Sweden

The Swedish Minister of Migration says “Sweden will continue being a multicultural society”.

Multiculture means blending all cultures so that there’s no unique culture left. Swedish culture can only be found in Sweden, and it should be preserved.pic.twitter.com/fOYsvLbqez

— Evelina Hahne (@EvelinaHahne) February 20, 2025

St. Lucia: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.481516115299745&type=3

Swedish high jumper Gunhild Larking at the 1956 Olympic Games. Color by Klimbim. pic.twitter.com/YrEeWcF7bX

— Fascinating (@fasc1nate) August 1, 2024

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=259934407457918&set=a.259934154124610

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.259934154124610&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=301279309990094&set=a.301279286656763

winter

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.301702643281094&type=3

lucia

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1833461536689142&set=a.643271784505412

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=493936643974978&set=a.493936523974990

https://www.facebook.com/karolinskainstitutet/photos/pb.100064677880741.-2207520000/3377638915604722/?type=3

Watch till the end for your daily blackpill. pic.twitter.com/fcCYr2QLtb

— Eva Vlaardingerbroek (@EvaVlaar) November 19, 2023

Tomorrow, we have our annual Welcome fair for new students! It’s the perfect opportunity to learn what our university and Umeå can offer. More information and the programme can be found here: https://t.co/Z5WnqUm9Lc pic.twitter.com/CMseWggTzP

— Umeå University (@umeauniversity) September 6, 2023

Sweden is widely considered a core part of Western civilization, both historically and in contemporary terms. The concept of “Western civilization” typically refers to a cultural, political, and intellectual heritage rooted in Greco-Roman traditions, shaped by Christianity, and further developed through the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and modern democratic principles. Sweden fits squarely within this framework due to several key factors:

Historical Roots: Sweden’s history aligns with the broader trajectory of Western Europe. It was Christianized in the early Middle Ages (around the 9th–12th centuries), integrating it into the religious and cultural sphere that defined much of Western civilization. Its Viking past, while distinct, also ties into the broader Germanic and Nordic contributions to European development.
Political Tradition: Sweden has a long-standing tradition of governance that evolved alongside Western norms. It developed parliamentary systems and constitutional monarchy over centuries, culminating in its current status as a liberal democracy. Its legal system draws from civil law traditions common across Western Europe.
Cultural Alignment: Swedish culture reflects Western values such as individualism, secularism (despite its Lutheran heritage), and a commitment to human rights. Its contributions to philosophy (e.g., Emanuel Swedenborg), science (e.g., Carl Linnaeus), and literature (e.g., August Strindberg) are part of the Western canon.
Modern Integration: Today, Sweden is a member of key Western institutions like the European Union (since 1995) and, as of March 7, 2024, NATO, reinforcing its geopolitical alignment with the West. Its economic system—capitalism with a strong welfare state—mirrors models seen in other Western nations like Denmark or Canada.
Values and Society: Sweden exemplifies traits often associated with Western civilization, such as gender equality, freedom of expression, and technological innovation. Its progressive policies are an extension of Enlightenment ideals, even if they sometimes push boundaries that spark debate within the West itself.

That said, Sweden’s geographic position in Northern Europe and its Nordic identity sometimes give it a slightly distinct flavor compared to, say, Mediterranean or Anglo-American variants of Western civilization. Some scholars or commentators might argue it represents a “Nordic model” within the broader Western tradition—less militaristic historically and more focused on social cohesion. Still, this is a variation, not a departure.

In short, Sweden is unambiguously part of Western civilization, with deep historical ties and a modern identity that reinforces that belonging. Any perception of it being “less Western” would likely stem from its unique Nordic characteristics rather than a fundamental disconnect.

DIRECTIONS