Observations of Sweden and It's People

Over the past week, with our class and among each other, we've talked about the Swedish people and how they are different or what their prominent qualities are. This is what I've observed so far. At the end of my studies here, I'm going to write another entry about what the Swedes are like and see what more I have to add.

1. Swedish people are very reserved

      Swedish people are rarely loud and obnoxious. According to one Swedish professor, Lars (all professors from elementary through college are called by their first name), they prefer to be calm and quiet and "blend in". There is a phrase he told us about called "jante law" which is used throughout Sweden.

     The "jante law" is an unofficial group of rules that describe the conduct of how a good Swede is supposed to act. Obviously not everyone follows it, but the majority follow the idea. The main idea of the law is that:

     "You are not to think you are anyone special or that you are better than anyone else."

      Add humble to the list of the descriptions of the Swedish people.

     We as a class of Americans were, of course, shocked. As a majority, I think we're taught to be individual and show off our talents. Modesty is a respected route but one that is not always taken. 

2. They are well put together

An example of Swedish fashion. Jeans, dark jackets and boots are common

Swedish people (especially Swedish men) dress very well compared to Americans. You wouldn't find a Swedish person going to class in sweatpants and a sweatshirt adorned with crumbs from that morning's breakfast on the front of it. People don't walk around in PJ pants. And most importantly, you will not find a teenage boy wearing basketball shorts and a t-shirt in the dead of winter. If you've ever visited an American college campus, you will understand the accuracy of the above.

    The Swedes rarely wear bright colors and most jackets are black or dark blue. Skinny jeans and boots are popular. Few wear anything that makes them stand out, though I have seen a few wearing Ugg boots.

   I might just add that everyone is beautiful here. It makes sense. This country produced Alexander Skarsgård.

3. Swedish Netflix is Awesome

Yes I'm serious. 

I was unaware that the Netflix selection differs from country to country. Until I logged on and was a greeted with an abundance of new movies and updated seasons of TV shows. American movies and TV shows. I'm not going to be spending my time inside everyday watching movies and TV shows, because when you have the option of doing that or exploring this lovely new city, I'd choose Gothenburg any day. It is nice though to snuggle up in your bed after a freezing school day and warm yourself up by waiting in suspense to see what happens next on the Vampire Diaries. 

4. Sweden is expensive

This I expected. All of us did. With a country that has a 50%-60% income tax rate, it only made sense. It still doesn't make paying $5 dollars for a small tub of yogurt any easier ( Instead, I stuck with oat cereal as my breakfast choice).

Oat Cereal: my breakfast of choice

5. The people are active

  There is always someone running past you or in the park. Gyms are almost as common as they are in America, but people prefer to run outside. Even on the frigid days when I'm bundled up in my coat, scarf and hard, there's always someone running on the street.

   Biking is very popular as well. The city even has designated biking paths next to the sidewalks.

Runner (apologies to the random guy I took a creeper photo of running)

6. The Swedes get 13 months maternity leave

That isn't a typo. 13 months with 80% of their salary. All of those taxes are paying off.

Our Swedish professors were explaining that nowadays, usually the couple will split the leave, where the wife takes off 6 or 7 months and the husband takes the rest. 

They also mentioned that many families will plan on having their children at specific times so they can stay home for as long as possible. That is why there are many children who are two years apart.