Education
Organized higher education in Sweden dates from the late 15th century, when the first, and perhaps most influential, Swedish university was founded in 1477 in Uppsala. Other Swedish universities which received international recognition were founded at Lund (1666), Stockholm (1877), and Göteborg (1891). Additional important institutions of higher learning include the Royal Institute of Technology (1827), the Stockholm School of Economics (1909), and the Karolinska Institute (1810), a medical college that annually awards the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine; all are located in Stockholm. A more unified system of higher education was established by a law enacted in 1977.
The Swedish system of gymnastic instruction, as developed by the Swedish teacher Pehr Henrik Ling at the Royal Gymnastic Central Institute (1813), now the College of Physical Education in Stockholm, influenced international education. This system changed gymnastics instruction, especially in Germany, but also in other countries. Another Swedish contribution to international education was the development of methods for teaching sloyd, a system of manual training based on training in woodworking.
In 1842 education in Sweden was made free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 7 and 14 years. The school system consisted of infant schools (7 to 9 years old) and elementary schools (9 to 14 years old). Children who did not attend public schools were required to provide evidence of private education. The Education Act of 1950 basically changed Swedish education by abandoning the traditional two-track (university preparation and vocational education) school system of Europe and instituting the comprehensive, unitary system typical of the United States. The goal of this law was to “bridge the old gaps between social classes” and to enable each individual to develop all potentialities. The success of this educational reform inspired similar reforms in other countries.
Economy
The Economy of Sweden is modern and highly industrialised. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labor force. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Main industries include motor vehicles, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and forestry.
Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole of the 20th century, Sweden has achieved an excellent standard of living under a mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. The country is known for its high taxes and large public sector. Sweden has the second highest total tax revenue behind Denmark, as a share of the country's income. As of 2007, total tax revenue was 47.8% of GDP, down from 49.1% 2006.
Climate
Sweden’s climate varies from north to south, but in general it is temperate due to the offshore Gulf Stream waters. Winters are very cold, particularly in the north where days are shorter and heavy frosts and bountiful snowfalls can be expected. Summers are warm and pleasant.
Stockholm has a moderate climate, with mild temperatures in both winter and summer. In winter, temperatures range from about 19°F to 36°F (-7°C to 2°C) and average temperatures in summer range between 68°F and 77°F (20°C-25°C), though sometimes higher. Snowfall usually occurs from January to March. Rainfall can occur throughout the year, though July and August tend to be the wettest months.
List of Universities in SWEDEN
North America
North America
GRE
