Sweden

Sweden is an export-oriented mixed economy featuring a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labour force. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Sweden’s engineering sector accounts for 50% of output and exports. Telecommunications, the automotive industry and the pharmaceutical industries are also of great importance. Agriculture accounts for 2 percent of GDP and employment. The 20 largest (by turnover in 2007) companies registered in Sweden are Volvo, Ericsson, Vattenfall, Skanska, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget, Electrolux, Volvo Personvagnar, TeliaSonera, Sandvik, Scania, ICA, Hennes & Mauritz, Nordea, Preem, Atlas Copco, Securitas, Nordstjernan, and SKF. Sweden’s industry is overwhelmingly in private control; unlike some other industrialized Western countries, such as Austria and Italy, publicly owned enterprises were always of minor importance.

Demographic Data

Economic Data

Cultural & Other Data

GDP (PPP, $bn)

348.6

Capital

Stockholm

Area (sq. km.)

449,964

GDP Real

Growth (%)

0.7

Other Large Cities

Gothenburg, Malmo

Population (million)

9.06

PerCap GDP ($)

38,500

Primary Language

Swedish

Population

Growth %

0.158

Prime Lending

Rate (%)

4

Urban

Population %

85

% Population

Under 15yrs

15.7

Inflation Rate%

1.6

Urban Growth %

0.5

Population below

poverty line (%)

NA

Unemployment%

6.4

Literacy

(% of population)

99

Agricultural Workers

(% of population)

1

Foreign Direct

Investment($bn)

225.9

Education spending

as % of GDP

7.1

Industrial Workers

(% of population)

28

Debt-External

($bn)

598.2

CPI Score

(1-10)*

9.3

Service Workers

(% of population)

71

Exports ($bn)

185.1

Corporate Income Tax %

26.3

Labor Force (mil)

4.9

Imports ($bn)

166.6

Ease of Doing

Business Ranking **

17

CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

05/18/09 $1 = 7.8 SEK

Franchising Laws Overview

Disclosure laws:

  • Disclosure must be provided “in ample time before a franchise agreement is entered into.”

Relationship laws:

  • None.

Registration laws:

  • None.
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