Country explorer: Sweden

Sweden has witnessed notable economic transformations, marked by a rise in GDP per capita that outpaces the average of high-income countries, a substantial increase in the population above the highest poverty threshold indicating a decrease in poverty, a variable yet stable unemployment rate often below that of its Nordic neighbors, and controlled inflation rates demonstrating resilience against economic volatility, thus reflecting its distinctive blend of high living standards and robust social welfare mechanisms.

Sweden has experienced a significant population growth, sustained by robust net migration, alongside moderate changes in fertility rates and improvements in life expectancy, a trend that aligns with those observed in other high-income countries but with notably higher migration rates and fertility figures compared to its Nordic neighbors.

Sweden has maintained a high and stable provision of basic needs, such as access to clean fuels, electricity, safely managed drinking water, and sanitation facilities, reflecting its position as a leader among high-income countries in ensuring widespread and equitable access to essential services for its population.

Sweden has demonstrated consistent improvements in human development indicators, including a rising Human Development Index, decreasing child mortality rates, high literacy rates, and increasing learning-adjusted years of schooling, reflective of its commitment to maintaining a high standard of living and education, comparable with its Nordic counterparts.

Sweden has demonstrated a consistent commitment to environmental sustainability, evidenced by reduced per capita CO₂ emissions, increased electricity generation from renewable sources, stable forest area coverage, and maintained renewable internal freshwater resources, distinguishing it as a leader in green energy and forest conservation among high-income countries.

Sweden has consolidated its position as a global leader in technology and innovation, evident through its high and increasing internet usage, significant mobile phone subscriptions, robust investment in R&D as a share of GDP, and a respectable volume of scientific and technical publications per capita, aligning it with the most advanced high-income countries.

Sweden has become more culturally diverse with a significant increase in the share of the population born abroad, maintained high self-reported life satisfaction levels compared to its Nordic peers, and continued progress towards gender equality, alongside managing the challenges of an aging population.

Sweden has consistently showcased a strong adherence to the rule of law, minimal corruption, significant political and civil liberties, and a high degree of press freedom, aligning with its Nordic counterparts but distinguishing itself by the slight fluctuations within these governance indicators that reflect its dynamic approach to addressing governance challenges.