitions.
Family friendliness For example, in almost every restaurant you will find an IKEA Antilop high chair for your child. You know, the chair with the awkwardly streching legs one stumbles about everytime one gets close to it. In general, parents of screaming children aren’t punished with angry looks by annoyed people.
This list will probably be completed with further points later on. Let me know what you would add to this list (or what should be removed), by sending me a message on Facebook or Instagram.
