Sweden is one of the largest countries in Europe covering more than five percent of the European landmass, although it is only home to less than two percent of the European population. The summers are mild and light and the winters often icy and dark, especially in northern Sweden which lies above the Polar Circle. There, whole months pass in daylight while others are always dark. Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and we like to think of our society as being a social paradise. The ruling monarch is Carl XVII Gustaf. Public transport and the road system are of high quality. Credit cards are very widely used, even for the smallest purchases. Also, you will find that most people in Sweden speak good English. We Swedes can at times be a little bit shy with strangers, but are usually very friendly if you take the first step to start conversation!