"Sweden - Beautiful, Modern and Historical" Sweden by Alvik

Sweden is much more than red cottages by the sea, Abba, midsummer dances or whatever stereotypes attached to this beautiful Scandinavian country. It is a wonderful mix of culture, tradition, history and progress co-existing in a developing multi cultural society.
Ten years ago the average Swede was blond, blue eyed and white. These days they can be of any skin colour or ethnic background. You have the Swedes with Middle Eastern, South American, Asian, African and even East European background. With its rather generous refugee policy, Sweden has inevitably changed the way Swedes are recognized. These days kebab pizzas and curry are fast becoming national dishes! Whatever happens, the red cottages, the saunas, the idylic summers, fresh seafood from the archipelago and the Swedish language will no doubt remain as part of the Swedish identity.
Sweden and Swedes are highly affected by the weather. They are closed, self absorbed and less friendly in winter while they spring to life in summer. They bloom and become friendlier, carefree and easier to get to know when the sun is bright and the sand is warm!