Sweden’s first trace of human civilisation started around 8,000 BC to 6,000 BC when the country became populated by hunter-gatherers thanks to the warming temperatures that made the place habitable. Agriculture was introduced to the region around 4000 BC, with farmers using stone tools and equipment. With the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC, they began using bronze tools, with carvings suggesting chariots and horses.
The early Swedes also traded slaves, fur, and other materials to Romans in return for Roman coins, clay vessels, weapons, and glass beakers. The Romans called Swedes the Suiones. In fact, the country’s name comes from the Svea tribe, a warlike group that gained power around 500 A.D. Sweden is derived from the Swedish word Sverige or Land of the Svea.
The Viking Age is another significant period in Sweden’s history. The Vikings were originally seafaring warriors in Scandinavia who colonised Sweden from the 8th to the 11th century. They lived by plundering and trading along the Baltic Coast and even reaching as far as the Black and Caspian Seas.
During 1000 AD, the different regions of Sweden were consolidated to form a single country, but it was not until much later that the crown began to have a significant influence. The country became part of the Kalmar Union along with Denmark and Norway but later became independent in 1523 when the Union ultimately ended.
Up until 1544, the King was elected by the parliament. This changed in 1544 when the system of hereditary monarchy was introduced. When King Gustav IV and his allies lost Finland to Napoleon in 1809, he was forced to relinquish his throne. Sweden ruled both Finland and Norway at different times in history.
Even though Sweden is part of the European Union, its currency is not the Euro. Instead, it retained the Krona, which was first introduced in 1873. Sweden remained neutral even during the two World Wars, fighting for neither side. The country is quite proud of its neutral stance.