The myths surrounding Swedes are many. You’re bound to have heard a few. But what’s true and what’s not? Sweden’s expat David Wiles provides his perspective.

People in Sweden are living increasingly longer. The average life span is now 81.4 years for women and 80.3 years for men. This can be attributed in part to falling mortality rates from heart attacks and strokes. In 2016, one in five people was 65 or older. That means Sweden proportionally has one of Europe’s largest elderly populations. On the other hand, the number of children born in Sweden has been increasing each year since the late 1990s.

Swedish income taxes are high – granted. But a large share goes into providing a work–life balance within society. When it comes to choosing a place to start a family, the Swedish society has plenty of family-friendly arguments. Here are ten of them.

From the age of six, every child has equal access to free education in Sweden. The Swedish school system is regulated through the Education Act, which ensures a safe and friendly environment for students. The act mandates nine years of school attendance for all children from the year they turn seven.

We, the editors of sweden.se, have put together our top 10 Swedish books for you. Ten tales of love, horror, humour and greed – we’re sure you’ll find something worth the read.