(Last updated: 2 Jul 2011)

Current business situation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Sweden. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Country facts

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)

Economic climate

The Swedish economy is arguably stronger now than it has been since the late 1960s. It is experiencing a phase of strong and rapidly increasing employment, at the same time as recording the second lowest inflation in the European Union after the UK, and strong current account and budget surpluses.

For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet.

Political climate

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and has had a parliamentary system of government since 1719. The Social Democratic Party has long been the natural governing party of Sweden and has held power for all but nine of the past 60 years.

Trade relations and statistics

Sweden is a full member of the European Union but not yet not a member of the European Monetary Union (EMU). A referendum will be held in Sweden in the future regarding EMU membership.

Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.