Population

9 million (about the same as Belgium or New Jersey) giving an average density of less than two people per square mile; about 85 percent of the population lives in the southern half of the country. Annual growth rate is about 0.15 per cent. Life expectancy is 79 years. Sweden has the world's oldest population, with 17.2 percent of the population over 65 years of age but the last two years the number of births has increased and it is expected to cause a change in the statistics soon(2005-6). About 90 percent of the population belong to the Lutheran Church.

Geography and Climate

Sweden is similar in size to Spain or California, with a total area of 173,731 square miles. Half its land surface is covered with forest, with less than 10 percent farmland. Nearly 100,000 lakes dot the relatively flat countryside. Despite its latitude, Stockholm's winter temperatures average slightly below freezing and snowfall is moderate. In June and July, daylight lasts around the clock.

Government

Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. King Carl XVI Gustav has only ceremonial functions as Head of State. Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister, leader of the Moderate party, is ruling the coalition Government with the Center Party, the Liberal Party and the Christian Democratic Party after the elections of September 17th 2007.

Working Life

75.4 percent of women between 20 and 64 are in the workforce as compared to 80.3 percent of men. On a weighted basis, women earned 91 percent of men's salaries. Unemployment is at 5.7 percent (December 2005). Average hourly salary is 113.50 Swedish crowns (approximately $14).

Trade

The total value of Sweden's exports (goods) in 2005 amounted to 129 billion dollars, an increase of 25 per cent compared with 1999. Imports increased to $110 billion, up 25 per cent also. The U.S. is an increasingly important trading partner, second only to Germany as an importer of Swedish goods. With U.S. exports of $3.7 billion and imports of $13.8 billion, Sweden enjoys a trade surplus of almost $10 billion with the U.S.

Exports

Manufacturing, including vehicles and telecommunications products, is Sweden's largest economic sector and represents 56 per cent of total exports. Wood and paper products is the second largest sector at 13 per cent. Chemicals, including pharmaceuticals are 10 per cent, and the iron and steel industry saw a 19 per cent increase last year and represents 8 per cent along with mining and quarrying.

Imports

Being an importer of oil, recent price increases pushed energy to 9 per cent of total imports. The largest category, at 51 per cent is machinery, transport and equipment, including vehicles, passenger cars and accessories. Chemicals and rubber products are 11 per cent and minerals, including iron and steel, are 8 per cent

Foreign Direct Investment

In 2005, Sweden was the 64th largest recipient of FDI. In 2005 the total is expected to be around $13 billion. Looking at the time frame 2001-2005, Sweden is expected to be the world's 7th largest recipient.