Sweden Nutz and Bolts

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Country: Sweden
Where is it: Sweden is located in northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway.
Why do people go here: The most populated of the Nordic countries, Sweden manages to embrace modernization (it is one of the most socially progressive countries in the world, with a very high standard of living) while maintaining it's old-world charms. Sweden's capital, Stockholm, is a vibrant center for the country, while its costal opposite, Gothenburg, is popular with those who favor a slower pace.
What are the main entry points: Most travelers, especially those with Eurail passes, take a ferry from Copenhagen to the West Coast. Ferry travel from Helsinki to Stockholm is also popular.
Currency used: Swedish krona
Country Code for Phones: 46
Area codes for Major Cities: Stockholm 8
Religion: Lutheran 87%, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist
Population: 8.9 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Indigenous population: Swedes and Finnish and Sami minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Languages: Swedish with small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities
Major Cities: Stockholm
Attractions: Skiing, Fjords, Stockholm
Accommodation: Sweden Hostels, Sweden Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: Sweden- Swedish Tourist Board Sverigehuset-Kungstradgarden Box 7473 S-103 92 Stockholm, Sweden +46-8-7892000;; FAX +46-8-213555; Stockholm //www.alltomstockholm.se/
Off-the-Beaten-Path:
Health Issues: No vaccines are required to enter Sweden. Health care is on par with the rest of Europe and the U.S.
When to go: Like the rest of the Nordic countries, summer is the most popular time to visit. Everything is open and the roads are clear.
Common Phrases: Yes = Ja, No = Nej, Please = Behaga, Thank you = Tack sj�lv, Do you speak English? = Vill du tala Engelsk?
Specific Events/Holidays: Flag Day, 6 June
Getting Around: There is an extensive ferry system connecting Sweden with other Nordic countries, and established train routes are also in place. Eurail is valid in Sweden. Buses are a better option in the North. There are also extensive bike trails throughout the country.
Good to know:


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