People in Sweden

People shopping in Sigtuna grocery store

Joseph Hollick

While the classic Swedish ethnic group is no longer quite as prevalent in modern Sweden, there are still many Swedes with blond hair and very fair skin. Being far from homogeneous after the second world war, immigration from a number of countries added more hair and skin colours to the people. Sweden received, with respect to the relatively small population of the country, more refugees than nearly any other European country during the wars in former Yugoslavia and east Africa. At present, some of the population is immigrant or has at least one immigrant parent.

Any description of a "national character" of a people will always generalize and never be just for all. Though, one thing might surprise many visitors who made the effort to learn Swedish is that nearly everybody speaks good English, but will open up more if you smile and attempt to speak in their language. And Swedish sounds nothing like the stereotypes, it actually sounds as though you are singing because of the pitch and inflection.

Swedes will appear very reserved if they do not know you. They are usually quite polite and make an effort to help you in any way that they can. They are a highly intelligent group of people, and their country is quite technologically developed. The concept of equality is very important in Sweden. Anyone trying to appear better than anyone else will not be greatly appreciated. Swedes have a great sense of national pride, and are usually rather interested in foreigners.

The people of Sweden have an excellent sense of fashion, and Stockholm turns into one giant catwalk at night, with shockingly beautiful and well-dressed people visiting the hottest bars and clubs. Sweden has incorporated several international cuisines, and restaurants for most any type of food can be found.

In general, if you as a visitor respect their culture and are polite to them, then they'll open up and be happy to help.