History of Sweden

Official reports show that in Sweden and Norway, 97 out of every 100 children between 5 and 15 attend school, a larger percentage than anywhere else.

In Sweden only a limited number of saloon licenses are granted, and these are sold at auction. The saloons must close at a fixed hour, no liquor may be sold to a child or a drunkard, and no money can be recovered for liquor sold on credit.

"Swe'den, a country of North Europe, forming the E. and larger portion of the Scandinavian peninsula, and one of the kingdoms composing the monarchy of Sweden and Norway, situate between lat. 55° 20' and 69° N. and lon. 11° 15' and 24° E., bounded E. by the Baltic, the Gulf of Bothnia, and Russia, S. by the Baltic, W. by Norway, the Cattegat, and the Sound. Capital, Stockholm..."

Stockholm: The Capital Marvel

Gamla Stan: Wander through the cobblestone streets of Stockholm's Old Town. The colorful buildings, charming cafes, and historic sites make it a must-visit.

Vasa Museum: Marvel at the incredibly well-preserved Vasa warship, which sank in Stockholm's harbor in 1628 and was salvaged centuries later.

Skansen: Visit the world's first open-air museum, showcasing Swedish life through the centuries. It's like stepping back in time.

Gothenburg: A Laid-back Gem

Liseberg Amusement Park: If you're a fan of roller coasters and a lively atmosphere, Liseberg is the place to be.

Fish Market: Stroll around Feskekôrka, the Fish Church, to sample fresh seafood and experience the lively market atmosphere.

Malmö: A Blend of Old and New

Turning Torso: Admire the modern architecture of this twisting skyscraper, the tallest building in Scandinavia.

Malmöhus Castle: Explore this fortress with a rich history, housing museums and beautiful...

In Scandinavia family names often, but certainly not always, originate from a patronymic. Later on, people from the Scandinavian middle classes, particularly artisans and town dwellers, adopted surnames in a similar fashion to that of the gentry. Family names joining two elements from nature such as the Swedish Bergman ("mountain man"), Holmberg ("island mountain"), Lindgren ("linden branch"), Sandström ("sand stream") and Åkerlund ("field grove") were quite frequent and remain common today.