Sweden
About Sweden
| Currency | Swedish krona (SEK) |
| Language | Swedish |
| Capital | Stockholm |
The Kingdom of Sweden is located in northern Europe between Finland and Norway. The country has coastline on the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic Sea, and Kattegat. The population is approximately 9 million people.
The government is a constitutional monarchy. A king is chief of state and a prime minister is head of government. A parliament, the Riksdag, is the legislative branch with members elected by popular vote. The monarchy is hereditary.
Sweden is one of the world’s most highly developed countries and has one of the highest standards of living in the world. There is an extensive social security network that includes free education and medical care, pensions, vacations, and child care benefits.
Tourists can enjoy 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many outdoor activities, museums, palaces, and Swedish culture and arts.
Recommended Vaccinations For Sweden
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in the regions near Stockholm on the East coast or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.
Recommended Medications For Sweden
There are no recommendations for Sweden at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Sweden
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a low risk of hepatitis B in Sweden.
Hepatitis A
There is a low risk of hepatitis A in Sweden.
For Some Travellers
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The main affected areas are in the regions near Stockholm on the East coast. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.
Safety & Security in Sweden
Personal Safety
Sweden is a safe country with a low crime rate. Travellers do not usually have any safety and security issues in Sweden. However, petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, does occur in busy tourist areas and transportation hubs. Ensure your personal belongings are kept safe.
Gang-related crime, including knife crime, shootings and explosions, has been reported in Malmö, Stockholm and Gothenburg.
There is zero tolerance towards drugs. Paying for sex is illegal. Physical punishment of children is illegal.
Same-sex relationships are legal in Sweden.
Extreme Violence
Sweden’s terror threat level is ‘significant’ due to multiple incidents of public desecration of the Qur’an. The Swedish Government currently assesses the threat of a terrorist attack at level 4 (high) on a 5-step scale. There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. Follow the advice of local authorities.
