5 facts – Sweden Hejsan! – Hello! This Tuesdays 5 facts are about Sweden, the largest country in Scandinavia and the 3rd largest EU country in the land area, after France and Spain. Sweden borders Norway and Finland, and with EU support the south of the country has recently been connected to Denmark via bridge over Oresund. The country has great natural beauty with mountains, lakes and forests. Much of Southern Sweden is low-lying with numerous lakes. 1. EU: Sweden became EU member state in 1995. A year later, in 1996 it entered the Schengen area. The states currency is krona. 2. History: Have you heard about the Swedish Viking Age? It lasted roughly from the 8th century to the 11th century. In the 9th and 10th centuries, Swedish Vikings travelled and settled in parts of Eastern Europe. Their routes passed through the Dnieper south to Constantinople. The Swedish Vikings, called Rus, founded the first kingdom of Russia. It is known that all the Tsars of Russia until the last one, Nicholas II, were of Swedish Viking descent. 3. People: Sweden, being a home to 9.2 populations, gave the birth to many talented and famous throughout the world people. You must have heard of the pop group ABBA, who were a very popular band during 1970s and their music is still played today. And, you should also have heard about Skype, so, one of its founders was Sweda Niklas Zennström. 4. Culture: Saint Lucias Day Each year in December, Swedish towns and villages choose someone to play the role of Lucia. The chosen girl wears a crown of lights or candles and often leads a procession. 5. Unusual fact: Have you ever seen ice houses? The first ice hotel in the world was built in Sweden. Question: What is the traditional Swedish buffet?
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 10:00:01 +0000