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Sweden

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Sweden country brief

Political overview

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy. The monarch has primarily ceremonial and representative duties. Sweden’s parliament (Riksdag) has 349 members. General elections to the parliament are held on the second Sunday of September every four years. The government comprises the prime minister and cabinet ministers appointed by the Prime Minister. The speaker of the parliament proposes a prime minister, whom the parliament then votes on. The government remains accountable to the parliament.

Foreign policy

Swedish foreign policy is based on the principle that security is built in solidarity with others, and threats against peace and security are averted in cooperation with other countries or organisations. Nordic-Baltic cooperation is an important aspect of Sweden's foreign policy.

An active commitment to the United Nations has been a cornerstone of Sweden's foreign policy since it became a member in 1946. Sweden is a founding member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 1960), the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE, 1973) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO, 1995). In 2024, Sweden joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), a significant change in its long-held policy of non-participation in military alliances.

Sweden joined the European Union in 1995, including the Schengen Area in 1996, but is not in the Eurozone. 

Bilateral relations

Australia and Sweden established diplomatic ties in 1963 and maintain a close bilateral relationship based on shared values and historical links. In 1770, Swedish botanist Daniel Solander came to Australia on Captain James Cook's Endeavour and assisted Joseph Banks in describing and collecting native plant specimens.

Australia and Sweden are like-minded countries, cooperating on a range of issues in international fora. We share a commitment to democratic values, protecting human rights, gender equality, disarmament, strengthening internationally agreed rules and norms and trade liberalisation.

Fast facts

  • Swedish visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals - 2023) – 28,110
  • Australian visitors to Sweden (resident returns - 2023) – 17,110
  • Resident Australian population born in Sweden (2021 census) – 10,847
  • Australian residents of Swedish descent (2021 census) – 46,699

High level engagement

Agreements and arrangements with Sweden

Australia and Sweden have several bilateral agreements including a Double Taxation Agreement (1981) and a Working Holiday Maker Arrangement (2001).

A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts are available at the Australian Treaties Database.

Public diplomacy

The Australian Embassy in Stockholm actively promotes Australia's commitment to liberal democratic values, multilateralism and respect for human rights. Activities include supporting cultural and research exchanges. The Embassy participates in Stockholm Pride.

The Embassy engages in a range of activities to promote Australian culture, creativity and artistic excellence. Activities include support for events which showcase our Indigenous heritage and strengthen Australia's relationship with Sweden's Sámi Community. The Embassy also hosts and participates in events supporting Australian artists, films, and sport.

Economic diplomacy

Australia and Sweden have strong trade and investment links. In 2023, two-way goods and services trade was valued at $4.4 billion. Australia's major exports that year included coal, precious metal ores, recreational travel, IP charges and education-related travel. Major imports from Sweden included telecom and ICT services, civil engineering equipment and parts, medicaments, goods vehicles and vehicles parts and accessories.

In 2023, the stock of Australian investment in Sweden was valued at $14 billion. Swedish investment in Australia was valued at $13 billion.

More economic and trade information can be found in the Sweden economic and trade factsheet.

Business

Australia and Sweden have strong business links. More than 100 Swedish companies are present in Australia, including Ericsson, IKEA, Volvo Group, AstraZeneca and ABB.  Swedish health, civil security and telecommunications companies have potential to build on existing investments in Australia.

Australian companies established in Sweden include Ramsay, Macquarie, CSL Cochlear, Computershare, ALS Laboratory Systems Group, Dragon Mining and Orica Mining Services, Worley, and Talga Group.

Austrade's Stockholm Office aims to attract foreign direct investment into Australia.

Australian Embassy in Stockholm

Travel

See Smartraveller for Information on travelling to Sweden.

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