"In many respects, Sweden is generally considered one of the world's most modern and sophisticated civilisations. And this is true. Yet there is a crucial difference between Sweden and the older cultures of the European continent. As recently as a century ago, Sweden was little more than a backward agrarian country, where a majority of the population lived under very poor conditions.

The simple rural heritage is clearly apparent in the Swedish mentality, in our sentimental relationship to nature and simplicity. It is as if we are not yet really at home in our roles as modern cosmopolitans, and as if we are constantly longing to be back in that little red cottage in the midst of a deep spruce forest. This longing is noticeable in our lifestyle, tradition and customs.

A rare combination of  pronounced and sometimes extreme modernity on the one hand, and on the other hand what many foreigners regard as a surprising and exotic love relationship with our natural scenery and simple cultural heritage - this contradictory mixture embodies something that could be called typically Swedish"

Extract taken from Sweden and Swedes by Swedish Institute. Read more at www.sweden.se

In Sweden there is an ancient and globally unique law called the common right to access (allemansratten), which gives everyone the right to move around freely in nature (as well as pitch tent, pick flowers, berries, mushrooms etc) even on private property as long as not in sight or hearing range of the residence. For more info go to www.naturvardsverket.se