Discover 30 facts about Sweden that will surely surprise you!

 A land of stunning natural beauty, innovative design and rich cultural heritage, Sweden is a country that continues to captivate the world with its unique attributes. While many people are familiar with Swedish meatballs, ABBA and IKEA, there is much more to this Nordic nation. In this article, we dive into 30 surprising facts about Sweden that will surely pique your curiosity.

 72 public holidays: Sweden boasts a remarkable 72 public holidays each year, meaning Swedes have frequent opportunities to relax and celebrate.

 Invented the zipper: The zipper, an everyday item, was invented by Swedish-American engineer Gideon Sundback in 1913. 

Recycling pioneers: Sweden is one of the world's leading recyclers, recycling over 99% of household waste and even importing waste from other countries to support energy production.

 No Formal Dress Code: Swedes generally have a relaxed attitude towards fashion and formal dress codes are relatively rare.

 One of the safest countries in the world: Sweden is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world with a low crime rate.

 Gender equality: Sweden is known for its commitment to gender equality, with policies that promote equal opportunities for both men and women.

 Right of Public Access: Sweden has a unique "Right of Public Access" law that allows anyone to move freely in the countryside, even on private land, as long as they respect the rights of the landowner. 

Viking History: Sweden was once home to fierce Viking warriors and their influence can still be seen in the country's culture and history. 

Nobel Prizes: The Nobel Prizes, including the Nobel Peace Prize, were founded by Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel.

 High taxes, high quality of life: Swedes pay high taxes, but in return they enjoy an exceptional quality of life with free healthcare and education.

 No mandatory retirement age: Sweden has no mandatory retirement age, allowing individuals to work as long as they want.

 Midsommar: Midsommar, Sweden's summer solstice celebration, is a time of lively festivities, flower crowns and dancing around May.

 Longest life expectancy: Sweden consistently ranks first when it comes to life expectancy, with an average life expectancy of around 83 years.

 Crayfish Parties: Crayfish parties, or Kräftskivor, are popular in Sweden during the late summer, with crayfish being eaten, singing, and lots of schnapps (a type of aquavit). 

The Land of Lakes: Sweden has a staggering 100,000 lakes, making it a paradise for water enthusiasts.

 Unique Swedish Language: The Swedish language is part of the Germanic language family and is known for its unique characters, including Å, Ä and Ö. 

High-level English: Swedes have an impressive command of English, with many speaking it fluently.

 Volvo and IKEA: The world-famous companies Volvo and IKEA were founded in Sweden. 

Fika Culture: Fika, the Swedish coffee break, is a popular daily tradition involving coffee and pastries.

 The Land of ABBA: Hailing from Sweden, the iconic pop group ABBA remains a musical sensation around the world.

 Icehotel: Sweden is home to the world-famous Icehotel, a remarkable structure built entirely of ice and snow. 

Heavy Metal Love: Sweden has a thriving heavy metal music scene and has produced many famous bands in the genre.

 Swedish cuisine: Swedish cuisine offers a unique blend of flavors with dishes such as gravlax, herring and cranberries.

 Electric Music Pioneers: Sweden is renowned for its electronic music, with artists such as Avicii, Swedish House Mafia and Robyn gaining international recognition.

 Midnight sun and polar nights: In the northernmost parts of Sweden, you can experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun in summer and polar nights in winter.

 Tallest People on Earth: Swedes are among the tallest people in the world, with an average height of around 6 feet for men.

 Voluntary military service: Sweden has voluntary military service and is one of the few countries without a conscription program. 

Wildlife: Sweden is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including reindeer, elk, wolves and brown bears.

 Innovative design: Swedish design, characterized by simplicity and functionality, is renowned worldwide, with brands such as H&M and H&M Home setting trends.

 Beautiful Aurora Borealis: The northern regions of Sweden offer fantastic opportunities to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis, also known as the Aurora Borealis.

 Sweden's unique combination of nature, culture and innovation has earned it a special place in the heart of the world. These 30 surprising facts offer just a glimpse into the charm and complexity of this remarkable Nordic nation. Whether you're intrigued by its history, enthralled by its culture, or simply love Swedish meatballs, Sweden certainly has something to offer everyone.