Sweden

Sweden is the largest northern European country at 173,860 square miles. It’s the third largest country in the EU and fifth largest in Europe. Sweden has a population of 10.2 million.

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with the Monarch serving as head of state. Stockholm is both the capital and most populous city in the country. The unitary state is divided into 21 counties, with the government that is headed by the Prime Minister.

In January of 1995, after the Cold War, Sweden joined the European Union. However, it declined membership to the Eurozone and NATO. Today it maintains relations as a member of the Council of Europe, Nordic Council,  Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, WTO, and the United Nations.

Sweden has an extensive social welfare system.  Residents have access to free universal healthcare, and tertiary education. The country has the 11th highest per capita GDP in the world.

Four fundamental laws form the Constitution of Sweden. These include the Act of Succession, Instrument of Government, Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression, and Freedom of the Press. As a constitutional monarchy, King Carl XVI Gustaf is the current  head of state. The  unicameral Riksdag with 349 members serve as the legislative power in the country. Elections take place every four years with members being appointed to proportional representation.  

The Swedish Judiciary is separate from the state administrative authorities, government, and the Riksdag. Courts don’t practice the role of judicial review; rather, the  Council on Legislation gives non-binding legal opinions. The concept of stare decisis isn’t practiced in the country. Although precedent is influential previous, decisions aren’t binding. Courts are divided into criminal and general courts of decision. General administrative courts hear cases between citizens and authorities. Each court is broken down into three tiers. There are also special courts in the country. The  Supreme Court of Sweden is the third, and highest court in the country.

The National Law Review covers several news stories and topics relating to Sweden and European relations. Data protection policies, international business deals, and GDPR privacy and information concerns, are among the latest topics covered online. Blockchain technologies, EU Parliament updates, and renewable energy/resources stories, are also covered online. Visitors will find the latest legislative, administrative, and international news as it relates to the country, its citizens, and international relations.