Last Updated on November 15, 2022 by Lily Connel
Sweden is a great place to raise a family. The country has an excellent educational system and childcare is highly subsidized, making it more affordable than in many other countries. Healthcare is also top-notch and Sweden regularly ranks near the top of global surveys on quality of life. The Swedish economy is strong and there are plenty of job opportunities, especially in the larger cities. However, salaries are not as high as in some other Scandinavian countries (Norway and Denmark, for example). In addition, the cost of living in Sweden can be expensive, particularly in larger cities.
Pros and Cons Of Living In Sweden – The Comparison Table
| Serial | Pros Of Living In Sweden | Cons Of Living In Sweden |
| 1. | In Sweden, their social security system is very strong. | Sweden’s urban areas are full of clutter. |
| 2. | In Sweden living standards are high. | Sweden’s tax rate is high. |
| 3. | The economy is Strong in Sweden. | Business Opportunities are not preferable. |
| 4. | Sweden is the best place to work in the world. | In Sweden, Living Cost is Expensive. |
| 5. | Education System is Excellent. | Alcohol is very difficult to purchase in Sweden. |
| 6. | Sweden is full of striking natural scenery. | Healthcare System is the most Expensive. |
| 7. | In Sweden, gender equality is so important that it’s a national priority in public policy. | Sweden’s weather is cold for much of the year. |
Pros Of Living In Sweden
1. High Quality Of Living
Sweden is a high-quality living country. It consistently ranks high on global liveability rankings, thanks to its safety, healthcare, education, and economic stability.
2. Strong Economy
Sweden has a strong economy, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. It is also one of the most innovative countries in the world, ranking 4th in the 2017 Global Innovation Index.
3. Robust Social Security System
Sweden’s social security system is one of the most robust in the world. It guarantees a high level of social protection for all residents, including healthcare, education, and pensions.
4. Safe And Secure Country
Sweden is a safe and secure country with low crime rates. It is considered one of the best places in the world to live in terms of safety and security.
5. High Life Expectancy
Sweden is ranked number 2 in the world on the World Happiness Report, thanks to its high life expectancy, excellent work-life balance, strong social support network, and the sound healthcare system.
6. Excellent Work Culture
Sweden has one of the best work cultures in the world. It guarantees 30 days of paid leave every year for both men and women (increased from 25 days in 2015). Workers also enjoy flexible hours during short workdays that usually run from 9 am to 3 pm with an hour for lunch between 11:30 am and 1 pm. They are given 15 “rest” days per year that they can choose whenever they want to use them. Finally, Swedes are entitled to 480 days of parental leave, which can be taken by either parent.
7. Excellent Education System
Sweden has one of the best education systems in the world. The country ranks 2nd in the world on the UNESCO Education for All Development Index and 5th on the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
8. Progressive Attitude Towards Gender Equality
Sweden is a pioneer in gender equality and has one of the most progressive attitudes towards it around the world. The country was the first to outlaw marital rape in 1965 and was among the first to introduce laws guaranteeing equal pay for men and women in 1974.
9. Strong Environmental Policies
Sweden has some of the strongest environmental policies in the world. It is a leader in renewable energy, with almost half of its electricity coming from renewable sources. The country also has a high recycling rate and bans the use of disposable plastic bags.
10. Great Quality Of Life
Sweden has a great quality of life, thanks to its many social and cultural amenities, excellent healthcare and education systems, safe and secure environment, and a strong economy.
11. Vibrant Cultural Scene
Sweden has a very vibrant cultural scene, with a rich history of art and culture. The country is home to some of the world’s best museums, including the National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design in Stockholm and the Carl Larsson-Garden in Sundborn.
12. Wonderful Nature
Sweden is a country of stunning natural beauty, with vast forests, pristine lakes, and snow-capped mountains. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
13. Multicultural Society
Sweden is a multicultural society with a rich diversity of cultures and religions. The country has a long history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, and today it is home to one of the largest refugee populations in the world.
14. Tolerant And Open-Minded Society
Sweden is known for its tolerant and open-minded society. The country has a long history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, and today it is home to one of the largest refugee populations in the world.
15. Efficient Government
Sweden has one of the most efficient governments in the world. Its bureaucracy is very transparent and straightforward with no political interference, and decisions are made quickly and usually implemented without any corruption or barriers.
Cons Of Living In Sweden
1. Expensive Living Costs.
Sweden has one of the highest cost-of-living rates around the world, with high-income taxes and expensive goods and services.
2. Cold Weather Throughout Much Of The Year
The climate in most parts of Sweden is subarctic, with long winter seasons accompanied by cold temperatures and snowfall. Summers are short and mild, although some areas experience up to 18 hours of daylight during this season. It is not unusual for it to snow even during summers there, which can be quite depressing for many people who come from warmer climates accustomed to sunny days all year round.
3. Lack Of Social Freedom
Sweden has very strong laws that protect the environment and social freedoms, which makes it one of the most socially progressive countries in the world. However, this also limits people’s personal freedom and ability to take risks with their actions. The country is also well-known for its stifling bureaucracy and complex systems in daily activities and dealings with the authorities and government agencies.
4. Poor Business Opportunities
Sweden struggles when it comes to the business environment, starting a business, ease of doing business, etc. If you like I can add some cons regarding human rights or lack thereof. There are only two ways to enter Sweden: as a tourist (allowed for up to 90 days) or as an immigrant, which requires a residence permit and a job offer from a Swedish company.
4. Cluttered Urban Areas
Sweden is generally well-organized and efficient in its urban planning and architecture, but many people find the country’s cities too crowded and cluttered for their taste.
6. Expensive Healthcare System
Sweden has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, with mandatory personal insurance contributions based on taxable income that can be difficult to afford for some groups. This also means longer waiting times to see specialists or undergo necessary procedures like surgeries due to bottlenecks in public hospitals caused by the heavy patient load (although this also means better healthcare access for everyone).
7. Language Barrier
Although Sweden has an official language of Swedish, most people in the business world communicate in English, which is very useful if you are not fluent yet in the former. However, fluency in either English or Swedish will ensure easy integration with your colleagues and society since most people can speak at least one of these languages apart from their mother tongues.
What You Need To Know About Sweden
Sweden has a rich culture and history. For centuries, the Swedish people have kept many of their traditions alive despite the pressure to assimilate into other cultures. Many Swedes practice Christianity (Lutheranism), but traditional pagan rituals are still practised in some rural areas.
Oral tradition is common among Swedes, who enjoy passing stories down to future generations, with certain tales surviving for hundreds or even thousands of years. The older generation will frequently recall folktales about trolls, elves, and gnomes that bring back memories of Santa Claus’ helpers – the Yule Lads – during Christmas time.
Sweden’s literacy rate is one of the highest in the world; most Swedes can read and write at least basic English, which makes it easy for Expats to get by.
Conclusion
The Swedish work culture prioritizes a good work-life balance, with ample vacation time, generous parental leave, and flexible working hours. This means that you can usually find a job that suits your lifestyle and family needs, without having to compromise on your time and energy.
Sweden is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and little violence even in its major cities. This makes it a great place to raise a family or live on your own without feeling constantly unsafe or exposed to danger.
