Answers: A, B & D

Social life

Swedes are friendly, outgoing people who enjoy socializing. They generally make a point of welcoming and socializing with foreign business contacts. Most entertaining is done in the home rather than in restaurants, although going out is becoming more common.

Weekends are the most popular times for socializing. Most Swedes like to keep their leisure time separate from their business life. Do not be offended if you are not invited to participate in the leisure activities of your host. Colleagues from work are rarely also personal friends.

Opportunities to meet people exist through social clubs, school-related organizations, churches, and sports facilities. Participation in these areas is an excellent way for newcomers to become acquainted with others.

Family outings
Leisure time is taken seriously in Sweden. The country abounds with resort and recreational facilities, and Swedes are fond of all types of outdoor activities, especially sailing and skiing.

There are many destinations for weekend family fun, most of them related to sports activities and sightseeing. Ski trips and camping trips are among the most popular.

"Everyman's Right," or Allenmansrätten, means that everyone in Sweden has the right to walk freely upon the land, and to camp one night in the forests and countryside. As a rule of thumb, you are allowed to use private property to camp, row, ski, sail, canoe, fish, and hike if you are considerate of the owners and their property. Berry picking is permitted, but the breaking off of trees and plants is forbidden.

Sports
Most Swedes are athletic, and enjoy active endeavors. Most of these sports are related to the enjoyment of the outdoors. Swedes enjoy long winters, and like their Nordic neighbors, love sports on snow and ice. Fitness is an important part of the Swedish psyche, and exercise is an integral part of daily life.

Excerpted from Living Abroad's Sweden Report/ Social Life

Written by Michael Cadden, SGMS-T, VP International Operations