Sweden
Sweden, formally the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Nordic country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. It borders Norway to the west and north, and Finland to the east. Sweden is the largest Nordic country and the fifth largest country in Europe. The capital and largest city is Stockholm. Sweden has a population just over 10 million, and a low population density. Sweden is the twelfth richest country in the world in terms of GDP (gross domestic product) per capita and a high standard of living is experienced by its citizens. The country ranks among the highest for telephone and Internet access penetration. Sweden was the first country in the world to outlaw corporal punishment of children by their parents. Sweden is currently leading the EU in statistics measuring equality in the political system and equality in the education system. The Global Gender Gap Report 2006 ranked Sweden as the number one country in terms of gender equality.
Sweden is one of the best countries in the world to have a free education system. Children aged 1 to 5 years old are guaranteed a place in a public kindergarten. Between the ages of 6 and 16, children attend compulsory comprehensive school. School lunch is free for all students in Sweden. After completing the ninth grade, about 90% of the students continue with a three year upper secondary school which can lead to both a job qualification and entrance eligibility to university. English has been a compulsory subject for all Swedish students since the late 1940s. Almost 90% of Swedes have the ability to understand and speak English, due to the relative similarity of the two languages.
Sweden has one of the most highly developed welfare states in the world. Healthcare in Sweden is similar in quality to other developed nations. Sweden ranks in the top five countries with respect to low infant mortality. It also ranks high in life expectancy and in safe drinking water. Healthcare in Sweden is universal for all citizens, and decentralized. The health care system in Sweden is financed primarily through taxes levied by regional councils and municipalities. A total of 21 councils are in charge of primary and hospital care within the country. Every Swedish resident receives a state pension. Swedish Pensions Agency is responsible for pensions. People who have worked in Sweden, but relocated to another country, can also receive the Swedish pension.
