Where is Sweden Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 19, 2024

Where is Sweden located on the map? Sweden is an independent nation located in Northern Europe. Check out the following images to see location of Sweden on maps.

Sweden Location in World Map

Sweden is in Northern Europe.

Location Information of Sweden

Sweden is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe, bordered by Norway to the west, Finland to the northeast, and the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia to the east. Sweden is known for its natural landscapes, including vast forests, thousands of lakes, and rugged coastlines. It is one of the largest countries in Europe by land area, yet it has a relatively low population density.

Latitude and Longitude

Sweden lies between 55° and 69° North latitude and 11° and 24° East longitude. The country stretches over a vast geographical area from the temperate climate zones in the south to the Arctic conditions in the far north, providing a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Stockholm

The capital city of Sweden is Stockholm, located on the eastern coast of the country. Situated on 14 islands connected by bridges, Stockholm has a population of about 975,000 in the city proper, with a metropolitan population of around 2.4 million. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene.

Some notable attractions and features of Stockholm include:

Gamla Stan (Old Town): Stockholm’s medieval heart, full of cobbled streets, narrow alleys, and colorful buildings.
Vasa Museum: A maritime museum dedicated to the Vasa ship, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was later salvaged.
Royal Palace: The official residence of the Swedish monarchy, with more than 600 rooms.

Major Cities

Gothenburg: Located on the west coast, Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-largest city, with a population of about 580,000. The city is known for its lively cultural scene, historic port, and proximity to the North Sea. Coordinates: 57.7089° N, 11.9746° E.
Malmö: Situated at the southern tip of Sweden, Malmö is the third-largest city in the country, with around 350,000 residents. It is known for its modern architecture, multicultural atmosphere, and the iconic Öresund Bridge, which connects Sweden to Denmark. Coordinates: 55.6040° N, 13.0038° E.
Uppsala: Located just north of Stockholm, Uppsala is a historical city known for its university, the Uppsala University, which dates back to 1477. The city has a population of approximately 230,000. Coordinates: 59.8586° N, 17.6389° E.
Västerås: Västerås, located to the west of Stockholm, has a population of around 150,000. It is an industrial city with a long history, founded in the 12th century. Coordinates: 59.6099° N, 16.5447° E.

Time Zone

Sweden operates in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC +1:00 during Standard Time. During the summer months, Sweden observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) and shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC +2:00.

Time difference with New York City: Sweden is 6 hours ahead of New York City during Standard Time (CET) and 5 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time (CEST).
Time difference with Los Angeles: Sweden is 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles during Standard Time (CET) and 8 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time (CEST).

Climate

Sweden experiences a variety of climates, largely influenced by its latitude and geographical features. The climate varies from temperate in the south to subarctic in the north, with distinct seasons: cold winters, mild springs, warm summers, and cool autumns.

Regional Climate Variations:

Southern Sweden: The southernmost regions, including cities like Malmö and Gothenburg, have a temperate maritime climate. Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures averaging around -2°C (28°F) in January, while summers are mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F).
Central Sweden: Cities like Stockholm experience a continental climate, with colder winters and warmer summers. Winter temperatures can drop below -10°C (14°F), while summer temperatures can rise to around 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F).
Northern Sweden: The far northern parts of Sweden, including Kiruna and Abisko, have a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures often dip well below -20°C (-4°F), and in the far north, the midnight sun is visible in the summer months.

Economic Status

Sweden has a high-income, export-oriented economy, and it is one of the most prosperous countries in the world. The Swedish economy is highly diversified, with a strong emphasis on industrial output, technology, manufacturing, and services.

Key Sectors of the Economy:

Manufacturing and Industry: Sweden is a global leader in high-tech manufacturing, including industries such as automobiles, electronics, and engineering. Well-known Swedish companies include Volvo (automobiles and trucks), Ericsson (telecommunications), and Electrolux (home appliances).
Technology and Innovation: Sweden is home to a vibrant technology sector and ranks highly for innovation. Companies like Spotify, Klarna, and Skype originated in Sweden, and the country has a strong tech ecosystem.
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology: The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries play a significant role in Sweden’s economy, with companies such as AstraZeneca and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum contributing to research and development.
Services: The service sector, including finance, tourism, and information technology, is another important part of the economy. Stockholm is a major financial center, and Sweden is known for its robust welfare system and high standard of living.
Tourism: Sweden is a popular destination for tourists, attracting millions of visitors each year. The country offers a mix of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and modern cities, which support its tourism industry.

Tourist Attractions

Sweden is a country rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. The country’s blend of forests, lakes, mountains, and coastlines attracts visitors year-round for outdoor activities, while its cities offer rich cultural experiences.

1. The Northern Lights in Abisko National Park

Located in northern Sweden, Abisko National Park is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. The park’s clear skies and remote location make it a popular destination for tourists seeking this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

2. Stockholm Archipelago

The Stockholm Archipelago consists of approximately 30,000 islands, offering visitors a chance to explore quaint villages, enjoy boating, or hike in nature reserves. The archipelago is easily accessible from Stockholm.

3. Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum in Stockholm is home to the Vasa ship, a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was later recovered. The museum is one of the most visited cultural attractions in Sweden.

4. Dalarna Region

Known for its traditional Swedish culture, the Dalarna region offers a glimpse into Sweden’s folklore and rural life. It is famous for its colorful Dala horses and Midsummer festivals, and is home to picturesque lakes and forests.

5. Kiruna and the Icehotel

In the far north of Sweden, the town of Kiruna is a popular destination for winter activities. The Icehotel, made entirely of ice and snow, is an iconic attraction where visitors can sleep in ice rooms and explore ice sculptures. Kiruna is also famous for the midnight sun in the summer and Northern Lights in the winter.

6. Gotland

The island of Gotland is a medieval wonder located in the Baltic Sea. It is known for its historical sites, including Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its pristine beaches. Gotland attracts tourists seeking culture, history, and natural beauty.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short-term visits (up to 90 days) to Sweden for tourism, business, or family visits, as Sweden is a member of the Schengen Area. U.S. citizens must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, and it must remain valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.

For longer stays, such as for work or study, U.S. citizens will need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit through the Swedish Embassy or Consulate.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance from Stockholm to New York City: The distance from Stockholm to New York City is approximately 7,500 km (4,660 miles), with a flight time of about 8 to 9 hours.
Distance from Stockholm to Los Angeles: The distance from Stockholm to Los Angeles is approximately 9,300 km (5,780 miles), with a flight time of about 10 to 11 hours.

Sweden Facts

Size	449,964 km²
Residents	10.32 million
Language	Swedish
Capital	Stockholm
Longest river	Klarälven (720 km, partly in Norway)
Highest mountain	Kebnekaise (2,097 m)
Currency	Swedish crown