• Population: 10.1 million
• Capital: Stockholm
• Demographics: Ethnically 80% Swedish, 20% other foreign backgrounds due to increased immigration patterns since the 1970s (including indigenous population of Swedes, Turks, Greeks, Finns, and Norwegians, among others).
• Type of government: Representative parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy
• Regional Membership: Sweden is part of the European Union and the Schengen region
• Currency: Swedish Krona
• Common foods: Janssons frestelse, salmon, crayfish, herring, toast skagen, smorgasbord

Swedish is the official language of Sweden. There are also five official minority languages: Finnish, Meänkieli, Sami, Romani, and Yiddish.

English is most commonly spoken by younger generations born after WWII. In recent years, immigrants have brought their languages and cultures to Sweden, so speakers of languages such as Arabic, Bulgarian, Greek, Italian, Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian, and Turkish can be found, especially in urban areas.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

U.S. citizens are required for stays longer than 90 days in Sweden. Students studying in Sweden for longer than 90 days will need to apply for a Swedish residence permit. Find out more about applying for Swedish entry permits at the Swedish Migration Agency's website.

Non-U.S. citizens should check with the Swedish embassy to determine any special regulations pertaining entry into Sweden.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• There are four main mobile network operators in Sweden: Telia, Tele2, Telenor, and 3 (Tre). Coverage on average is good across the country for all plans, but data speeds can vary across carriers. You have the option to purchase data bundles from these service providers for roughly $30, valid for 6 months.
• Options to buy just a local SIM card, or a SIM card plus mobile WiFi coverage, are provided by certain carriers as well.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Calling Codes

• Sweden Country Code: +46

Internet

• Sweden ranks fourth in the world by relative population percentage for internet usage, meaning WiFi coverage is generally available throughout the country.
• There are over 300,000 open mobile WiFi hotspots in Sweden, and personal hotspot devices are also available for purchase. Go to the Wiman website to access open WiFi maps of Sweden.

Electricity

• Just like the rest of Europe, Sweden uses Type C or F plugs with two round prongs instead of flat ones. You will need to purchase plug adapters to access electricity in Sweden for all electronic devices purchased in the U.S.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Sweden uses the Swedish Krona as its official national currency.

Banking Tips

• Credit and debit cards are used more in Sweden than cash, especially in urban areas.
• Although cards are widely used, it is always a good idea to carry a small amount of local currency in cash for smaller purchases and for emergencies.
• Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Sweden, including using your card to extract local currency from local ATMs. Consult your U.S. bank before travelling to Sweden in regards to transaction and ATM fees, as well as for tips about using your credit or debit card in-country.
• A few prominent banks in Sweden include Bankomat, SEB, Danske Bank, and Nordea.

Geography

• Much of Sweden's coastline is on the Baltic Sea, and the sea plays a central role in Swedish legends and history (think Vikings!).
• Forests and woodlands make up 68% of Sweden. Bring your warmest sleeping bag and discover your outdoors-y side!
• The two largest islands are Gotland and Öland in the southeast.
• The vast majority of Swedes live in the southernmost third of the country due to the harsh tundra and sub-arctic climate conditions in the north.

Climate

• Sweden is characterized by a slightly milder climate than other surrounding Scandinavian countries, as its weather patterns are influenced by the neighboring warm gulf stream.
• Average temperatures in the winter vary between -22 to -3 degrees Celsius, and in the summer 13 to 17 degrees Celsius.

Packing

• It is recommended to pack for cold weather no matter what time of year you are traveling to Sweden, as nights are always cold, and changing weather patterns may cause cold fronts to pass quickly.
• Your packing list should include long pants and long-sleeved shirts or sweaters, and a lightweight coat for the summer, as well as a heavy winter coat for the cooler months.
• Hats, gloves, scarves, and snow boots are also essential in Sweden in the winter.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• Public transportation is largely available throughout the country, with various transportation services within and between Swedish cities via bus, train, metro, and tram. Public transportation coupons can be purchased at city kiosks or information centers.
• Long-distance bus services such as Flixbus, Nettbuss, Svenskabuss, or Ybuss, as well as train services such as SJ and MTR Express, can be used to travel across the country.

Flights

• Cities with major airports: The largest airports in Sweden include Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Landvetter Airport in Gothenberg, Bromma Airport in Stockholm, Malmo Airport, and more.
• Common airlines: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Norwegian Air, Avitrans, Direktflyg

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.