Midsummer pole and Swedish flag against a blue sky

Strict? Sure. Boring? Never.

Sweden has a reputation for being a little serious – a country with rules and regulations for almost every step you take. Yet Sweden is famous all over the world for its many ways to celebrate.

We dance and sing through long Midsummer nights under the midnight sun, eating herring and drinking snaps – and you have to sing a snaps song before you're allowed to drink.

We throw wild crayfish parties, which gives us yet another reason for snaps and songs.

But Sweden is so much more: the Nobel celebrations, northern-light nights, ice hotels, our music miracle, sporting success far beyond our size, and inventions the whole world uses.