Description: Perfect as the basis for reports, this on-going series describes major world nations and their unique positions in the world community. Each book covers the title nation's geography, climate, terrain, natural resources, urban environments, history, governmental structure, economy (including agriculture and industry), transportation systems, arts, life styles, and leisure activities. Each book ends with a chapter on the nation's potential and future.

Situated in the Scandinavian peninsula at the northern end of Europe, Sweden is a prosperous country with a history that begins with evidence of inhabitation from 10,000 B.C. From around the ninth century Swedish Vikings along with those from Norway and Denmark started to impose their presence into the heart of Russia and along the coasts of Western Europe as far south as Italy. A royal dynasty developed by the 12th century and Sweden boasted of an empire in the Baltic region by the mid 17th century. Practicing a policy of neutrality during the 20th century World Wars I and II, Sweden has nevertheless recently joined the European Union although there is some concern about complete participation. Half of the land is covered by forest, and another third is mountainous or covered by lakes and marshes, so farming, which is largely dairy, is on a small scale. Forests have provided wood and paper for export, but there is also an active industrial sector that produces furniture, cars, and telecommunications equipment. The simplicity of Swedish design is admired worldwide, and the nation has a vibrant cultural presence in Europe consisting of literature, music, dance, and folk arts.

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