Where to Go - Europe (exc UK)

Click on the links below to view information on a specific country.

Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | Turkey

Sweden

Population: 8,873,052

Literacy rate: 99%

Life expectancy at birth: male – 76.95 yrs, female – 82.37 yrs

Infant mortality rate: 3.49 deaths/1,000 live births

Population growth rate: 0.02%

GDP growth rate: 3.8%

GDP per capita: £13,800

Unemployment: 5.5% plus about 5% in training programs

Inflation: 0.4%

TI index: 9.4

Climate: temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north

Time:GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity:220 volts, 3-phase AC, 50Hz. 2-pin continental plugs are used.

Websites: www.sweden.se for all things Swedish

Most Swedes already speak very good English due to the enviable efficiency of the state school system. Timber, hydropower and iron ore are the resource bases of the economy. Sweden produces iron, steel, precision equipment, wood pulp and motor vehicles. Agriculture only accounts for 2% of the economy. Sweden suffered a small economic decline before joining the EU, but things now looking much better.

Much has been written about Sweden’s progressive social organisation. Swedes are outstandingly fair-minded and take enormous pains to ensure that any decision is just and equitable. They will sometimes smile in spite of themselves.

Stockholm is an interesting city, rich in history and culture, but the cost of living is high. Alcohol is very expensive and drink-drive laws are draconian. All in all, a very civilised country; safe and pleasant to be in.

Entry requirements

EU nationals need no visa..

Vaccinations

Nothing special here.

Tax and Insurance

Between 25 and 33%. Health insurance is a good idea, but the Swedish medical services are excellent.

Getting Around

Click here for further information on great value rail passes with Scanrail

Gap Year Programmes

Click here to find gap year programmes and placements in Sweden

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