For more information see the Sweden profile.

Sweden is a Scandinavian nation covered by mountains and forests. It has a prosperous industrial economy based on timber, iron ore, and water power. The nation is famous for its extensive social security system, but the people pay for governmental care with some of the highest taxes in the world.

Sweden has been independent since 1523. It was once one of the most powerful nations in Europe, controlling much of Scandinavia. Sweden remained neutral in foreign affairs for 175 years, a policy that kept it out of both world wars. In 1995 that policy ended, as Sweden joined the European Union.

Sweden has religious freedom, but the Lutheran Church is the state church, and all citizens are registered as Lutherans unless they request otherwise. Though most of the population was born "Christian", 95% seldom or never attend church.