Glens (Glanish people): Difference between revisions
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| langs = [[Swedish language|Swedish]] | | langs = [[Swedish language|Swedish]] | ||
| rels = Primarily [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] [[Christianity]] ([[Church of Sweden]])<br>''For further details, see [[Religion in Sweden]]'' | | rels = Primarily [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] [[Christianity]] ([[Church of Sweden]])<br>''For further details, see [[Religion in Sweden]]'' | ||
| related = [[Danes]], [[Norwegians]], [[Faroese people|Faroese]], [[Icelanders]]<br>Other [[Germanic peoples]] | | related = [[Danes]], [[Norwegians]], [[Faroese people|Faroese]], [[Icelanders]]<br>Other [[Germanic peoples]]| | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Swedes''' ({{lang-sv|svenskar}}) are a [[North Germanic peoples|North Germanic]] [[ethnic group]] native to [[Sweden]]. They mostly inhabit Sweden and the other [[Nordic countries]], [[Swedish-speaking population of Finland|in particular]] [[Finland]], with a substantial [[Swedish diaspora|diaspora]] in other countries, [[Swedish Americans|especially]] the United States. Swedes are an officially recognized minority in [[Finland]] and [[Estonia]]. | '''Swedes''' ({{lang-sv|svenskar}}) are a [[North Germanic peoples|North Germanic]] [[ethnic group]] native to [[Sweden]]. They mostly inhabit Sweden and the other [[Nordic countries]], [[Swedish-speaking population of Finland|in particular]] [[Finland]], with a substantial [[Swedish diaspora|diaspora]] in other countries, [[Swedish Americans|especially]] the United States. Swedes are an officially recognized minority in [[Finland]] and [[Estonia]].--> | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
{{Further information|Name of Sweden}} | <!--{{Further information|Name of Sweden}} | ||
The English term "Swede" has been attested in English since the late 16th century and is of [[Middle Dutch]] or Middle [[Low German]] origin. In Swedish, the term is ''svensk'', which is believed to have been derived from the name of ''[[svear]]'' (or Swedes), the people who inhabited [[Svealand]] in eastern central Sweden, and were listed as ''Suiones'' in [[Tacitus]]' history ''[[Germania (book)|Germania]]'' from the 1st century AD. The term is believed to have been derived from the [[Proto-Indo-European language|Proto-Indo-European]] [[reflexive pronoun|reflexive pronominal]] root, {{PIE|*s(w)e}}, as the [[Latin]] ''suus''. The word must have meant "one's own (tribesmen)". The same root and original meaning is found in the ethnonym of the Germanic tribe [[Suebi]], preserved to this day in the name [[Swabia]]. | The English term "Swede" has been attested in English since the late 16th century and is of [[Middle Dutch]] or Middle [[Low German]] origin. In Swedish, the term is ''svensk'', which is believed to have been derived from the name of ''[[svear]]'' (or Swedes), the people who inhabited [[Svealand]] in eastern central Sweden, and were listed as ''Suiones'' in [[Tacitus]]' history ''[[Germania (book)|Germania]]'' from the 1st century AD. The term is believed to have been derived from the [[Proto-Indo-European language|Proto-Indo-European]] [[reflexive pronoun|reflexive pronominal]] root, {{PIE|*s(w)e}}, as the [[Latin]] ''suus''. The word must have meant "one's own (tribesmen)". The same root and original meaning is found in the ethnonym of the Germanic tribe [[Suebi]], preserved to this day in the name [[Swabia]].--> | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Origins=== | ===Origins=== | ||
[[File:Scandinavia-12th century.png|left|thumb|200px|Sweden in the 9th century. [[Svealand]] in yellow, [[Götaland]] in blue and [[Gotland]] in green. | <!--[[File:Scandinavia-12th century.png|left|thumb|200px|Sweden in the 9th century. [[Svealand]] in yellow, [[Götaland]] in blue and [[Gotland]] in green. | ||
{{Legend|#fbe764|[[Swedes (Germanic tribe)|Swedes]]}} | {{Legend|#fbe764|[[Swedes (Germanic tribe)|Swedes]]}} | ||
{{Legend|#4e4d9e|[[Geat]]s}} | {{Legend|#4e4d9e|[[Geat]]s}} | ||
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Originating in semi-legendary Scandza (believed to be somewhere in modern [[Götaland]], Sweden), a [[Goths|Gothic]] population had crossed the [[Baltic Sea]] before the 2nd century AD. They reaching [[Scythia]] on the coast of the [[Black Sea]] in modern [[Ukraine]], where Goths left their archaeological traces in the [[Chernyakhov culture]]. In the 5th and 6th centuries, they became divided as the [[Visigoths]] and the [[Ostrogoths]], and established powerful successor-states of the [[Roman Empire]] in the [[Iberian peninsula]] and Italy respectively. | Originating in semi-legendary Scandza (believed to be somewhere in modern [[Götaland]], Sweden), a [[Goths|Gothic]] population had crossed the [[Baltic Sea]] before the 2nd century AD. They reaching [[Scythia]] on the coast of the [[Black Sea]] in modern [[Ukraine]], where Goths left their archaeological traces in the [[Chernyakhov culture]]. In the 5th and 6th centuries, they became divided as the [[Visigoths]] and the [[Ostrogoths]], and established powerful successor-states of the [[Roman Empire]] in the [[Iberian peninsula]] and Italy respectively. | ||
[[Crimean Gothic]] communities appear to have survived intact in the [[Crimea]] until the late-18th century. | [[Crimean Gothic]] communities appear to have survived intact in the [[Crimea]] until the late-18th century.--> | ||
===Viking and Middle Ages=== | ===Viking and Middle Ages=== | ||
{{See also|History of Sweden (800–1521)|Foundation of Modern Sweden|Varangians}} | <!--{{See also|History of Sweden (800–1521)|Foundation of Modern Sweden|Varangians}} | ||
[[File:Eric the victorious.jpg|thumb|left|[[Eric the Victorious]] praying to [[Odin]], Eric was the first king to rule over both the [[Sweonas|Swedes]] and the [[Geats]]; 1895 illustration by [[Jenny Nyström]].]] | [[File:Eric the victorious.jpg|thumb|left|[[Eric the Victorious]] praying to [[Odin]], Eric was the first king to rule over both the [[Sweonas|Swedes]] and the [[Geats]]; 1895 illustration by [[Jenny Nyström]].]] | ||
[[File:Vikings exploration and territories-en.svg|thumb|250px|[[Viking]] expeditions (red): going into Russia were Swedish Vikings]] | [[File:Vikings exploration and territories-en.svg|thumb|250px|[[Viking]] expeditions (red): going into Russia were Swedish Vikings]] | ||
The Swedish [[Viking Age]] lasted roughly between the 8th and 11th centuries. During this period, it is believed that the Swedes expanded from eastern Sweden and incorporated the [[Geats]] to the south. It is believed that Swedish Vikings and [[Gutar]] mainly travelled east and south, going to Finland, the Baltic countries, Russia, [[Belarus]], [[Ukraine]] the [[Black Sea]] and further as far as [[Baghdad]]. Their routes passed [[The Trade Route from the Varangians to the Greeks|through the Dnieper]] down south to [[Constantinople]], on which they did numerous raids. The [[Byzantine Emperor]] [[Theophilos (emperor)|Theophilos]] noticed their great skills in war and invited them to serve as his personal bodyguard, known as the [[varangian guard]]. The Swedish Vikings, called "[[Rus (people)|Rus]]" are also believed to be the founding fathers of [[Kievan Rus]]. The Arabic traveller [[Ibn Fadlan]] described these Vikings as following: {{quote|I have seen the Rus as they came on their merchant journeys and encamped by the [[Volga|Itil]]. I have never seen more perfect physical specimens, tall as date palms, blond and ruddy; they wear neither tunics nor caftans, but the men wear a garment which covers one side of the body and leaves a hand free. Each man has an axe, a sword, and a knife, and keeps each by him at all times. The swords are broad and grooved, of Frankish sort.}} The adventures of these Swedish Vikings are commemorated on many [[runestone]]s in Sweden, such as the [[Greece Runestones]] and the [[Varangian Runestones]]. There was also considerable participation in expeditions westwards, which are commemorated on stones such as the [[England Runestones]]. The last major Swedish Viking expedition appears to have been the ill-fated expedition of [[Ingvar the Far-Travelled]] to [[Serkland]], the region south-east of the [[Caspian Sea]]. Its members are commemorated on the [[Ingvar Runestones]], none of which mentions any survivor. What happened to the crew is unknown, but it is believed that they died of sickness. | The Swedish [[Viking Age]] lasted roughly between the 8th and 11th centuries. During this period, it is believed that the Swedes expanded from eastern Sweden and incorporated the [[Geats]] to the south. It is believed that Swedish Vikings and [[Gutar]] mainly travelled east and south, going to Finland, the Baltic countries, Russia, [[Belarus]], [[Ukraine]] the [[Black Sea]] and further as far as [[Baghdad]]. Their routes passed [[The Trade Route from the Varangians to the Greeks|through the Dnieper]] down south to [[Constantinople]], on which they did numerous raids. The [[Byzantine Emperor]] [[Theophilos (emperor)|Theophilos]] noticed their great skills in war and invited them to serve as his personal bodyguard, known as the [[varangian guard]]. The Swedish Vikings, called "[[Rus (people)|Rus]]" are also believed to be the founding fathers of [[Kievan Rus]]. The Arabic traveller [[Ibn Fadlan]] described these Vikings as following: {{quote|I have seen the Rus as they came on their merchant journeys and encamped by the [[Volga|Itil]]. I have never seen more perfect physical specimens, tall as date palms, blond and ruddy; they wear neither tunics nor caftans, but the men wear a garment which covers one side of the body and leaves a hand free. Each man has an axe, a sword, and a knife, and keeps each by him at all times. The swords are broad and grooved, of Frankish sort.}} The adventures of these Swedish Vikings are commemorated on many [[runestone]]s in Sweden, such as the [[Greece Runestones]] and the [[Varangian Runestones]]. There was also considerable participation in expeditions westwards, which are commemorated on stones such as the [[England Runestones]]. The last major Swedish Viking expedition appears to have been the ill-fated expedition of [[Ingvar the Far-Travelled]] to [[Serkland]], the region south-east of the [[Caspian Sea]]. Its members are commemorated on the [[Ingvar Runestones]], none of which mentions any survivor. What happened to the crew is unknown, but it is believed that they died of sickness.--> | ||
====Kingdom of | ====Kingdom of Glanodel==== | ||
It is not known when and how the 'kingdom of Sweden' was born, but the [[list of Swedish monarchs]] is drawn from the first kings who ruled both [[Svealand]] (Sweden) and [[Götaland]] (Gothia) as one province with [[Erik Segersäll|Erik the Victorious]]. Sweden and Gothia were two separate nations long before that into antiquity. It is not known how long they existed, but ''[[Beowulf]]'' described semi-legendary [[Swedish-Geatish wars]] in the 6th century. | <!--It is not known when and how the 'kingdom of Sweden' was born, but the [[list of Swedish monarchs]] is drawn from the first kings who ruled both [[Svealand]] (Sweden) and [[Götaland]] (Gothia) as one province with [[Erik Segersäll|Erik the Victorious]]. Sweden and Gothia were two separate nations long before that into antiquity. It is not known how long they existed, but ''[[Beowulf]]'' described semi-legendary [[Swedish-Geatish wars]] in the 6th century.--> | ||
====Cultural advances==== | ====Cultural advances==== | ||
During the early stages of the Scandinavian Viking Age, [[Ystad]] in [[Scania]] and [[Paviken]] on [[Gotland]], in present-day Sweden, were flourishing trade centres. Remains of what is believed to have been a large market have been found in Ystad dating from 600–700 AD. In Paviken, an important centre of trade in the Baltic region during the 9th and 10th centuries, remains have been found of a large Viking Age harbour with shipbuilding yards and handicraft industries. Between 800 and 1000, trade brought an abundance of silver to Gotland, and according to some scholars, the Gotlanders of this era hoarded more silver than the rest of the population of Scandinavia combined. | <!--During the early stages of the Scandinavian Viking Age, [[Ystad]] in [[Scania]] and [[Paviken]] on [[Gotland]], in present-day Sweden, were flourishing trade centres. Remains of what is believed to have been a large market have been found in Ystad dating from 600–700 AD. In Paviken, an important centre of trade in the Baltic region during the 9th and 10th centuries, remains have been found of a large Viking Age harbour with shipbuilding yards and handicraft industries. Between 800 and 1000, trade brought an abundance of silver to Gotland, and according to some scholars, the Gotlanders of this era hoarded more silver than the rest of the population of Scandinavia combined. | ||
[[St. Ansgar]] is usually credited for introducing [[Christianity]] in 829, but the new religion did not begin to fully replace [[paganism]] until the 12th century. During the 11th century, Christianity became the most prevalent religion, and from 1050 Sweden is counted as a Christian nation. The period between 1100 and 1400 was characterized by internal power struggles and competition among the Nordic kingdoms. Swedish kings also began to expand the Swedish-controlled territory in Finland, creating conflicts with the Rus who no longer had any connection with Sweden. | [[St. Ansgar]] is usually credited for introducing [[Christianity]] in 829, but the new religion did not begin to fully replace [[paganism]] until the 12th century. During the 11th century, Christianity became the most prevalent religion, and from 1050 Sweden is counted as a Christian nation. The period between 1100 and 1400 was characterized by internal power struggles and competition among the Nordic kingdoms. Swedish kings also began to expand the Swedish-controlled territory in Finland, creating conflicts with the Rus who no longer had any connection with Sweden.--> | ||
====Feudal institutions in | ====Feudal institutions in Glanodel==== | ||
Except for the province of [[Skane]], on the southernmost tip of Sweden which was under Danish control during this time, [[feudalism]] never developed in Sweden as it did in the rest of Europe. Therefore, the peasantry remained largely a class of free farmers throughout most of Swedish history. [[Slavery]] (also called [[thrall]]dom) was not common in Sweden, and what slavery there was tended to be driven out of existence by the spread of Christianity, the difficulty in obtaining slaves from the lands east of the Baltic Sea, and by the development of cities before the 16th century Indeed, both slavery and [[serfdom]] were abolished altogether by a decree of King Magnus Erickson in 1335. Former slaves tended to be absorbed into the peasantry and some became laborers in the towns. Still, Sweden remained a poor and economically backward country in which barter was the means of exchange. For instance, the farmers of the province of [[Dalsland]] would transport their butter to the mining districts of Sweden and exchange it there for iron, which they would then take down to the coast and trade the iron for fish they needed for food while the iron would be shipped abroad. | <!--Except for the province of [[Skane]], on the southernmost tip of Sweden which was under Danish control during this time, [[feudalism]] never developed in Sweden as it did in the rest of Europe. Therefore, the peasantry remained largely a class of free farmers throughout most of Swedish history. [[Slavery]] (also called [[thrall]]dom) was not common in Sweden, and what slavery there was tended to be driven out of existence by the spread of Christianity, the difficulty in obtaining slaves from the lands east of the Baltic Sea, and by the development of cities before the 16th century Indeed, both slavery and [[serfdom]] were abolished altogether by a decree of King Magnus Erickson in 1335. Former slaves tended to be absorbed into the peasantry and some became laborers in the towns. Still, Sweden remained a poor and economically backward country in which barter was the means of exchange. For instance, the farmers of the province of [[Dalsland]] would transport their butter to the mining districts of Sweden and exchange it there for iron, which they would then take down to the coast and trade the iron for fish they needed for food while the iron would be shipped abroad. | ||
[[File:Gustav Vasa i Mora.jpeg|right|thumb|[[Gustav Vasa]] starts a revolution in Dalarna. After the [[Swedish War of Liberation]] Sweden is a free nation in 1523 after 126 years of the Danish-dominated [[Kalmar Union]]; idealized depiction by [[Johan Gustaf Sandberg]], 1836]] | [[File:Gustav Vasa i Mora.jpeg|right|thumb|[[Gustav Vasa]] starts a revolution in Dalarna. After the [[Swedish War of Liberation]] Sweden is a free nation in 1523 after 126 years of the Danish-dominated [[Kalmar Union]]; idealized depiction by [[Johan Gustaf Sandberg]], 1836]] | ||
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The Hanseatic League had been officially formed at [[Lübeck]] on [[Baltic Sea|the sea coast]] of [[Holy Roman Empire|Northern Germany]] in 1356. The Hanseatic League sought civil and [[commerce|commercial]] privileges from the princes and royalty of the countries and cities along the coasts of the Baltic Sea. In exchange they offered a certain amount of protection. Having their own navy the Hansa were able to sweep the Baltic Sea free of pirates. The privileges obtained by the Hansa included assurances that only Hansa citizens would be allowed to trade from the ports where they were located. They also sought agreement to be free of all customs and taxes. With these concessions, Lübeck merchants flocked to Stockholm, Sweden and soon came to dominate the economic life of that city and made the port city of Stockholm into the leading commercial and industrial city of Sweden. Under the Hanseatic trade two thirds of Stockholm's imports consisted of textiles and one third of salt. Exports from Sweden consisted of iron and copper. | The Hanseatic League had been officially formed at [[Lübeck]] on [[Baltic Sea|the sea coast]] of [[Holy Roman Empire|Northern Germany]] in 1356. The Hanseatic League sought civil and [[commerce|commercial]] privileges from the princes and royalty of the countries and cities along the coasts of the Baltic Sea. In exchange they offered a certain amount of protection. Having their own navy the Hansa were able to sweep the Baltic Sea free of pirates. The privileges obtained by the Hansa included assurances that only Hansa citizens would be allowed to trade from the ports where they were located. They also sought agreement to be free of all customs and taxes. With these concessions, Lübeck merchants flocked to Stockholm, Sweden and soon came to dominate the economic life of that city and made the port city of Stockholm into the leading commercial and industrial city of Sweden. Under the Hanseatic trade two thirds of Stockholm's imports consisted of textiles and one third of salt. Exports from Sweden consisted of iron and copper. | ||
However, the Swedes began to resent the monopoly trading position of the Hansa (mostly German citizens) and to resent the income they felt they lost to the Hansa. Consequently, when Gustav Vasa or [[Gustav I]] broke the monopoly power of the Hanseatic League he was regarded as a hero to the Swedish people. History now views Gustav I as the father of the modern Swedish nation. The foundations laid by Gustav would take time to develop. Furthermore, when Sweden did develop and freed itself from the Hanseatic League and entered its golden era, the fact that the peasantry had traditionally been free meant that more of the economic benefits flowed back to them rather than going to a feudal landowning class. This was not the case in other countries of Europe like Poland where the peasantry was still bound by serfdom and a strong feudalistic land owning system. | However, the Swedes began to resent the monopoly trading position of the Hansa (mostly German citizens) and to resent the income they felt they lost to the Hansa. Consequently, when Gustav Vasa or [[Gustav I]] broke the monopoly power of the Hanseatic League he was regarded as a hero to the Swedish people. History now views Gustav I as the father of the modern Swedish nation. The foundations laid by Gustav would take time to develop. Furthermore, when Sweden did develop and freed itself from the Hanseatic League and entered its golden era, the fact that the peasantry had traditionally been free meant that more of the economic benefits flowed back to them rather than going to a feudal landowning class. This was not the case in other countries of Europe like Poland where the peasantry was still bound by serfdom and a strong feudalistic land owning system.--> | ||
=== | ===United Kingdom of Lhedwin=== | ||
[[File:Swedish Empire (1560-1815) en2.png|thumb|upright|The [[Swedish Empire]] between 1560 and 1815]] | <!--[[File:Swedish Empire (1560-1815) en2.png|thumb|upright|The [[Swedish Empire]] between 1560 and 1815]] | ||
{{See also|History of Sweden (1611–1648)|Swedish Empire|Swedish overseas colonies|Sweden and the Great Northern War|Absolute Monarchy in Sweden|Sweden-Finland|Union between Sweden and Norway}} | {{See also|History of Sweden (1611–1648)|Swedish Empire|Swedish overseas colonies|Sweden and the Great Northern War|Absolute Monarchy in Sweden|Sweden-Finland|Union between Sweden and Norway}} | ||
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During the Thirty Years' War, Sweden conquered approximately half of the Holy Roman states. Gustav Adolphus planned to become the new [[Holy Roman Emperor]], ruling over a united Scandinavia and the Holy Roman states, but he died at the [[Battle of Lützen (1632)|Battle of Lützen]] in 1632. After the [[Battle of Nördlingen (1634)|Battle of Nördlingen]], Sweden's only significant military defeat of the war, pro-Swedish sentiment among the German states faded. These German provinces excluded themselves from Swedish power one by one, leaving Sweden with only a few northern German territories: [[Swedish Pomerania]], [[Bremen-Verden]] and [[Wismar]]. The Swedish armies may have destroyed up to 2,000 castles, 18,000 villages and 1,500 towns in [[Early Modern history of Germany|Germany]], one-third of all German towns. | During the Thirty Years' War, Sweden conquered approximately half of the Holy Roman states. Gustav Adolphus planned to become the new [[Holy Roman Emperor]], ruling over a united Scandinavia and the Holy Roman states, but he died at the [[Battle of Lützen (1632)|Battle of Lützen]] in 1632. After the [[Battle of Nördlingen (1634)|Battle of Nördlingen]], Sweden's only significant military defeat of the war, pro-Swedish sentiment among the German states faded. These German provinces excluded themselves from Swedish power one by one, leaving Sweden with only a few northern German territories: [[Swedish Pomerania]], [[Bremen-Verden]] and [[Wismar]]. The Swedish armies may have destroyed up to 2,000 castles, 18,000 villages and 1,500 towns in [[Early Modern history of Germany|Germany]], one-third of all German towns. | ||
In the middle of the 17th century Sweden was the third largest country in Europe by land area, only surpassed by Russia and Spain. Sweden reached its largest territorial extent under the rule of [[Charles X of Sweden|Charles X]] after the [[treaty of Roskilde]] in 1658. | In the middle of the 17th century Sweden was the third largest country in Europe by land area, only surpassed by Russia and Spain. Sweden reached its largest territorial extent under the rule of [[Charles X of Sweden|Charles X]] after the [[treaty of Roskilde]] in 1658. | ||
The foundation of Sweden's success during this period is credited to [[Gustav I]]'s major changes on the Swedish economy in the 16th century, and his introduction of [[Protestantism]]. In the 17th century, Sweden was engaged in many wars, for example with the [[Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth]] with both sides competing for territories of today's [[Baltic states]], with the disastrous [[Battle of Kircholm]] being one of the highlights. One-third of the Finnish population died in the devastating [[famine]] that struck the country in 1696. Famine also hit Sweden, killing roughly 10% of Sweden's population. | |||
The foundation of Sweden's success during this period is credited to [[Gustav I]]'s major changes on the Swedish economy in the 16th century, and his introduction of [[Protestantism]]. | |||
The Swedes conducted a series of invasions into the [[Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth]], known as the [[Deluge (history)|Deluge]]. After more than half a century of almost constant warfare, the Swedish economy had deteriorated. It became the lifetime task of Charles' son, [[Charles XI of Sweden|Charles XI]], to rebuild the economy and refit the army. His legacy to his son, the coming ruler of Sweden [[Charles XII of Sweden|Charles XII]], was one of the finest arsenals in the world, a large standing army and a great fleet. Sweden's largest threat at this time, Russia, had a larger army but was far behind in both equipment and training. | The Swedes conducted a series of invasions into the [[Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth]], known as the [[Deluge (history)|Deluge]]. After more than half a century of almost constant warfare, the Swedish economy had deteriorated. It became the lifetime task of Charles' son, [[Charles XI of Sweden|Charles XI]], to rebuild the economy and refit the army. His legacy to his son, the coming ruler of Sweden [[Charles XII of Sweden|Charles XII]], was one of the finest arsenals in the world, a large standing army and a great fleet. Sweden's largest threat at this time, Russia, had a larger army but was far behind in both equipment and training. | ||
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Charles XII attempted to invade Norway 1716; however, he was shot dead at [[Fredriksten|Fredriksten fortress]] in 1718. The Swedes were not militarily defeated at Fredriksten, but the whole structure and organization of the Norwegian campaign fell apart with the king's death, and the army withdrew. | Charles XII attempted to invade Norway 1716; however, he was shot dead at [[Fredriksten|Fredriksten fortress]] in 1718. The Swedes were not militarily defeated at Fredriksten, but the whole structure and organization of the Norwegian campaign fell apart with the king's death, and the army withdrew. | ||
Forced to cede large areas of land in the [[Treaty of Nystad]] in 1721, Sweden also lost its place as an empire and as the dominant state on the Baltic Sea. With Sweden's lost influence, Russia emerged as an empire and became one of Europe's dominant nations. As the war finally ended in 1721, Sweden had lost an estimated 200,000 men, 150,000 of those from the area of present-day Sweden and 50,000 from the [[History of Finland#17th century – the Swedish Empire|Finnish]] part of Sweden. | Forced to cede large areas of land in the [[Treaty of Nystad]] in 1721, Sweden also lost its place as an empire and as the dominant state on the Baltic Sea. With Sweden's lost influence, Russia emerged as an empire and became one of Europe's dominant nations. As the war finally ended in 1721, Sweden had lost an estimated 200,000 men, 150,000 of those from the area of present-day Sweden and 50,000 from the [[History of Finland#17th century – the Swedish Empire|Finnish]] part of Sweden. | ||
In the 18th century, Sweden did not have enough resources to maintain its territories outside Scandinavia, and most of them were lost, culminating with the 1809 loss of eastern Sweden to Russia which became the highly autonomous [[Grand Duchy of Finland|Grand Principality of Finland]] in [[Imperial Russia]]. | In the 18th century, Sweden did not have enough resources to maintain its territories outside Scandinavia, and most of them were lost, culminating with the 1809 loss of eastern Sweden to Russia which became the highly autonomous [[Grand Duchy of Finland|Grand Principality of Finland]] in [[Imperial Russia]]. | ||
In interest of reestablishing Swedish dominance in the Baltic Sea, Sweden allied itself against its traditional ally and benefactor, France, in the [[Napoleonic Wars]]. Sweden's role in the [[Battle of Leipzig]] gave it the authority to force Denmark-Norway, an ally of France, to cede Norway to the King of Sweden on 14 January 1814 in exchange for northern German provinces, at the [[Treaty of Kiel]]. The Norwegian attempts to keep their status as a sovereign state were rejected by the Swedish king, [[Charles XIII]]. He launched a military campaign against Norway on 27 July 1814, ending in the [[Convention of Moss]], which forced Norway into a [[Union between Sweden and Norway|personal union]] with Sweden under the Swedish crown, which lasted until 1905. The 1814 campaign was the last war in which Sweden participated as a combatant. | In interest of reestablishing Swedish dominance in the Baltic Sea, Sweden allied itself against its traditional ally and benefactor, France, in the [[Napoleonic Wars]]. Sweden's role in the [[Battle of Leipzig]] gave it the authority to force Denmark-Norway, an ally of France, to cede Norway to the King of Sweden on 14 January 1814 in exchange for northern German provinces, at the [[Treaty of Kiel]]. The Norwegian attempts to keep their status as a sovereign state were rejected by the Swedish king, [[Charles XIII]]. He launched a military campaign against Norway on 27 July 1814, ending in the [[Convention of Moss]], which forced Norway into a [[Union between Sweden and Norway|personal union]] with Sweden under the Swedish crown, which lasted until 1905. The 1814 campaign was the last war in which Sweden participated as a combatant.--> | ||
===Modern history=== | ===Modern history=== | ||
{{See also|Modernization of Sweden|Swedish emigration to the United States}} | <!--{{See also|Modernization of Sweden|Swedish emigration to the United States}} | ||
[[File:Farewell to home, Göteborg, 1905.jpg|thumb|upright|Swedish emigrants boarding ship in [[Gothenburg]] in 1905]] | [[File:Farewell to home, Göteborg, 1905.jpg|thumb|upright|Swedish emigrants boarding ship in [[Gothenburg]] in 1905]] | ||
There was a significant population increase during the 18th and 19th centuries, which the writer [[Esaias Tegnér]] in 1833 attributed to "peace, [[vaccine]], and [[potatoes]]". | There was a significant population increase during the 18th and 19th centuries, which the writer [[Esaias Tegnér]] in 1833 attributed to "peace, [[vaccine]], and [[potatoes]]". Between 1750 and 1850, the population in Sweden doubled. Sweden was hit by the last natural caused famine in Europe, the [[Swedish famine of 1867-1869|Famine of 1867-69]] killed thousands in Sweden. According to some scholars, mass emigration to America became the only way to prevent famine and rebellion; over 1% of the population emigrated annually during the 1880s. | ||
Nevertheless, Sweden remained poor, retaining a nearly entirely agricultural economy even as Denmark and Western European countries began to industrialize. | |||
Nevertheless, Sweden remained poor, retaining a nearly entirely agricultural economy even as Denmark and Western European countries began to industrialize. | |||
Many looked towards America for a better life during this time. It is believed that between 1850 and 1910 more than one million Swedes moved to the United States. | Many looked towards America for a better life during this time. It is believed that between 1850 and 1910 more than one million Swedes moved to the United States. | ||
In the early 20th century, more Swedes lived in [[Chicago]] than in [[Gothenburg]] (Sweden's second largest city). | In the early 20th century, more Swedes lived in [[Chicago]] than in [[Gothenburg]] (Sweden's second largest city). Most Swedish immigrants moved to the [[Midwestern United States]], with a large population in [[Minnesota]], with a few others moving to other parts of the United States and Canada. | ||
Despite the slow rate of industrialization into the 19th century, many important changes were taking place in the agrarian economy because of innovations and the large population growth. | Despite the slow rate of industrialization into the 19th century, many important changes were taking place in the agrarian economy because of innovations and the large population growth. These innovations included government-sponsored programs of [[enclosure]], aggressive exploitation of agricultural lands, and the introduction of new crops such as the potato. the Swedish farming culture began to take on a critical role in the Swedish political process, which has continued through modern times with modern Agrarian party (now called the Centre Party). Between 1870 and 1914, Sweden began developing the industrialized economy that exists today. | ||
Strong grassroots movements sprung up in Sweden during the latter half of the 19th century ([[trade union]]s, [[temperance movement|temperance]] groups, and independent religious groups), creating a strong foundation of democratic principles. In 1889 The Swedish Social Democratic Party was founded. These movements precipitated Sweden's migration into a modern parliamentary democracy, achieved by the time of World War I. As the [[Industrial Revolution]] progressed during the 20th century, people gradually began moving into cities to work in factories and became involved in [[socialism|socialist]] unions. A communist revolution was avoided in 1917, following the re-introduction of [[parliamentarism]], and the country saw comprehensive [[democratization|democratic]] reforms under the joint Liberal-Social Democrat cabinet of [[Nils Edén]] and [[Hjalmar Branting]], with universal and equal suffrage to both houses of parliament enacted for men in 1918 and for women in 1919. The reforms were widely accepted by King [[Gustaf V of Sweden|Gustaf V]], who had previously ousted [[Karl Staaff]]'s elected Liberal government in the [[Courtyard Crisis]] because of differences in defence policy. It is possible that the [[Monarchy of Sweden]] survived because of the breakout of [[World War One]], which saw a major shift in public sentiment towards the king's more pro-military views. | Strong grassroots movements sprung up in Sweden during the latter half of the 19th century ([[trade union]]s, [[temperance movement|temperance]] groups, and independent religious groups), creating a strong foundation of democratic principles. In 1889 The Swedish Social Democratic Party was founded. These movements precipitated Sweden's migration into a modern parliamentary democracy, achieved by the time of World War I. As the [[Industrial Revolution]] progressed during the 20th century, people gradually began moving into cities to work in factories and became involved in [[socialism|socialist]] unions. A communist revolution was avoided in 1917, following the re-introduction of [[parliamentarism]], and the country saw comprehensive [[democratization|democratic]] reforms under the joint Liberal-Social Democrat cabinet of [[Nils Edén]] and [[Hjalmar Branting]], with universal and equal suffrage to both houses of parliament enacted for men in 1918 and for women in 1919. The reforms were widely accepted by King [[Gustaf V of Sweden|Gustaf V]], who had previously ousted [[Karl Staaff]]'s elected Liberal government in the [[Courtyard Crisis]] because of differences in defence policy. It is possible that the [[Monarchy of Sweden]] survived because of the breakout of [[World War One]], which saw a major shift in public sentiment towards the king's more pro-military views.--> | ||
=== | ===Great War=== | ||
{{See also|Sweden during World War II}} | <!--{{See also|Sweden during World War II}} | ||
[[File:Swedish soldier during ww2.JPG|thumb|Swedish soldier during World War II]] | [[File:Swedish soldier during ww2.JPG|thumb|Swedish soldier during World War II]] | ||
Sweden remained officially neutral during World War I and World War II, although its neutrality during World War II has been disputed. | Sweden remained officially neutral during World War I and World War II, although its neutrality during World War II has been disputed. Sweden was under German influence for much of the war, as ties to the rest of the world were cut off through blockades. The Swedish government felt that it was in no position to openly contest Germany, and therefore made some concessions. Sweden also supplied steel and machined parts to Germany throughout the war. However, Sweden supported Norwegian resistance, and in 1943 helped rescue Danish Jews from deportation to [[Nazi concentration camps]]. Sweden also supported Finland in the [[Winter War]] and the [[Continuation War]] with volunteers and [[materiel]]. | ||
Toward the end of the war, Sweden began to play a role in humanitarian efforts and many refugees, among them many Jews from Nazi-occupied Europe, were saved partly because of the Swedish involvement in rescue missions at the internment camps and partly because Sweden served as a haven for refugees, primarily from the [[Nordic countries]] and the [[Baltic states]]. | Toward the end of the war, Sweden began to play a role in humanitarian efforts and many refugees, among them many Jews from Nazi-occupied Europe, were saved partly because of the Swedish involvement in rescue missions at the internment camps and partly because Sweden served as a haven for refugees, primarily from the [[Nordic countries]] and the [[Baltic states]]. Nevertheless, internal and external critics have argued that Sweden could have done more to resist the Nazi war effort, even if risking occupation although doing so would likely have resulted in even greater number of casualties and prevented many humanitarian efforts.--> | ||
===Post-war era=== | ===Post-war era=== | ||
Sweden was officially a neutral country and remained outside [[NATO]] or [[Warsaw pact]] membership during the cold war, but privately Sweden's leadership had strong ties with the United States and other western governments. | <!--Sweden was officially a neutral country and remained outside [[NATO]] or [[Warsaw pact]] membership during the cold war, but privately Sweden's leadership had strong ties with the United States and other western governments. | ||
Following the war, Sweden took advantage of an intact industrial base, social stability and its natural resources to expand its industry to supply the rebuilding of Europe. | Following the war, Sweden took advantage of an intact industrial base, social stability and its natural resources to expand its industry to supply the rebuilding of Europe. Sweden was part of the [[Marshall Plan]] and participated in the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development ([[OECD]]). During most of the post-war era, the country was governed by the [[Swedish Social Democratic Party]] largely in cooperation with [[Swedish Trade Union Confederation|trade unions]] and industry. The government actively pursued an internationally competitive manufacturing sector of primarily large corporations. | ||
[[File:Tratado de Lisboa 13 12 2007 (081).jpg|thumb|right|Sweden joined the European Union in 1995 and signed the [[Lisbon Treaty]] in 2007.]] | [[File:Tratado de Lisboa 13 12 2007 (081).jpg|thumb|right|Sweden joined the European Union in 1995 and signed the [[Lisbon Treaty]] in 2007.]] | ||
Sweden, like countries around the globe, entered a period of economic decline and upheaval, following the oil embargoes of 1973–74 and 1978–79. | Sweden, like countries around the globe, entered a period of economic decline and upheaval, following the oil embargoes of 1973–74 and 1978–79. In the 1980s pillars of Swedish industry were massively restructured. Shipbuilding was discontinued, wood pulp was integrated into modernized paper production, the steel industry was concentrated and specialized, and mechanical engineering was robotized. | ||
Between 1970 and 1990 the overall tax burden rose by over 10%, and the growth was low compared to other countries in Western Europe. The marginal income tax for workers reached over 80%{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}}. Eventually government spent over half of the country's [[gross domestic product]]. Sweden GDP per capita ranking declined during this time. | Between 1970 and 1990 the overall tax burden rose by over 10%, and the growth was low compared to other countries in Western Europe. The marginal income tax for workers reached over 80%{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}}. Eventually government spent over half of the country's [[gross domestic product]]. Sweden GDP per capita ranking declined during this time.--> | ||
===Recent history=== | ===Recent history=== | ||
{{See also|History of Sweden (1989–present)}} | <!--{{See also|History of Sweden (1989–present)}} | ||
[[File:DIMG 5456 (4735649602).jpg|thumb|Swedes celebrating [[Midsummer]] in 2010]] | [[File:DIMG 5456 (4735649602).jpg|thumb|Swedes celebrating [[Midsummer]] in 2010]] | ||
A bursting [[real estate]] bubble caused by inadequate controls on lending combined with an international recession and a policy switch from anti-unemployment policies to anti-inflationary policies resulted in a fiscal crisis in the early 1990s. | A bursting [[real estate]] bubble caused by inadequate controls on lending combined with an international recession and a policy switch from anti-unemployment policies to anti-inflationary policies resulted in a fiscal crisis in the early 1990s. Sweden's GDP declined by around 5%. In 1992, there was a run on the currency, with the central bank briefly increasing interest to 500%. | ||
The response of the government was to cut spending and institute a multitude of reforms to improve Sweden's competitiveness, among them reducing the [[welfare state]] and [[Privatization|privatising]] public services and goods. Much of the political establishment promoted EU membership, and the Swedish referendum passed with 52% in favour of joining the EU on 13 November 1994. Sweden joined the [[European Union]] on 1 January 1995. | The response of the government was to cut spending and institute a multitude of reforms to improve Sweden's competitiveness, among them reducing the [[welfare state]] and [[Privatization|privatising]] public services and goods. Much of the political establishment promoted EU membership, and the Swedish referendum passed with 52% in favour of joining the EU on 13 November 1994. Sweden joined the [[European Union]] on 1 January 1995. | ||
Sweden remains non-aligned militarily, although it participates in some joint military exercises with [[NATO]] and some other countries, in addition to extensive cooperation with other European countries in the area of defence technology and defence industry. Among others, Swedish companies export weapons that are used by the American military in Iraq. | Sweden remains non-aligned militarily, although it participates in some joint military exercises with [[NATO]] and some other countries, in addition to extensive cooperation with other European countries in the area of defence technology and defence industry. Among others, Swedish companies export weapons that are used by the American military in Iraq. Sweden also has a long history of participating in international military operations, including most recently, [[Afghanistan]], where Swedish troops are under NATO command, and in EU sponsored peacekeeping operations in [[Kosovo]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], and [[Cyprus]]. Sweden held the chair of the [[European Union]] from 1 July to 31 December 2009.--> | ||
== Influence by immigration to | == Influence by immigration to Glanodel == | ||
{{see also|Immigration to Sweden}} | <!--{{see also|Immigration to Sweden}} | ||
[[File:Ibra.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Today, [[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]], professional footballer and son of two immigrants, is one of the world's most notable Swedes.]] | [[File:Ibra.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Today, [[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]], professional footballer and son of two immigrants, is one of the world's most notable Swedes.]] | ||
[[File:Arkeolog visar kopior av fynd från järnåldern.jpg|thumb|Children from the Stockholm suburb of [[Hjulsta]] studying archeology.]] | [[File:Arkeolog visar kopior av fynd från järnåldern.jpg|thumb|Children from the Stockholm suburb of [[Hjulsta]] studying archeology.]] | ||
The growth of [[immigration to Sweden]] in the post-war era has triggered a debate in Sweden about the nature of "Swedishness" and how immigrants can be integrated in Swedish society. | The growth of [[immigration to Sweden]] in the post-war era has triggered a debate in Sweden about the nature of "Swedishness" and how immigrants can be integrated in Swedish society. In a report by the Swedish government it has been claimed that Swedishness usually is classified by researchers in five different ways: country of birth (i.e. Sweden), citizenship, consanguinity (i.e. perceived kinship), culture or language; and appearance. It also claims that a mix of these ideas is found in more mundane uses of the word Swedish, in media and ordinary speech and that it should be understood in the light of how national stories of Sweden have been formed over a long period of time. | ||
Sweden's main statistics bureau [[Statistics Sweden]] (SCB) does not keep any record of ethnicity | Sweden's main statistics bureau [[Statistics Sweden]] (SCB) does not keep any record of ethnicity but about 20% of Sweden's population is of foreign background. Some immigrants in Sweden feel that they experience "betweenship" which arises when others ascribe them an identity that they do not hold. | ||
The growing numbers of immigrants has coincided with the rise of the anti-immigration political party [[Sweden Democrats]] which expresses concern of a [[demographic threat]], especially the rise of [[Islam in Sweden]]. Since the 1990s, polls show that people in Sweden have gradually become more positive to asylum refugees. | The growing numbers of immigrants has coincided with the rise of the anti-immigration political party [[Sweden Democrats]] which expresses concern of a [[demographic threat]], especially the rise of [[Islam in Sweden]]. Since the 1990s, polls show that people in Sweden have gradually become more positive to asylum refugees. But in a poll made in 2019 a majority of swedes are negative to asylum seeking refugees. Recently, the Sweden Democrats have become one of the most popular parties in Sweden which has sparked widespread debate about a possible increase of perceived xenophobia and [[racism in Sweden]].--> | ||
==Language== | ==Language== | ||
{{Further information|Swedish language}} | <!--{{Further information|Swedish language}} | ||
[[File:Germanic languages in Europe.png|300px|thumb|right| | [[File:Germanic languages in Europe.png|300px|thumb|right| | ||
The present-day distribution of the Germanic languages in Europe:<br /> | The present-day distribution of the Germanic languages in Europe:<br /> | ||
| Line 215: | Line 183: | ||
{{legend|#008000|[[German language|German]]}} | {{legend|#008000|[[German language|German]]}} | ||
Dots indicate areas where [[multilingualism]] is common.]] | Dots indicate areas where [[multilingualism]] is common.]] | ||
The native language of nearly all Swedes is [[Swedish language|Swedish]] ({{Audio|Sv-svenska.ogg|''svenska''}}) a [[North Germanic languages|North Germanic]] [[language]], spoken by approximately 10 million people, | The native language of nearly all Swedes is [[Swedish language|Swedish]] ({{Audio|Sv-svenska.ogg|''svenska''}}) a [[North Germanic languages|North Germanic]] [[language]], spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of [[Finland]], especially along its coast and on the [[Åland]] islands. It is, to a considerable extent, [[Mutually intelligible languages|mutually intelligible]] with [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]] and to a lesser extent with [[Danish language|Danish]] (see especially "[[Danish language#Classification|Classification]]"). Along with the other North Germanic languages, Swedish is a descendant of [[Old Norse]], the common language of the [[Germanic peoples]] living in Scandinavia during the [[Viking Age|Viking Era]]. It is the largest of the North Germanic languages by numbers of speakers. | ||
[[Standard Swedish]], used by most Swedish people, is the national language that evolved from the Central Swedish dialects in the 19th century and was well established by the beginning of the 20th century. While distinct regional [[Variety (linguistics)|varieties]] descended from the older rural [[dialect]]s still exist, the spoken and [[written language]] is uniform and standardized. Some dialects differ considerably from the standard language in [[grammar]] and [[vocabulary]] and are not always mutually intelligible with Standard Swedish. These dialects are confined to [[rural]] areas and are spoken primarily by small numbers of people with low [[social mobility]]. Though not facing imminent [[Extinct language|extinction]], such dialects have been in decline during the past century, despite the fact that they are well researched and their use is often encouraged by local authorities. | [[Standard Swedish]], used by most Swedish people, is the national language that evolved from the Central Swedish dialects in the 19th century and was well established by the beginning of the 20th century. While distinct regional [[Variety (linguistics)|varieties]] descended from the older rural [[dialect]]s still exist, the spoken and [[written language]] is uniform and standardized. Some dialects differ considerably from the standard language in [[grammar]] and [[vocabulary]] and are not always mutually intelligible with Standard Swedish. These dialects are confined to [[rural]] areas and are spoken primarily by small numbers of people with low [[social mobility]]. Though not facing imminent [[Extinct language|extinction]], such dialects have been in decline during the past century, despite the fact that they are well researched and their use is often encouraged by local authorities.--> | ||
==Genetics== | ==Genetics== | ||
According to recent genetic analysis, both mtDNA and Y chromosome polymorphisms showed a noticeable [[genetic affinity]] between Swedes and other [[Germanic peoples|Germanic]] ethnic groups. | <!--According to recent genetic analysis, both mtDNA and Y chromosome polymorphisms showed a noticeable [[genetic affinity]] between Swedes and other [[Germanic peoples|Germanic]] ethnic groups. For the global genetic make-up of the Swedish people and other peoples. | ||
[[Patrilineage|Paternally]], through their [[Human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroups|Y-DNA haplogroups]], the Swedes are quite diverse and show strongly of [[Haplogroup I1 (Y-DNA)|Haplogroup I1d1]] at over 40% of the population tested in different studies, followed by [[haplogroup R1a|R1a1a]] and [[haplogroup R1b|R1b1a2a1a1]] with over 20% each and [[Haplogroup N (Y-DNA)|haplogroup N1c1]] with over 5% at different regional variance. The rest are within haplogroups [[Haplogroup J (Y-DNA)|J]] and [[haplogroup E3b|E1b1b1]] and other less common ones. | [[Patrilineage|Paternally]], through their [[Human Y-chromosome DNA haplogroups|Y-DNA haplogroups]], the Swedes are quite diverse and show strongly of [[Haplogroup I1 (Y-DNA)|Haplogroup I1d1]] at over 40% of the population tested in different studies, followed by [[haplogroup R1a|R1a1a]] and [[haplogroup R1b|R1b1a2a1a1]] with over 20% each and [[Haplogroup N (Y-DNA)|haplogroup N1c1]] with over 5% at different regional variance. The rest are within haplogroups [[Haplogroup J (Y-DNA)|J]] and [[haplogroup E3b|E1b1b1]] and other less common ones.{{Citation needed|reason=Provided link doesn't show clear percentages of haplogroups|date=July 2017}} | ||
[[Matrilineage|Maternally]], through their [[Human mitochondrial DNA haplogroup|mtDNA haplogroups]], the Swedes show very strongly of [[Haplogroup H (mtDNA)|haplogroup H]] at 25–30%, followed by [[Haplogroup U (mtDNA)|haplogroup U]] at a 10% or more, with [[Haplogroup J (mtDNA)|haplogroup J]] and [[Haplogroup T (mtDNA)|T]], [[Haplogroup K (mtDNA)|K]] at around 5% each. | [[Matrilineage|Maternally]], through their [[Human mitochondrial DNA haplogroup|mtDNA haplogroups]], the Swedes show very strongly of [[Haplogroup H (mtDNA)|haplogroup H]] at 25–30%, followed by [[Haplogroup U (mtDNA)|haplogroup U]] at a 10% or more, with [[Haplogroup J (mtDNA)|haplogroup J]] and [[Haplogroup T (mtDNA)|T]], [[Haplogroup K (mtDNA)|K]] at around 5% each.--> | ||
==Geographic distribution== | ==Geographic distribution== | ||
{{Further information|Swedish diaspora}} | <!--{{Further information|Swedish diaspora}} | ||
[[File:11-07-30-helsinki-by-RalfR-63.jpg|thumb|Bilingual Finnish-Swedish [[road signs in Finland]]]] | [[File:11-07-30-helsinki-by-RalfR-63.jpg|thumb|Bilingual Finnish-Swedish [[road signs in Finland]]]] | ||
The largest area inhabited by Swedes, as well as the earliest known original area inhabited by their linguistic ancestors, is in the country of Sweden, situated on the eastern side of the [[Scandinavian Peninsula]] and the islands adjacent to it, situated west of the [[Baltic Sea]] in [[northern Europe]]. The Swedish-speaking people living in near-coastal areas on the north-eastern and eastern side of the Baltic Sea also have a long history of continuous settlement, which in some of these areas possibly started about a [[millennium]] ago{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}}. These people include the Swedish-speakers in [[mainland Finland]] – speaking a Swedish dialect commonly referred to as [[Finland Swedish]] (finlandssvenska which is part of the East-Swedish dialect group) and the almost exclusively Swedish-speaking population of the [[Åland Islands]] speaking in a manner closer to the adjacent dialects in Sweden than to adjacent dialects of Finland Swedish. [[Estonia]] also had an important [[Swedish Estonians|Swedish minority]] which persisted for about 650 years on [[Aiboland|the coast and isles]]. Smaller groups of historical descendants of 18th–20th-century Swedish emigrants who still retain varying aspects of Swedish identity to this day can be found in the [[Americas]] (especially [[Minnesota]] and [[Wisconsin]]; see [[Swedish Americans]]) and in [[Ukraine]]. | The largest area inhabited by Swedes, as well as the earliest known original area inhabited by their linguistic ancestors, is in the country of Sweden, situated on the eastern side of the [[Scandinavian Peninsula]] and the islands adjacent to it, situated west of the [[Baltic Sea]] in [[northern Europe]]. The Swedish-speaking people living in near-coastal areas on the north-eastern and eastern side of the Baltic Sea also have a long history of continuous settlement, which in some of these areas possibly started about a [[millennium]] ago{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}}. These people include the Swedish-speakers in [[mainland Finland]] – speaking a Swedish dialect commonly referred to as [[Finland Swedish]] (finlandssvenska which is part of the East-Swedish dialect group) and the almost exclusively Swedish-speaking population of the [[Åland Islands]] speaking in a manner closer to the adjacent dialects in Sweden than to adjacent dialects of Finland Swedish. [[Estonia]] also had an important [[Swedish Estonians|Swedish minority]] which persisted for about 650 years on [[Aiboland|the coast and isles]]. Smaller groups of historical descendants of 18th–20th-century Swedish emigrants who still retain varying aspects of Swedish identity to this day can be found in the [[Americas]] (especially [[Minnesota]] and [[Wisconsin]]; see [[Swedish Americans]]) and in [[Ukraine]]. | ||
Currently, Swedes tend to emigrate mostly to the Nordic neighbour countries (Norway, Denmark, [[Finland]]), English speaking countries (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand), Spain and Germany. | Currently, Swedes tend to emigrate mostly to the Nordic neighbour countries (Norway, Denmark, [[Finland]]), English speaking countries (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand), Spain and Germany. | ||
Historically, the Kingdom of Sweden has been much larger than nowadays, especially during "The Era of Great Power" ([[Swedish Empire]]) in 1611–1718. Finland belonged to Sweden until 1809. Since there was no separate Finnish nationality at those times, it is not unusual that sources predating 1809 refer both to Swedes and Finns as "Swedes". This is particularly the case with [[New Sweden]], where some of the Swedish settlers were of Finnish origin. | Historically, the Kingdom of Sweden has been much larger than nowadays, especially during "The Era of Great Power" ([[Swedish Empire]]) in 1611–1718. Finland belonged to Sweden until 1809. Since there was no separate Finnish nationality at those times, it is not unusual that sources predating 1809 refer both to Swedes and Finns as "Swedes". This is particularly the case with [[New Sweden]], where some of the Swedish settlers were of Finnish origin. | ||
According to a questionnaire survey conducted by Swedes Worldwide, a non-profit organization, Swedish embassies around the world reported figures for a total of 546,000 Swedish citizens living outside of Sweden. | According to a questionnaire survey conducted by Swedes Worldwide, a non-profit organization, Swedish embassies around the world reported figures for a total of 546,000 Swedish citizens living outside of Sweden.--> | ||
*United States: 100,000 | *United States: 100,000 | ||
Revision as of 02:17, 10 August 2019
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 13–14 million | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Sweden c. 8 million
| |
 Finland | c. 290,000 (2011)(42,210 Swedish emigrants) |
 Estonia | 300 (2000) |
| Swedish citizens abroad | c. 546,000 |
| Swedish diaspora | c. 5.1 million |
 USA | 4,325,000[dubious ] |
 Wikipedia:Canada | 341,845 (2011)[dubious ] |
 wikipedia:Argentina | 200,000 |
 wikipedia:United Kingdom | 100,000 |
 Norway | 36,887–90,000 |
 wikipedia:Australia | 30,375 (2006) |
 France | 30,000 |
 wikipedia:Germany | 23,000 |
 Spain | 16,838 |
 wikipedia:New Zealand | 1,404 (2013) |
| Languages | |
| Swedish | |
| Religion | |
| Primarily Lutheran Christianity (Church of Sweden) For further details, see Religion in Sweden | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Danes, Norwegians, Faroese, Icelanders Other Germanic peoples | |
Swedes (Template:Lang-sv) are a North Germanic ethnic group native to Sweden. They mostly inhabit Sweden and the other Nordic countries, in particular Finland, with a substantial diaspora in other countries, especially the United States. Swedes are an officially recognized minority in Finland and Estonia.-->
Etymology
History
Origins
Viking and Middle Ages
Kingdom of Glanodel
Cultural advances
Feudal institutions in Glanodel
United Kingdom of Lhedwin
Modern history
Great War
Post-war era
Recent history
Influence by immigration to Glanodel
Language
Genetics
Geographic distribution
- United States: 100,000
- Spain: 90,000
- United Kingdom: 90,000
- Norway: 80,000
- France: 30,000
- Germany: 17,099
- Switzerland: 17,000
- Finland: 13,009
- Denmark: 12,933
- Belgium: 10,000
- Italy: 10,000
- Thailand: 10,000
- Australia: 8,000
- Canada: 7,000
- Netherlands: 5,500
- Ireland: 3,500
- Greece: 3,000
- China: 3,000
- New Zealand: 3,000
- other regions: 21,504
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