Sweden has not declared war for three hundred years and is also one of the least religious countries in the world. Coincidence? Before that three hundred years, however, it seems the Danes,Norwegians, Swedes, the Russians, and others, were forever kicking each other's asses and forming and breaking alliances more frequently than on all the episodes of "Survivor" combined.
Sweden has one of the world's highest levels of life expectancy -- if not the highest. Something over eighty years. They exercise like madmen and have excellent and largely free state-provided health care. Coincidence?
Swedes pay high taxes. A relatively well-off Swede told me he pays taxes of over sixty per cent on the last dollar he makes. Back in the Nixon era our wealthiest were paying over ninety per cent and there were still plenty of yachts to go around. While some in both countries will forever complain about taxes no matter what the rate, you get way more bang for your buck here. The list is impressive.
Sweden has a law translated as "every man's right". This allows anyone to camp anywhere they want, including on privately held property, for a night. Etiquette suggests that you don't put up your tent underneath someone' picture window but if you keep a respectable distance from buildings you don't even have to ask permission. If you were to try this in the states you would more likely be staring down the barrel of an assault rifle purchased at your friendly neighborhood flea market.
Sweden does have the annoying state controlled liquor stores which even hold sway over beer and wine. They close early which presents problems for procrastinators like me.
Swedes are great ping pong players! Check out the outdoor model below. It is tornado proof.
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