I spent my winter break in Scandinavia. I accumulated some interesting tidbits along the way…
- Weather Extremes
Northern Sweden experiences two unique phenomena that only occur above the Arctic Circle: the Midnight Sun and Polar Night.
The Midnight Sun occurs during the months of April to August (depending on the exact region) and this is when the sun never sets below the horizon, resulting in unlimited daylight.
The Polar Night occurs during the months of approximately December to January and this is when the sun never rises above the horizon, resulting in pervasive darkness.
- Interesting Words
Swedes are known for enjoying high-quality lifestyles, and this is reflected in their vocabulary.
The most famous word is Fika. Fika is a concept and official time of day where friends and family take a break together, usually spent drinking a warm beverage and a pastry.
Another unique word is Lagom. This means moderation or balance; not having too little or too much of something.
- Best Northern Lights Sightseeing
Abisko, a village located far up the Swedish Lapland, boasts one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.
This is due to the barely detectable light pollution and climate that keeps the skies clear for viewing.
- One of the Largest Music Industries
According to Export Music Sweden’s 2020 report, Sweden had the second highest export ratio after the USA. Their quantity of music production beat the U.K.!
Recognizable artists include ABBA, Max Martin, Zara Larsson, Avicii, Alesso, and Icona Pop.
Furthermore, Spotify began as a start-up in Stockholm by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon.
- Biggest amongst Nordic Countries
Sweden is not only the biggest country in Scandinavia, but Stockholm is the biggest city amongst all Nordic countries, which includes Norway, Denmark, and Finland.
Bonus fun fact: Stockholm syndrome was coined in 1973 after a bank robbery in Stockholm, where “a rather relaxed relationship” unfolded between the captors and the captives.
- One of the Best Countries for Gender Equality
Sweden is highly ranked by numerous global organizations for their gender equality initiatives and progress.
The government employs several programs and organizations to ensure equal opportunities between genders and the gender pay gap is significantly less than many other countries.
As far as family life, working parents receive the same rights and obligations and Sweden offers generous maternity leave as well.
- Their Recycling Game is on Point
Sweden is at the forefront of sustainability with its successful recycling programs that actually take in waste from other countries like Denmark.
- Home of the Nobel Prizes
Each year, the King of Sweden awards Nobel Prize recipients during December at the Stockholm Concert Hall.
- You Can Visit the Renowned ICEHotel
The world’s first and largest hotel made of all ice is located in Kiruna, Sweden. Every year, the hotel is created from the Torne River that takes about six weeks to construct.
- Their Donald Duck Obsession
While the rest of the world focuses their attention on Mickey Mouse, Sweden actually favors Donald Duck.
It is a tradition that on Christmas Eve, the family gathers to watch a program starting Donald Duck!
And there you have it! 10 fun facts about this unique, beautiful country.
I really enjoyed visiting Sweden in the winter and would love to visit again in the warmer months!
If you are interested, be sure to check out my article on the Best Bakeries in Stockholm before you go!
Tack!
gottacaseofwanderlust 
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