🏛Democracy and politics

How Sweden is governed: the Riksdag, the Government, elections, and the difference between the state, regions and municipalities.

The most important things to know

• Sweden is a democracy and a monarchy. All public power derives from the people.
• The Riksdag has 349 members and enacts Sweden's laws.
• The Government governs the country and implements the Riksdag's decisions. The Prime Minister leads the Government.
• Elections to the Riksdag, regions and municipalities are held at the same time every four years, on the second Sunday in September.
• You may vote in Riksdag elections from the year you turn 18 if you are a Swedish citizen and are or have been registered as living in Sweden.
• A party must receive at least 4 percent of the votes nationwide to enter the Riksdag.
• Sweden has four fundamental laws (grundlagar): the Instrument of Government, the Act of Succession, the Freedom of the Press Act, and the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression.

Key terms

The Riksdag

Sweden's elected parliament, which decides on laws and the state budget.

The Government

The Prime Minister and the ministers, who govern the country.

Fundamental law (grundlag)

A law that is harder to change than other laws and that protects democracy.

Municipality (kommun)

The local level, responsible for things such as schools, preschool and elderly care.

Region

The regional level, mainly responsible for healthcare and public transport.

Universal suffrage

That all adult citizens have the right to vote.