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Sweden flag

Country Overview
Sweden is the largest of the 'three fingers' of Scandinavia. Slightly larger than the state of California, Sweden is on almost the same latitude as Alaska. Lucky for the Swedes, they get a warming influence from the Gulf. The forests, which cover nearly half the country, and the 100,000 lakes make Sweden a land of natural beauty.

The population of Sweden is 8.9 million. One million of those live in the capital city of Stockholm. Although the population is primarily Swedish (90%), there are also Finns (3%), the Sami (15%), and immigrant groups. (The native population, the Sami, is sometimes referred to as 'Lapps' outside Sweden, but this term is actually considered derogatory so it is best avoided.)

The government of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy. The King, Carl XVI Gustaf, who has ruled since 1973, has primarily ceremonial duties. The Royal Family includes the King, Queen Silvia, Crownprincess Victoria (the heir apparent), Princess Madeleine, and Prince Filip. Most Swedes regard the Royal Family as a proud symbol of Sweden and its historic heritage.

Real power lies with the Riksdag (parliament), led by an elected prime minister. Elections are held every four years and all citizens of at least eighteen years of age may vote.

The official language of Sweden is Swedish, but many other languages are spoken. Immigrant children are instructed in their native languages, while being taught Swedish as well. Finns and the Sami continue to speak their languages. English is commonly spoken as a second language.

The Swedish language has a sing-song, gentle quality. Ask your exchange student to teach you to say: 'Godmorgon, har du sovit gott?' Your student will appreciate being asked, 'Good morning, have you slept well?' in the morning.

The landscape of Sweden varies by region. The southwest coast borders the Baltic Sea and is very rocky. The southeast archipelago, however, consists of numerous fjords (narrow inlet of the sea between two cliffs) and skerries (small rocky isles). The northern 60% of the country known as Norrland is sparsely populated, except for trees. In by-gone days, people believed Norrland to be the home of trolls and gnomes. Moose, deer, and fox are commonly found throughout Sweden.

Sweden is one of the most industrialized countries in Europe. Major industries include timber, iron, vehicles (Those Saabs and Volvos you see on the road are made with Swedish pride), communications, and ball bearings. Popular IKEA furniture is another successful export. Swedish currency is the Krona.

Other successful exports include popular music (ABBA, The Hives, Sierra Hotnights) and the works of Astrid Lingren (creator of Pippi Longstocking), Ingmar Bergman, and August Strindberg.

While many of these products can be found easily in the States, students will probably miss the food, which has not invaded to the same degree. Many students report missing candy, including salted licorice and chocolate, and cheese.

Although teenagers tend to eat similarly in many cultures nowadays, you will notice differences. A typical Swedish breakfast, for example, would consist of a cup of hot tea and two open-faced sandwiches with cheese topped with sliced cucumber or a layer of marmalade. Students generally eat a cooked meal at school for lunch. The family eats dinner together around 6:00. A typical dinner would be lamb chops with potatoes, salad, and a glass of milk. Pasta with a white sauce and salmon is another popular entrÈe. Junk food consumption is more regulated in Sweden Most teenagers choose fruit or an open-faced sandwich for a snack.

Swedish teenagers, like American teenagers, have also become conscious of animal rights issues, and it has become common for students to become vegetarian. These teenagers often cook their own meals.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and pancakes with syrup will be new taste experiences for Swedish exchange students. Most teenagers will be familiar with American cuisine and be enthusiastic to try new things.

School
Education is considered very important in Sweden. Illiteracy is virtually unknown. The Swedish government spends more money per pupil than most other countries. Students attend the public school system for nine years, beginning at age seven. All education is free and one free meal is provided each day. Although compulsory education ends at age sixteen, there are a number of vocational and academic opportunities for continued education. Sweden boasts over thirty institutions of higher education, and tuition is free. Loans are even available for living expenses.

The Swedish gymnasium (high school) offers only theoretical subjects and few extra-curricular activities. The close interaction between students and teachers and the studentsí involvement in school activities will probably surprise your student.

Swedish students do their homework in the evening, generally for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Students are used to being responsible for doing their work, rather than having their parents constantly reminding them to do it.

Swedish students often spend some time travelling or working after finishing their studies. About 10% decide to pursue university studies, a number that is steadily increasing.

Teenagers
Many Swedish teenagers have been away from home before. They may have attended a language camp for a month in England, Spain, France, or Germany. They are accustomed to a large degree of independence.

Exchange students generally find the greatest difference in living with an American family is the manner of rules and discipline. Adapting to the altered sense of independence will probably be a difficult transition for your student.

Swedish teenagers are accustomed to reasoning and discussing with their parents and setting 'rules' that are more like mutual agreements. Curfews are often flexible, depending on the particular situation. Teenagers are expected to be home around 10:00 p.m. on school nights and sometimes past 12:00 a.m. on Saturdays. Parents will often accept a phone call from a teen and grant a curfew extension.

As for dating, Swedish teenagers do much the same things as American teenagers. They start to date when they are about 15-16 years old. The drinking age is 18, but many teenagers get alcohol through older friends and are used to drinking.

Community
Movies are very popular in Sweden. They are a good remedy for the long dark evenings in wintertime. Most teenagers spend one or two hours per night watching TV.

Business hours in Sweden are Monday-Friday, 10am to 6pm.

Stores are open for a few hours around lunchtime on Saturdays, and usually closed on Sundays.

Sweden is not a very religious country. Almost all Swedes belong to the Lutheran church, but attendance is low. The American tradition of belonging to a church community and attending church on Sunday will be new for your exchange student.

The driving age in Sweden is 18 years old public transportation is extensive in Sweden and allows teenagers to get around easily without relying on family and older friends for rides. They may be frustrated by American public transportation.

The Family
Most Swedish teenagers are used to having both parents working. Consequently, they know how to care for themselves and be independent.

Swedish families share housework and teenagers are expected to their share. Teenagers clean their bedrooms, look after younger siblings, take out the garbage, put dishes away, and fold/iron laundry, much like most American teenagers are required to do. Many teenagers work during school breaks in order to earn extra pocket money.

After graduating from gymnasium (high school), teenagers either continue to live at home for another year and pay their parents for part of the cost of living, or they move to an apartment of their own as soon as they get a job. Others continue their education at university.

Customs
Swedes greet each other with the word, 'Hej,' and either a hug (when they know each other well) or a handshake.

Your student will most likely be relieved if you introduce yourself as what you would like to be called (e.g. by your first name, etc.).
When speaking, eye contact is important. Hand gestures are limited.

In Sweden, praise and compliments are not commonly heard.

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