Nature and population

With its more than 440 000 square kilometres, Sweden is the third largest country of the 27 EU Member States in terms of area. However, it is very sparsely populated; there are 22 people per square kilometre. The most densely populated EU country is Malta with 1288 people per square kilometre. The average for the EU is 115. Some 85 per cent of Sweden´s 9.3 million inhabitants live in densely populated areas.

Nature and climate vary along the length of Sweden, 1 574 kilometres from north to south. The far north lies beyond the Arctic Circle and is a mountainous area with vast bogs. The southernmost area is a flat farming landscape. Forests cover about half of Sweden, although only 5 per cent are old growth forests that have not been affected by forestry. Sweden is rich in lakes and streams with over 96 000 lakes.

Some 11 per cent of Sweden´s area is now protected, much of it in the north. There are over 3100 nature reserves, over 4 000 Natura 2000 areas and 28 national parks. The national parks have been chosen to represent a variety of biological and geological environments, but they are also areas of great beauty, offering ample scope for outdoor adventure.

Nature plays an important part in Swedish culture and the right to roam across any publicly or privately owned land is protected by `allemansrätten´, the right of public access. It is a major benefit but those exercising it must not infringe on the freedom of others. There must be no damage, animals must not be disturbed and respect must be shown to landowners and others in the countryside. The right of public access is to be enjoyed and appreciated, but must not involve disturbance or destruction.

Read more about Sweden´s nature and population on the links under related information.