Sweden - Fast Facts Population: 9.5 Million Capital city: Stockholm National flag: Blue Background with a yellow scandinavian cross State holiday: 6th of June, National day of Sweden Phone dial code: +46 Sweden speaks the national language, however each province has its own dialect The Lion, the Elk and the Delacarlian horse is considered the national animal of the country National sport is football (soccer) and ice hockey Daylight: JANUARY 1 JULY 1 Malmö 7 hours 17 hours Stockholm 6 hours 18 hours Kiruna 0 hours 24 hours Culture Sweden has 15 UNESCO protected natural and cultural heritage sites Most business shut down (close)for the summer which is in June. It is respectful to take off shoes when entering a private residence in Sweden. Melodifestivalen I an event that keeps the country united. The Swedish Royal Family since 1818 consists of a number of persons in the Swedish Royal House of Bernadotte, closely related to the King of Sweden. They are entitled to royal titles and style and some perform official engagements and ceremonial duties of state. The music group ABBA with their famous “Mamma Mia” Sweden’s big three cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö Viking history Swedish Inventions The Pacemaker The three point seat belt The GPS Tetra-Pak to store liquids (juice boxes) A safety match Dynamite The zipper Northern Lights Ice Hotel Childcare Ice Hotel Northern Lights English is taught as a compulsory second language from the 4th grade onwards in schools. Northern Lights Sweden is one of the leaders of gender equality- men definitely pull their own weight in staying home and raising infant children. Couples are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave, and this time can be shared between parents. School is free in Sweden The first nine years are compulsory. Children start school at the age of seven and finish at 15. Then they have a choice of staying on for senior high. The motivation to become an au pair can include: o To become more independent o To get to know a foreign country and its culture. o To improve their English skills and their child care experience o Improve job potential upon returning home from Australia - most employers look out for overseas experience, plus fluency in English. Northern Lights .