Religion

According to Countryaah, Sweden is a country of Christian denominations. Most of the population is Lutheran and Protestant. There are no restrictions on other religions.

Sweden has a Lutheran business ethic. As a rule, local residents are punctual, hardworking and responsible. A tourist who is in the company of Swedes will be bored, as it is not customary here to tell strangers about yourself. Local residents are closed, it is difficult to talk to them.

Tourist behavior rules

While in Sweden for tourism purposes or on a business trip, you should follow the generally recognized rules:

• Business meeting. If you plan to discuss working issues with the Swede, you should arrange a meeting in advance. Locals do not tolerate fuss. They make plans in advance, plan business trips a few days in advance, find out the list of those invited to receptions. Being late for a meeting more than 3-5 minutes is unacceptable.
• Communication. The Swedes value the knowledge and experience of a business partner. You will be treated more seriously if you demonstrate multilingual proficiency (English and German).
• Rules of the road. Drunk driving is prohibited. While driving, you can only use the dipped headlights, this rule does not depend on the time of day. All vehicle passengers must wear seat belts. This even applies to those sitting in the back seat (if possible).
• smoking. Smoking in public places and transport is strictly prohibited. You can do this in restaurants, offices, shops, as well as in places specially designed for this purpose.
• Business conversation. Friendship plays a significant role in Sweden. You can continue the discussion of work matters at dinner or in the theater.
• Away behavior. It is impolite to come to visit without an invitation. During dinner, it is not customary to drink until the owner of the table says a toast.
• Keeping order. When walking down the street, try not to throw garbage on the road. If you violate cleanliness, you face a significant fine.
• Fishing. Fishing is not possible everywhere. Lakes Vättern, Venern, Elmaren and Mälaren are open for fishing. To visit other bodies of water, you must obtain a special permit from the sports shop or the local information office.
• Recreation in nature. When going out into nature, remember that you can’t cross the territory of reserves without permission, break branches or cut down trees, drive a car into a forest where there is no road, make a fire, and also enter privately owned land.
• Mobile phones. The use of mobile phones is prohibited in theaters, museums, as well as in places with signs depicting a crossed out phone.
• Sweden has strict controls on liquor. You can buy them only in specialized stores “Systembolaget” from Monday to Thursday. Bringing alcohol to cafes or restaurants is strictly prohibited, as well as drinking them on the street and in other public places.
• In Sweden, most of the toilets are paid. The average cost of using the cabins is 5 kroons. In cafes and restaurants, they can be used for free. You should notify the maintenance staff in advance, as the door to the toilet may be closed.

Holidays

Official holidays and non-working days:

• January 1 – New Year is celebrated;
• January 5 – Epiphany;
• End of March – Easter;
• May 1 – Labor Day;
• The beginning of May is Ascension Day;
• Mid-May – Spirits day and Trinity;
• June 6 – Sweden’s Independence Day is celebrated ;
• End of June – Midsummer Day;
• November, first week – All Saints’ Day;
• December 24 – Christmas Eve is celebrated;
• December 25-25 – Christmas.

In addition to official holidays, Sweden also regularly hosts numerous fairs, exhibitions and film festivals, many of which are very interesting for tourists. Check agooddir for recent history of Sweden.