Vikings
Vikings inhabited Sweden during the Viking Age from 800-1050 AD. Vikings in Sweden expanded Eastword to raid the Baltic coast and along rivers in Russia. Vikings ventured as far as the Caspian and Black seas and traded with the Byzantine and Empire and Arab Kingdoms. Christianity was spread to Sweden by Ansgar in the 9th century but did not become widespread until the 11th century.
Rise of the Swedish Empire
The various Swedish provinces were united into a single state around the year 1000 and gained influence in the 13 century under a fuedal system. However, while trade increased the Hanseatic period until the Black Death caused both economic and population decline in 1350. In 1389, Sweden, Denmark and Norway were united under Danish Queen Margareta. In 1397, the Kalmar Union was formed and then deposed in 1521 by Gustav Vasa, a Swedish Nobleman, after the "Stockholm Bloodbath" where 80 Swedish Nobles were executed by Kristian II. Gustav Vasa as king nationalized the church and introduced the Protestant Remformation. Vasa also consolidated power into the king and in 1544, established a hereditary monarchy. Under Vasa, the foundations for the Swedish State were laid.
Modern Sweden
IIs both a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentry democracy. It is known for its progressive universal healthcare and nobel peace price. The country is divided into 25 landskaps and three main regions; Norrland, Svealand, Gotaland. 65% of the land area is covered in forest. The capital is Stockholm. There are 9 million inhabitants, 15% of which are immigrants. A current hot issue in Sweden is the issue of immigration. Historically, Sweden has had a policy of nonalignment and nuetrality. Although, recently they participated in the Afganistan war and are one of the largest weapons exporter. It has the 7th largest GDP in the world. It's main exports are timber, hydropower, and iron ore.