Explore Gothenburg: A Scandinavian Gem

1. Gothenburg, Sweden- in the heart of Scandinavia

2. Gothenburg Sweden’s second largest city with almost 1 million inhabitants. The port is the largest in northern Europe and for many years shipbuilding has been one of the most important industries. It is easy to get to Gothenburg. Connections are extensive with express trains, ferries from Denmark, Norway and Germany, and daily flights from all major European airports.

3. Gothenburgis a city with broad avenues, well-preserved historical buildings and many green spaces: the 19th century park Trädgårdsföreningen,the Botanical Garden and Slottsskogen to mention some. The sea is always present with the river that runs through the city, the canals, and the ferries linking the countless small islands, which is a must for every visitor.

4. Events and attractionsGothenburg’s central location in Scandinavia makes it a popular city for large international events. Hotels and restaurants, culture and entertainment, tourist attractions, event arenas and congress halls are all within walking distance. The Opera House is renowned for its architecture and modern program, and its Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Sweden’s national orchestra. The Nordstan mall is Scandinavia’s largest.Liseberg, Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, was chosen one of the top ten amusement parks in the world by Forbes.

5. Trade and IndustryGothenburg is known for its rapid growth of research and expertise companies. Several of the most renowned industrial companies in Scandinavia, such as Volvo, founded in Gothenburg, SKF, Mölnlycke Health Care and Hasselblad, have their head offices here.

6. Climate Gothenburg has four distinct seasons. Despite its northern latitude, temperatures are mild throughout the year and much warmer than places in similar latitude, because of the warm Gulf Stream. During summertime daylight lasts for around 19 hours, compared to only 7 hours in December.

7. The Beautiful West CoastGothenburg is the gateway to the SwedishWest Coast and its archipelago of 8,000 islands. It is one of the regions with most boats (8 people per boat) in the world. Gothenburg is a paradise for those who enjoy fish and seafood of the highest quality.

8. SWEDEN Sweden has 10 million inhabitants; more than one third live in the three largest cities Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. Member of the EU since 1995. Facts Capital: Stockholm Currency: 1 krona=100 öre Area: 450,000 km² (174,000 sq mi) Political system: Parliamentary Democracy Language Swedish is the official language, English is widely spoken.

9. Sweden is the fifth largest country in Europe. The distance from north to south is 1,600 km - if you turn Sweden around at the southern end, the north end will reach Naples in Italy. With only 10 million inhabitants, Sweden is dominated by nature. Ideal for those who love space, clean air, beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Lapland is sometimes called the last wilderness in Europe, with high mountains, swamps and rivers. This is where the Saami live, some of the last nomads in Europe. Externa relationer

10. MonarchySweden is a constitutional monarchy. King Carl XVI Gustaf is Head of State, but royal power is limited to official and ceremonial functions. The oldest child inherits the crown: no matter if they are male or female.

11. Nature Sweden is characterized by its long coastlines, large forests and almost 100,000 lakes. The archipelago consists of more than 60,000 islands. Half of the country is covered with forest and less than 10% farmland. The countryside is open to everyone, based on the Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten). You are allowed to walk, pick berries, camp etc everywhere, even on other people’s land, provided that you do not cause any damage.

12. ExportSweden is an export-oriented economy, where timber, hydropower and iron constitute the base.The engineering sector amounts to 50% of exports, but telecommunications, the automotive and pharmaceutical industries are also important. Among Swedish companies that have reached world-wide recognition are Volvo, Ericsson, Vattenfall, Skanska, Sony Ericsson, SCA, Electrolux, TeliaSonera, Scania, H&M, IKEA, Nordea, Preem, Atlas Copco, Securitas, AstraZeneca, SAAB and SKF. The World Economic Forum has ranked Sweden the 4th most competitive economy in the world.

13. Technology Many companies founded by early Swedish pioneers still remain major international brands;Gustaf Dalén – AGA cooker and the Dalén lightAlfred Nobel - DynamiteLars Magnus Ericsson - EricssonAnders Celcius - CelciusscaleOther Swedish inventions are Tetra Pak for storing liquid foods and Losec, the world's best-selling drug in the 1990s. Today, Sweden owns the highest number of patents per inhabitant in the world - considering the small population it is quite remarkable that only ten other countries hold more patents than Sweden.Gothenburg was ranked the 12th most inventive city in the world by Forbes (2013). Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite Carl Linnaeus, one of the fathers of modern ecology Anders Celsius, inventor of the Celsius scale.

14. WelfareAfter World War II a series of social reforms transformed Sweden into a highly developed welfare state, with top rankings in health, literacy and human development. Contributing to the welfare is the fact that Sweden has not been in war for over 200 years, although taking active part in conflict-solving. Income is flatly distributed; Sweden has a lower Gini coefficient (a measure of inequality of income); 0.23, than any other country. Total tax revenue is 48% of GDP, the second highest tax burden in the world.

15. HealthThe healthcare system is funded by taxes, with nominal fees for patients. Sweden ranks in the top five with respect to low infant mortality, number three in life expectancy in Europe and third in the Human Development Index, in the world. Swedish women in average have their first child at the age of 30, among the oldest in Europe. Parental leave in Sweden is among the most generous in the world: all parents are entitled to 18 paid months per child.

16. EducationThe school system is financed by taxes and offers among other services lunch, bus transport, and after-school centres open to all children with working parents. Education is free for Swedish and EU students. Tuition fees were only recently imposed for university students from outside the EU. Children aged 1–5 years old are guaranteed a place in a public kinder garden, and attend compulsory comprehensive school between the age of 6 and 16, after which 90% continue with a three-year upper secondary school. There are 30 universities in Sweden, the oldest and largest ones are situated in Uppsala, Gothenburg, Stockholm and Lund.

17. Fashion Interest in fashion is big in Sweden and the country is headquartering famous brands like H&M, J. Lindeberg, Acne, Gina Tricot, Lindex, Tiger of Sweden, Odd Molly, Cheap Monday, Dr. Denim, Gant, Resteröds, Nudie Jeans, WESC, WAX and Filippa K.

18. CinemaSwedes have been fairly prominent in the film area, with several successful Hollywood actors like Malin Åkerman, Alexander Skarsgård, Ingrid Bergman, Greta Garbo, Max von Sydow, Dolph Lundgren, Lena Olin, Britt Ekland, Maud Adams, Stellan Skarsgård, Peter Stormare, Izabella Scorupco, Pernilla August, Anita Ekberg, Alexander Skarsgård and Malin Åkerman. Among film directors who have made an international career are: Ingmar Bergman, Lukas Moodysson and Lasse Hallström. Externa relationer

19. Sweden is the world’s third largest producer of pop music, with artists like Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, ABBA, Roxette, the Ark, BWO, E-Type, Millencolin, Robyn, Europe, Hammerfall, Mando Diao, the Knife, the Hives, In Flames, Ace of Base and the Cardigans. Swedish producers frequently records and writes major hits for stars like Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Bon Jovi, Backstreet Boys, Madonna, NSYNC, Usher, Pink, Katy Perry and Pitbull.

20. 5 top reasons to study in Gothenburg • Modern City CampusEverything within walking distance, a vivid city and friendly atmosphere • International School with high Academic StandardEQUIS and AMBA accredited and in the process of AACSB accrediationOver 130 courses in English • ”In the heart of Scandinavia”Easy access to the Scandinavian capitals Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen • Excellent Student ServicesHousing Service, Free Insurance, Pick-up Service, Introduction Programme, Mentor Programme, Social activities, Trips etc. • A safe country where everyone speaks English

21. Top 10 for 2013Lonely Planet ranks Gothenburg Second Best value destination 2013 “There’s good value in Sweden if you know where to look. The savvy traveller makes tracks for Gothenburg. Away from the glitzy main drag Avenyn are characterful neighbourhoods cheap eats and some great attractions, including edgy art space Röda Sten and picnic-friendly city views. If that wasn’t enough, ferries trundling round the beautiful, car-free southern archipelago are a tram ride from the city centre. In short, this is as much Scandinavia as you can get for your money.Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/themes/best-in-travel/best-value-destinations/#ixzz2cmAuGiHI “

22. International Student Barometer 2013 The city of Gothenburg ranks no 1 in the section ”Overall living experince” in the International Student Barometer, both 2012 and 2013

23. Welcome to Explore Sweden!