CLIMATE
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Despite Sweden’s far northern location, its climate is comparatively moderate. The North Atlantic Drift (an extension of the Gulf Stream) and the prevailing westerly winds blowing in from the relatively warm North Atlantic Ocean provide moderating influences. In winter, however, these influences are offset by cold air masses that sweep in from the east. The climate of northern Sweden is considerably more severe than that of the south primarily because of higher elevations and because the mountains block the warming marine influence. In February, the coldest month, temperatures average below freezing throughout Sweden, ranging from -3°C (27°F) in Stockholm to -12°C (10°F) in Haparanda in the north. In July, the warmest month, the temperatures average 18°C (64°F) in Stockholm, and a slightly cooler 15°C (59°F) in Haparanda. The proportion of daylight hours increases in summer and decreases in winter as the latitude becomes more northerly. One-seventh of Sweden lies north of the Arctic Circle. The region experiences continuous daylight for about two months in summer and continuous darkness for about two months in winter.Sweden averages about 535 millimeters (about 21 inches) of rain annually, most of which falls in late summer. Rainfall is heaviest in the southwest and in the mountains along the Norwegian border. Heavy snows are common in central and northern Sweden.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
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Sweden has made great strides in reducing sources of acid rain in its own country, but most of the acid deposition originates abroad and widely affects the lakes and forests. Farm runoff of nitrogen is causing serious problems of eutrophication in the North and Baltic seas, as well as in many of Sweden’s lakes. The country relies on nuclear power for much of its energy, although it has recently decided to phase out all nuclear power by the year 2010. Sweden has an ambitious environmental protection program and was the first country to introduce a carbon tax. It also has a sulfur tax and has managed to cut sulfur dioxide emissions by more than two-thirds since the early 1970s.

GEOGRAFY
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Skåne, a province in southern Sweden, comprises the counties of Malmöhus and Kristianstads. Skåne is separated from Denmark by the narrow Øresund (Öresund in Swedish) strait in the west and is bounded by the Baltic Sea to the south and east. Skåne has low hills and extensive open stretches of farmland, and is Sweden’s most fertile farming region. Agricultural products include meat, grain, potatoes, eggs, and milk. Industry, commerce, and trade dominate the coastal and inland urban centers. Skåne is one of Sweden’s most populous regions. Principal cities include Malmö, the provincial capital; Helsingborg; and Lund. Lund has a 12th-century cathedral and is the location of the University of Lund, established in 1666. Ferry links connect Skåne with Denmark and Germany.The earliest evidence of migration into the region dates from the Stone Age. During the Bronze Age, close ties were established between the inhabitants of present-day Skåne and the inhabitants of present-day Denmark. The area became part of the Danish kingdom in the 9th century. Following intermittent peasant uprisings against Danish rule, Sweden annexed the province in 1658. In subsequent centuries, Skåne became fully integrated into Sweden’s economic, social, and political life.

LANGUAGE
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The Swedes speak Swedish, a Germanic language related to Danish, Norwegian, and Icelandic that emerged as a distinct language around the 10th century. The Saami speak their own language, and the large Finnish minority speaks Finnish. Many people also speak English. Studying English is compulsory from the latter part of primary school throughout secondary school.

GOVERNMENT
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Sweden is a constitutional monarchy. King Carl XVI Gustaf, a descendant of the Bernadotte dynasty, has ruled since 1973. His duties are mainly ceremonial. The head of government is the prime minister, who is nominated by the speaker of the Riksdag (parliament) and then confirmed by a vote of the entire Riksdag. The 349 members of the Riksdag are elected for four-year terms. Municipal courts handle local affairs. The voting age is 18. Immigrants can vote in local elections after residing in the country for three years, but citizenship is required to vote in national elections.

ECONOMY
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Sweden’s economy is the largest of the Scandinavian countries. The gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is one of the highest in the world. The country depends heavily on imported oil but has many other natural resources, including timber, iron ore, water power, copper, zinc, lead, silver, and uranium. The industrial base is broad, and major exports include machinery, cars, transportation equipment, wood products (including pulp and paper), chemicals, iron, and steel.In 1991 Sweden entered its most severe recession since World War II, and growth that year and in 1992 was negative. To turn the economy around, the government has attempted to cut back on the high costs of social-welfare provisions and has put more emphasis on the private sector and the free market. Sweden entered the European Union (EU) in January 1995, and further European integration will also boost trade. The currency is the Swedish krona.

EDUCATION
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Sweden’s spending per pupil is one of the highest in the world. Preschool education starts at around age three or four. This is followed, at age six or seven, by a free and compulsory program that lasts for nine years. More than 90 percent of students completing the final year of compulsory school apply for upper secondary school. As a result of legislation passed in 1991, extensive changes in upper secondary schooling were fully implemented in 1995 and 1996. Students can now choose between two university-preparatory high school programs and 14 vocational programs, which range from child care and recreation to building and construction. There are more than 30 institutions of further education providing both vocational and academic training at no cost to students. There is also an extensive adult education program.