The Basics:Politics & Economy Harbored in the far northern reaches of Europe, Sweden has long been at the center of the international debate for its “middle way” economic strategies and generous social policies. - Swedes have achieved a high standard of living thanks to a mix of high-tech capitalism, extensive welfare benefits, a skilled labor force, and the peace and security that comes with over a century of neutrality.
- Sweden joined the European Union (EU) in 1995; the public, however, rejected the introduction of the Euro in a 2003 referendum.
- Though the minority Social Democratic Party ruled the country for twelve consecutive years, the 2006 general election resulted in a victory for the Alliance for Sweden – a grouping of four centre-right parties (Moderate Party, Center Party, Liberal People’s Party, and Christian Democrats). The current government is led by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt of the Moderate Party.
The Stats: The Population
Population: 9,031,088
Pop. growth rate: 0.159%
Birth rate (per 1,000): 10.2 births
Fertility rate (children born per woman): 1.66 The Economy
GDP (PPP): $290.1 billion
GDP growth rate: 4.5%
Per capita income: $32,200
Unemployment rate: 5.60%
The Workforce
Labor force: 4.59 million
% men: 52%
% women: 48%
By sector
Agriculture: 2%
Industry: 24%
Services: 74%
Female labor force participation rate: 76.90%
Male labor force participation rate: 80.80%
Part-time rate for women: 20.60%
Part-time rate for men: 7.90%
Pecent of children 3 to mandatory school-age in formal child care: 79% Click here to see Sweden's international rankings. Work-Life in Sweden: Paid parental leave is addressed by national legislation: - parents are entitled to 16 months of paid parental leave
- 2 months are reserved for the father only, 2 months are reserved for the mother only
- remaining 12 months of leave can be divided as desired by the two parents
- leave is paid at 80% of earnings for one year, then 6.50 Euros/day for 90 days
- leave can be taken at any time until the child is eight years old
What did we learn in Sweden? Take a look at some of these blogs: "Time For Time Off!! Vacation...Where Can I get Some?" "Big Business: Figure out the Balance, or Lose the Best." "And We're Back! In Sweden, That Is." "Money-Making Singles" "Sweden is the Best Place in the World to be a Mother" "You Can't Take in Inspiration if the Bucket is Full" "Quarter-Life Crisis Generation?" "Quarter-Life Crisis II" "SSE Under Scrutiny" "Generation Why"
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