🇸🇪Sweden's history

How Sweden became the country it is today: from kingdom and the Age of Great Power to industrialisation, the breakthrough of democracy, and the modern welfare society.

The most important things to know

• Sweden has been a monarchy for over a thousand years. Today the king is head of state but has no political power.
• During the 1600s, Sweden was a great power in northern Europe (stormaktstiden).
• Sweden has not been at war since the early 1800s.
• Universal and equal suffrage for both women and men was decided in 1918–1921. The first election with universal suffrage for women was held in 1921.
• During the 1900s, the welfare society was expanded with universal health insurance, pensions, schooling and childcare.
• Sweden joined the European Union in 1995 after a referendum in 1994.

Key terms

Monarchy

A form of government where the head of state is a king or queen.

Age of Great Power (stormaktstiden)

The period in the 1600s when Sweden was a great power.

Industrialisation

The transition from an agricultural society to an industrial society.

Popular movement (folkrörelse)

A large grassroots organisation, for example the temperance movement or the labour movement.

Welfare state

A state that takes responsibility for citizens' security through healthcare, schools and social care.