Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital city and the largest city of Sweden, a country in Northern Europe. It is located on the eastern coast of Sweden, at the mouth of Lake Mälaren, and is spread across 14 islands on the coast in the southeast of Sweden at the mouth of Lake Mälaren, by the Stockholm archipelago and the Baltic Sea. The area has been settled since the Stone Age, in the 6th millennium BC, and was founded as a city in 1252 by Swedish statesman Birger Jarl.

History[edit | edit source]

Stockholm's history dates back to the Stone Age, making it one of the oldest known sites for human settlement in the region. The city was officially founded in 1252 by Birger Jarl, a Swedish statesman and military leader. Stockholm has since grown to become the political and economic hub of the country, playing a significant role in Sweden's development.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Stockholm is located on Sweden's east coast, where the freshwater Lake Mälaren — Sweden's third largest lake — flows out into the Baltic Sea. The central parts of the city consist of fourteen islands that are part of the Stockholm archipelago. The geographical city centre is situated on the water, in Riddarfjärden bay.

Economy[edit | edit source]

Stockholm is the economic hub of Sweden. The city is home to several major international companies and banks, including Ericsson, Swedbank, and Nordea. It also has a thriving startup scene and is known for its innovative tech industry, with companies like Spotify and Skype originating from Stockholm.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Stockholm is known for its rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. The city's most notable cultural institutions include the Royal Swedish Opera, the Dramaten (Royal Dramatic Theatre), and the Nationalmuseum. Stockholm is also home to the Nobel Prize ceremonies.

Education[edit | edit source]

Stockholm is a major international center for higher education. The city is home to several world-renowned universities, including the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm University, and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH).

Transport[edit | edit source]

Stockholm has a highly developed transport infrastructure, which includes the Stockholm Metro, buses, trams, and ferries. The city is also served by the Arlanda Airport, the third largest airport in the Nordic countries.