Sweden

More information about Sweden is available on the Sweden Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-SWEDEN RELATIONS

Relations between the United States and Sweden are built on a shared heritage that dates back to 1638 when the first Swedish immigrants arrived on the shores of Delaware. Sweden was one of the first countries to recognize U.S. independence in 1783 and the two countries have maintained a strong bilateral friendship since then, based on shared values and mutual interests. Sweden is a core member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace program, and plays an active leadership role on the international stage, from its long-term investment in Afghanistan to its role as a global peacemaker. Sweden’s commitment to promoting global democracy and human rights, and the contributions Sweden makes to international development and sustainability, make it a respected moral leader in international affairs. The United States has collaborated with Sweden to strengthen Internet freedom in countries emerging from oppressive and autocratic regimes, to more effectively promote and protect freedom of expression. The United States also works closely with Sweden to combat corruption and support sustainable economic and human rights-based political development around the world. Our interests have meshed on the environment and sustainability: the U.S. and Sweden have created the Swedish-American Green Alliance – or “SAGA” – which is a partnership between the U.S. and Sweden to advance clean technologies and environmental sustainability, teaming up to help spread clean technologies between the U.S. and Sweden and third countries.

U.S. Assistance to Sweden

The United States provides no development assistance to Sweden.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Sweden is a member of the European Union (EU). The U.S. economic relationship with the EU is the largest and most complex in the world, and the United States and the EU continue to pursue initiatives to create new opportunities for transatlantic commerce.

Sweden is highly dependent on exports, is strongly pro-free trade, and has one of the most internationally integrated economies in the world. The government has been expanding its export base away from the traditionally European market, seeking to grow in Asia, South America, and the United States. Combined with a well-educated labor force, outstanding telecommunications network, and a stable political environment, Sweden has become more competitive as a choice for U.S. and foreign companies establishing a presence in the Nordic region.

Sweden participates in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Sweden's Membership in International Organizations

Sweden and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, the Arctic Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Sweden also is an observer to the Organization of American States and a participant in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace program.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Sweden is Mark Francis Brzezinski; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Sweden maintains an embassy in the United States at 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 (telephone: 202-467-2600). The ambassador of Sweden to the United States is Jonas Hafstrom.

More information about Sweden is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Sweden Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Sweden Page
U.S. Embassy: Sweden
History of U.S. Relations With Sweden
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Travel and Business Information