Sweden was one of the leading powers in Europe in the seventeenth century. By the eighteenth century, this changed. Nineteenth century saw an increase in the number of emigrants to the US. Sweden managed to maintain a neutral stand in both World War I and II. It became a member of EU in 1995, but the people of Sweden rejected the Euro through a referendum in 2003.

Sweden’s culture is very vibrant. It is the homeland of many famous artists, laureates and musicians. Films are a very important, and probably the most illustrious aspect of Swedish culture. Some of the greatest names in the history of films are Swedes, for example, Ingmar Bergman, Greta Garbo, Liv Ullman and Ingrid Bergman. Sweden is also the home to the most revered award, the Nobel Prize.