Sweden: flag, capital, currency and history

Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden, is a country in Northern Europe, Europe. Its capital is Stockholm. The currency is the Swedish krona. Languages spoken include Swedish.

Quick facts about Sweden

Official name: Kingdom of Sweden
Capital: Stockholm
Region: Europe, Northern Europe
Currency: Swedish krona (SEK, kr)
Languages: Swedish
Calling code: +46
Internet domain: .se
Area: 450,295 km² (173,860 sq mi)
Land borders: Finland, Norway
Demonym: Swedish
National day: National Day of Sweden, June 6

Flag of Sweden

Download the flag of Sweden as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇸🇪.

SVG (vector)

History of Sweden

Hunter-gatherers settled the Swedish lands after the last Ice Age, and Norse seafarers and traders were active in the Viking Age. A unified kingdom took shape in the early medieval period and gradually adopted Christianity. Sweden joined Denmark and Norway in the Kalmar Union in 1397, and Gustav Vasa's accession in 1523 ended Danish dominance. Sweden became a major Baltic power in the 17th century, then lost Finland to Russia in 1809. A union with Norway lasted from 1814 to 1905. Sweden has stayed out of wars since 1814 and joined the European Union in 1995.

Key dates

c. 800The Viking Age begins, with Scandinavian traders and raiders travelling widely.
1397Sweden, Denmark and Norway are joined in the Kalmar Union.
1523Gustav Vasa is elected king, ending the Kalmar Union for Sweden.
1809Sweden cedes Finland to Russia.
1905The union between Sweden and Norway is dissolved.
1995Sweden joins the European Union.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.