Unusual Facts about Sweden and Traditions of the Swedes

At first Sweden may seem as a cold Scandinavian country but the combination of its fascinating history, culture and interesting destinations will make even the most cold-dreading tourists take up the trip to this wonderful country.

Here is a quick video presentation of the most unusual things you should know about this destination.



Sweden: 12 Interesting Facts and Presentation of Swedish Traditions

#1.  Speed camera lottery

It has been a while, since the video was produced, so we decided to add more entries to this list:

In Stockholm, Sweden, there is a speed camera lottery, the work of which is pain genus. The camera picks out speeding drivers and uses a part of speeding fines collected from them, to reward the law-obeying car lowers. Drivers, who have not broken the speed limit, are automatically entered in the lottery prize draw. Up to date, the most generous cash prizes reached $3,000.

#2. Swedish table service

The way of serving in the Swedish breakfast buffet (in original "Smörgåsbord") invented centuries ago. People were serving food to their guests in large bowls, thus making it easier for people to communicate during the meal. Nowadays, this form of serving food is known in many countries, as the Swedish table service.

#3.  Royal National City Park

Stockholm, which is known as the cultural, media, and economic centre of modern Sweden, is home to the world's first national city park, - the Royal National City Park or Kungliga nationalstadsparken.

#4. Car seats for children

Swedish manufacturers were always concerned about road safety. Apart from inventing the modern form of three point seatbelt for their Volvo cars in 1959, the first idea of special car seats for children appeared in Sweden a bit later, in the early 1960s. The prototype advised to place young passengers with their backs facing the traffic.

#5. ABBA success

Ever after several decades, the legendary Swedish band, ABBA, remains one of the most successful bands in world’s music history. The band managed to sell 2.3 million copies of their records.

#6. Winter depression

Many residents of Scandinavian countries, including the Swedes, are prone to winter depression. Medical research shows that about 20% of Swedish population suffers from this condition. Similar symptoms were first mentioned in the 6th century by Gothic historian Jordanes, so modern-day scientists believe that this medical condition may be inheritable.

#7. Nobel Memorial Prize

In his will Alfred Nobel, internationally renowned Swedish chemist, engineer and innovator, never indicated to need to award scientists for their achievements in the field of economic sciences. The "Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences" was established by the Bank of Sweden only in 1969. But here is a fun idea for other possible nominations, what about the #groundbreaking discoveries made by teenagers?

#8. Jantelagen

In Sweden there’s a notion called Jantelagen or the Law of Jante.  The notion originated from the poem written by the Danish-Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose, which has become popular in Scandinavia. The main idea of the Law of Jante is that one must not think that he is better than others and all people should be as equals. Experts say that one of the best examples of Jantelagen in Sweden is the fact that the government publishes annual tax returns of the citizens, so who and how much makes is not a secret.

#9. Crayfish party

One of the popular national traditions, which was gradually transformed into a big festival in Sweden is the crayfish party of festival. It takes place in mid-August, when the government lifts ban on catching for crayfish. And Swedes are big fans of crayfish and use this festival as a good opportunity to enjoy a variety of seafood dishes.

#10. Fika

A natural phenomenon and a way of relaxation, which includes hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, and sweet pastry, alongside jolly conversations, is called Fika in Sweden. Even during the office hours, every employee has an opportunity to gather with colleagues to drink coffee, eat and talk. In many Swedish companies such pleasant work break is as ordinary, as checking email or printing out documents at work.

#11. Holidays

The Swedes are not only famous for their products, which are the result of effective work and planning, but also for their ability to rest and relax. People of Finland are known to have the longest holidays from work in Europe - 39 days. However, they are closely followed by their neighbors Sweden and Denmark - 30-35 days; and #Norway - 25 days.

#12. Official Swedish Twitter account

The official Twitter account of the country, @Sweden, is not managed by the government employees. On contrary, the job of managing the account is given to a random Swedish resident, who has expressed a desire to do so. The temporary administrator has the right to express his/her ideas and opinions not only about politics or events on a national scale, but also about the life of ordinary people.

Credits and further reading:

1) www.usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-06-18-salaries_n.htm
2) www.thestar.com/news/world/2010/12/09/speed_camera_lottery_pays_drivers_for_slowing_down.html
3) www.crazyfacts.com/tag/sweden
4) www.kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/sweden
5) www.studyinsweden.se/why-sweden/quick-facts-about-sweden
6) www.facts.randomhistory.com/sweden-facts.html
7) www.sweden.se/culture-traditions/10-things-to-know-about-swedish-food
8) www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/countries/sweden.html
9) www.eupedia.com/sweden/trivia.shtml
10) www.oddee.com/item_97657.aspx#5
11) www.newsweek.com/2014/09/05/north-korea-owes-sweden-eu300m-1000-volvos-stole-40-years-ago-still-using-267043.html
12) www.factslides.com/s-Sweden
13) www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sm%C3%B6rg%C3%A5sbord
14) www. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_National_City_Park

Image credits:

1) www.now-here-this.timeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/cray2.jpg
2) www.media.epica-awards.com/2011/print-tech/images2560/30_04026_000_BOARD_01.jpg
3) www.yourlivingcity.com/stockholm/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/coffeefika.jpg
4) www.i.huffpost.com/gen/3017690/images/o-INEQUALITY-GIF-facebook.jpg
5) www.cheffagolli.com/slider/data1/images/029swedish_table.jpg
6) www.images.visitstockholm.com/5d/b6b/5db6b973-f665-4062-87d6-10e201c310b0/rectangle_big_retina.jpg
7) www.kidstraveldoc.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/baby-smile.png
8) www.i1.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article8396863.ece/ALTERNATES/s1023/JS53992627.jpg
9) www.universe.byu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Depression_02foronline.jpg
10) www.upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/archive/e/ed/20131011153017!Nobel_Prize.png
11) www.metalpotato.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Working-Holiday.jpg
12) www.adverguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Screen-Shot-2012-06-24-at-3.17.33-PM.png