Five reasons to move to Sweden
At one point in our lives, we all consider moving to another country. With nations bordering every 600 miles or so, Europe offers more opportunities than anywhere else in the world. Sweden is a modern, liberal country with comprehensive social policies, yet it has some of the most beautiful scenery. While their national language might not be the most widespread – prata svenska? – most of the population speak perfect English so you can actually live there for years without learning the local vocabulary (not that you should!). But let’s take a look at what makes Sweden great.
Nature
The first national parks in Europe were created in Sweden in the early 1900s. The country now boasts 30 national parks, over 4,000 nature reserves and is a world leader in the preservation of wildlife and the natural world. If you’re environmentally conscious and want to live somewhere where each person regards protecting nature as their responsibility, you can broaden your ecological knowledge, explore a country that’s accessible to everyone – thanks to Allemansrätten, the right to roam – and enjoy some of Sweden’s glorious landscapes.
The weather and the food
Despite what you might think, Sweden has a relatively mild climate, with warmer seasons depending on where you are along the coastline. Although in the north, the winters are colder and longer with a good covering of snow, the south of gets very little and the temperatures in July and August are similar to those seen in most British summers. That’s a good thing because August is the month when Swedes host their traditional crayfish parties – Kräftskiva – celebrating this national delicacy on warm summer evenings. In fact, Swedish cuisine encompasses a whole range of foods that relate the country’s history and traditions of foraging and fishing, as well everyone’s classic family meatball recipe – there are also plenty of delicious sweet treats to enjoy, particularly during your daily fika.
Fun activities
Fika is not just taking a moment to drink a cup of coffee. It’s a reflective, often social time in the day where people consciously make time to take a break. The Allemansrätten also keeps people outdoors all year round; there are over 100 ski resorts to choose from in the winter and plenty of foraging opportunities in Spring and Simmer.
Sweden can boast the best benefits in the world
The work-life balance in Sweden must be the envy of many. Though taxes are high, the gains are too, with affordable health care, free education for EU/EEA citizens, generous parental leave for both female and male workers who choose to have children and city transport networks that work – and help to keep cars off the road. This health and green-conscious country also runs off more than 50% renewable energy and has one of the fastest internet connections in Europe.
A wonderful (and equal) social system
Sweden has a great reputation, particularly in its attitude towards gender equality in the workplace and in society. Women represent a good proportion of employees in government agencies and management roles across various sectors – though their numbers do fluctuate from year to year. The nation’s childcare system is one of the best in the world, with free daycare available and ever-evolving practices to improve the quality and meet the needs of children in their early education. In Sweden, the focus is for everyone to collaborate and contribute towards the social system and therefore all can benefit from it.
The editorial unit
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