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Sweden is the largest and most populous of the Nordic countries and has a roughly 1,000-year-long continuous history as a sovereign state.

It rose from backwardness and poverty into a highly developed post-industrial society, with a standard of living and life expectancy that rank among the highest in the world.

So let's take a closer look at how this constitutional monarchy looks today.

We at Bored Panda put together a list of photos that paint a pretty accurate picture of Sweden's land, people, and culture, so continue scrolling to check out just how unique it is. Just beware, you can also end up opening a new browser tab and buying some plane tickets...

#1

A Pharmacy I Stumbled Across In Stockholm. It Has Been A Pharmacy Since The 1800s And Maintained The Original Decor

A Pharmacy I Stumbled Across In Stockholm. It Has Been A Pharmacy Since The 1800s And Maintained The Original Decor

lightbulb663 Report

#2

What Is This, A Record Store For Mice? Well Yes It Is And Someone Built It Yesterday In The Swedish Town Of Lund

What Is This, A Record Store For Mice? Well Yes It Is And Someone Built It Yesterday In The Swedish Town Of Lund

socialdistanzing Report

Roughly the same size as California, Sweden is usually divided into three regions: to the north is Norrland, the vast mountain and forest region; in central Sweden is Svealand, an expanse of lowland in the east and highland in the west; and in the south is Götaland, which includes the Småland highlands and, at the southern extremity, the small but rich plains of Skåne.

The Swedish coastline is mostly rocky, with hundreds of small, sometimes wooded islands. Ground by glacial ice in the same direction, they share a common rounded shape. This type of coast, known as skärgård, is found in both the east and the west, especially around Stockholm and Gothenburg.

#4

In Sweden, We Get A Text Message When Our Blood Has Helped A Patient. This Is My 3rd Time Donating

In Sweden, We Get A Text Message When Our Blood Has Helped A Patient. This Is My 3rd Time Donating

cjsweden Report

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#5

Stockholm Underground Stations Look Like Mystic Caves

Stockholm Underground Stations Look Like Mystic Caves

flarfoster Report

About 15 percent of the country lies within the Arctic Circle, so from about late May until mid-July, sunlight lasts around the clock north of the Arctic Circle, but, even as far south as Stockholm, the nights during this period have only a few hours of semidarkness.

In mid-December, on the other hand, Stockholm experiences only about 5.5 hours of daylight, and areas in the far north remain in nearly 20 hours of total darkness, relieved by a mere 4 hours of twilight.

#8

This "No Cars Allowed" Sign In Sweden

This "No Cars Allowed" Sign In Sweden

Crispiann Report

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#9

Nappies In Sweden Have A Father On The Packaging

Nappies In Sweden Have A Father On The Packaging

caspii2 Report

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The north-to-south extension of the country and the higher elevation of the northern part creates regional differences in winter climate.

The northern interior receives heavy snowfall for up to eight months of the year and has severe temperatures that drop as low as −22 to −40 °F (−30 to −40 °C).

The average January temperature in Haparanda, for example, at the head of the Gulf of Bothnia is 10 °F (−12 °C). Sea ice covers the Gulf of Bothnia from November to May. But in southern Sweden, snowfall is irregular and the average January temperatures range between 23 and 32 °F (−5 and 0 °C). Coastal waters seldom freeze.

Summer temperatures in the country vary far less, although summer is much shorter in the north.

#10

Rare Phenomenon Called Nacreous Clouds. They Are Formed High Up In The Atmosphere, At An Altitude Of 30 Kilometers. The Picture Is Taken In Jamtland, Sweden

Rare Phenomenon Called Nacreous Clouds. They Are Formed High Up In The Atmosphere, At An Altitude Of 30 Kilometers. The Picture Is Taken In Jamtland, Sweden

DiggaNog Report

#11

Shopping Carts In Sweden Have A Map Of The Supermarket

Shopping Carts In Sweden Have A Map Of The Supermarket

caspii2 , hugowalldan Report

#12

A Stand For Bikers To Hold On To While Waiting For The Traffic Lights In Sweden

A Stand For Bikers To Hold On To While Waiting For The Traffic Lights In Sweden

medmik Report

#13

In Sweden They Sell Chocolate Next To Pads

In Sweden They Sell Chocolate Next To Pads

fhcm_ Report

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Although different groups of immigrants have influenced Swedish culture through the centuries, the population has been quite homogeneous, both ethnically and religiously.

It's only since World War II that notable change has occurred. From 1970 to the early 1990s, net immigration accounted for about three-fourths of the country's population growth, and by far, most of the outsiders came from the neighboring Nordic countries, with which Sweden shares a common labor market.

#14

This Is A "Wall Of Kindness" In Stockholm, Sweden. Where People Can Leave Clothes, And Take Clothes If They Need Them, During The Cold Months Of Winter

This Is A "Wall Of Kindness" In Stockholm, Sweden. Where People Can Leave Clothes, And Take Clothes If They Need Them, During The Cold Months Of Winter

Anorcrakna Report

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censorshipsucks
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am surprised by the english title. Anyway, the swedish reads: "take one jacket if you need (behoove) - give one jacket if you have over". If you only speak english, try learn swedish, it's very similar.

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#15

Some Mice Have Opened A Miniature Shop (70 X 30 Cm) In Malmö, Sweden

Some Mice Have Opened A Miniature Shop (70 X 30 Cm) In Malmö, Sweden

EbaySweden Report

#16

Sweden Has The Largest Scale Model Of The Solar System In The World Stretching 950km Across The Country

Sweden Has The Largest Scale Model Of The Solar System In The World Stretching 950km Across The Country

Einarspetz , j0be Report

#17

Øresund Bridge Tunnel, Connecting Sweden To Denmark

Øresund Bridge Tunnel, Connecting Sweden To Denmark

Øresundsbron Report

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Dorte Høgh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Denmark, the other side of the bridge/tunnel. We call people from Sweden and Norway, our brothers❤

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In the 1980s, Sweden began to receive an increasing number of asylum seekers from Asia and Africa, including countries such as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey, Eritrea, and Somalia, as well as from Latin America that were suffering under repressive governments.

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Then, from 2010 to 2014, the number of people seeking asylum in Sweden expanded dramatically, reaching more than 80,000 in 2014, and that number doubled to more than 160,000 in 2015. Thus, by 2016, one in six Swedish residents had been born outside the country, and Sweden, experiencing the mass influx of migrants, enacted new and more stringent immigration restrictions.

#18

Venue In Sweden Called Dalhalla. Made From An Old Quarry

Venue In Sweden Called Dalhalla. Made From An Old Quarry

dalhalla , sofievandevreede Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well that's a positive spin on a large manmade hole in the ground. Lol

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#19

Twinkies And Pop-Tarts In Swedish "Disgusting Food Museum"

Twinkies And Pop-Tarts In Swedish "Disgusting Food Museum"

its_zara Report

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Birdy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I assume it has never been replaced and is still as 'fresh' as it was when it was first displayed - yeeks!

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#20

In Sweden Trees Can Send Texts When They Need Water Using An Implanted Moisture Sensor

In Sweden Trees Can Send Texts When They Need Water Using An Implanted Moisture Sensor

Helsingborgs stad Report

#21

“Vapenkassuns” Are Armories Scattered Across Sweden In The Event That The USSR Would Ever Attack

“Vapenkassuns” Are Armories Scattered Across Sweden In The Event That The USSR Would Ever Attack

Civil commanders would open the caches and grab weapons, armor, supplies, etc to enact “total defense” and protect Sweden.

Calle Eklund Report

Whether we're talking about IKEA or even H&M, Swedish design is one of the country's main exports and has permeated the world consciousness in the last century.

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It is known for its emphasis on sustainability and functionality; Swedes like things to look good, but they also like to keep it simple.

But if you're visiting Sweden and want to bring back a little local design with you, look out for more unique finds from local artists, interior designers, and smaller fashion labels. In Stockholm, you can visit the Design District located in the trendy Södermalm neighborhood.

#23

This Is A Solitary Confinement Cell From The Toughest Prison In Sweden

This Is A Solitary Confinement Cell From The Toughest Prison In Sweden

roadhogmainOW Report

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Anna Nowak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah but it works. Scandinavian countries have lowest recidivism rate in Europe (if not in the World). Yet we still believe that prison life should be as gard and traumatising as possible, while it is proven that once you go to prison you can never get your life fully on track.

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#24

A Complaints Drop-Off Box For The City Of Gothenburg, Sweden

A Complaints Drop-Off Box For The City Of Gothenburg, Sweden

Spikas Report

#25

Here's A Picture Of What Swedish Fika Looks Like. Fika Is A Concept In Swedish Culture That Means "To Have Coffee, Cake, And Chit-Chat"

Here's A Picture Of What Swedish Fika Looks Like. Fika Is A Concept In Swedish Culture That Means "To Have Coffee, Cake, And Chit-Chat"

It's a big part of the culture and most companies have two daily Fika breaks at 9 am and 3 pm.

PM-ME-UGLY-SELFIES Report

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Francis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kaffeeklatsch in german (coffee talk in englisch, klönschnack in the north of germany) :D

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However, if you do not have the opportunity to go to Sweden, there is a way you can enjoy it at home. Well, kinda.

Swedish-produced or Swedish-written songs (including top British and American hits) have been entering the charts across the world for years.

Ever since their win at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, ABBA has paved the way for more Swedish acts, including Roxette, Robyn, Lykke Li, Avicii, and more.

So if you want to experience something Nordic, you can start with their work!

#26

Spotted In Sweden

Spotted In Sweden

DrKingAce Report

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Mistiekim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What material are these made of? I’d plant some around my city if possible.

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#27

3,500-Year-Old Petroglyphs Found In Tanum, Sweden. Some Of The Carvings Are Boats, Animals, People And Mythological Creatures

3,500-Year-Old Petroglyphs Found In Tanum, Sweden. Some Of The Carvings Are Boats, Animals, People And Mythological Creatures

kajola1969 , 97randomaccount Report

#28

Mchive, Sweden: The World's Smallest McDonald's Aims To Save Bees

Mchive, Sweden: The World's Smallest McDonald's Aims To Save Bees

NORD DDB Report

#29

Trainy Mctrainface, Christened Today In Gothenburg, Sweden

Trainy Mctrainface, Christened Today In Gothenburg, Sweden

Peanutcat4 , AndraSteinbeck Report

#30

A Beautiful Afternoon Above The Swedish West Coast. Gullholmen, Sweden

A Beautiful Afternoon Above The Swedish West Coast. Gullholmen, Sweden

airpixels Report

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#31

The Air Vents On A Subway In Stockholm Have A Hidden Pacman Easter Egg

The Air Vents On A Subway In Stockholm Have A Hidden Pacman Easter Egg

Oluge2009 , toothie23 Report

#32

The Only Taxidermied Blue Whale In The World Located In Gothenburg, Sweden

The Only Taxidermied Blue Whale In The World Located In Gothenburg, Sweden

A couple got caught “making love” inside the creature, so now they open the mouth only on special occasions.

Göteborgs Naturhistoriska Museum Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess that was a "special occasion" too. Lol....also why would you of all places.

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#33

The Guardians

The Guardians

At a campsite in Näsåker, Sweden, these figures can be seen sitting around a fire (at night a lamp with an orange glow can be seen in the campfire).
They are called "Väktarna" which means "The Guardians".

Warvillage Report

#34

Järnpojke, A Little Boy Looking At The Moon, The Smallest Public Monument In Stockholm At 15 Centemeters (5.9 Inches). Created By Liss Eriksson

Järnpojke, A Little Boy Looking At The Moon, The Smallest Public Monument In Stockholm At 15 Centemeters (5.9 Inches). Created By Liss Eriksson

OpPieter Claerhouttrix Report

#35

Coolest Hotel Ever. Report From An Ice Hotel, Which Turns Out To Be Less Boring Than I Expected

Coolest Hotel Ever. Report From An Ice Hotel, Which Turns Out To Be Less Boring Than I Expected

uspn Report

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Auntriarch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bloody love this place, I've been 3 times, and have every intention of going again

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#36

This McDonalds In Sweden Has A "McSki", Instead Of A Drive Thru. In Fact, It’s The Only One

This McDonalds In Sweden Has A "McSki", Instead Of A Drive Thru. In Fact, It’s The Only One

fabbe_r , Per-Olof Forsberg Report

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Courtney i
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Half Moon Bay in California there used to be a fast food place (Taco Bell I think) with only a walk-through (no drive thru) for surfers.

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#37

Santa Has A Reserved Parking Spot At This IKEA In Sweden

Santa Has A Reserved Parking Spot At This IKEA In Sweden

Eleeas Report

#38

Bus Stop In Sweden. Talk About Personal Space

Bus Stop In Sweden. Talk About Personal Space

Smiix Report

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Aryaan Kasi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah well . They aren't really that into strangers. They mind their own business which makes it one of the places i want to move to

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#40

Treehotel - Unique Treerooms With Contemporary Design In The Nature In Harads, Near The Lule River, Sweden

Treehotel - Unique Treerooms With Contemporary Design In The Nature In Harads, Near The Lule River, Sweden

treehotel Report

#41

Hanging In A Pizzeria In Stockholm, Sweden

Hanging In A Pizzeria In Stockholm, Sweden

JPPM Report

#42

In Sweden, If You Work For The State For 30 Years You Receive A Gold Medal

In Sweden, If You Work For The State For 30 Years You Receive A Gold Medal

Etroutha Report

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Mimi La Souris
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

real gold ? because in France, we also have one for 20, 30, 35 and 40 years of work, but it is certainly not gold :D

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#43

University Of Uppsala's Anatomical Theatre Where Bodies Were Dissected In Front Of An Audience (Built In 1663, Sweden)

University Of Uppsala's Anatomical Theatre Where Bodies Were Dissected In Front Of An Audience (Built In 1663, Sweden)

kaaattttt Report

#44

Sweden Has Started Selling Portable Ashtrays That Completely Seal And Don’t Smell At Local Gas Stations To Minimize Littering

Sweden Has Started Selling Portable Ashtrays That Completely Seal And Don’t Smell At Local Gas Stations To Minimize Littering

B00NSH Report

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#45

In Sweden We Celebrate Something We Call Midsommar On Friday 19th (Midsummer)

In Sweden We Celebrate Something We Call Midsommar On Friday 19th (Midsummer)

RedditBeacon , thereslikenousernamesleft Report

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Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is actually a public holiday, which appears to be the nearest Friday to the solstice, rather than actually being Midsummer's Day.

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#47

Valborg In Stockholm. Large Bonfires Are Lit Across The Country As Symbols Of The Passing Of Winter And The Approach To Spring

Valborg In Stockholm. Large Bonfires Are Lit Across The Country As Symbols Of The Passing Of Winter And The Approach To Spring

mkj.fotografi Report

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Edward Shaw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately there is a end of term tradition in Sweden where a vast amount of cars are set ablaze.

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#48

Sweden Has Baby Stroller Parking Spots

Sweden Has Baby Stroller Parking Spots

stowka Report

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Gaya Knust
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, this is brilliant! And I bet people don't have to worry about it being stolen.

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#49

This Art Installation In A Subway Entrance In Sweden

This Art Installation In A Subway Entrance In Sweden

Swee_et Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whenever I see these things I always feel like my country is sooo boring and bland.

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#50

There Is A Tradition In Malmö, Limhamn Where Divers Put Down These Clowns And Other Stuff Just To Mess With The New Divers

There Is A Tradition In Malmö, Limhamn Where Divers Put Down These Clowns And Other Stuff Just To Mess With The New Divers

Relevant_Ad6589 Report

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Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Top-right looks like it was modelled on our Prime Minister, BoJo!

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Note: this post originally had 108 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.