• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Ethnicity, Language, & Religion of Sweden

Ethnicity

The majority of the people living in Sweden are ethnic Swedes. This ethnicity is similar to other Nordic ethnicities (Norwegian, Danish, & Icelandic) and is a further descendent of Germanic ethnicities. There are also significant Finnish and Sami minorities in Sweden. The Sami are distance relatives of the Uralic ethnicities from Central Asia, including the Finns, who are also Uralic.

Language

The only official language of Sweden is Swedish, although Sami and Finnish are spoken among many of the ethnic minorities of the same names. Swedish, like other Scandinavian languages, is in the North Germanic language family and is most closely related to Danish, Norwegian, and Icelandic.

Nearly everyone in Sweden is at least bilingual with English being the overwhelming favorite for a second language. Nearly everyone in the country is at least conversational in English if not completely fluent. Other major European languages are also commonly taught, including German, Spanish, and French, but not to the degree English is learned.

Religion

The majority of Sweden's population is Lutheran, although there is no official religion. Other religions are also practiced in much smaller numbers, most of which are other Christian sects.

Lutheranism is a protestant religion that was founded by and named after Martin Luther, who led the Protestant Reformation. Like all Christian and protestant faiths, Lutherans believe there is one God and that His son, Jesus is the savior and forgiver of sins. Lutherans also believe that the Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments, is the only true word of God. It is generally in the interpretation of the Bible that protestant religions vary and this is true in the case of Lutheranism, which tends to interpret the Bible quite differently from Catholicism, which was the religion Lutheranism separated from.

This page was last updated: May, 2014