Crisp and clean, the tranquil Scandinavian country of Sweden offers a variety of experiences within its elegant and sophisticated cities, its picturesque medieval villages, coastal island archipelagos, peaceful lakes and forests and the icy tundra of northern Lapland.

The capital city, Stockholm, encompasses 14 islands on the shores of the Baltic Sea. It is a high-tech city with a small-town feel, filled with top class restaurants, pulsating nightclubs, cosy pubs and a full array of performing arts. Best of all, nearly everyone you meet is fluent in English. Few visitors to Stockholm can resist an excursion to discover the offshore islands: the Stockholm archipelago offers some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Europe, and can be enjoyed from the city on a day cruise.

The west coast and its fishing villages is the place for gourmets, especially seafood lovers, while those digging for history will be fascinated with Uppsala, the ancient Viking city where the newest buildings date from the 18th century. A really novel excursion is a visit up north to the Ice Hotel, sculpted from ice every winter in Lapland where the Sami people enjoy showing visitors their way of life, centred on their reindeer herds. Meanwhile, way down south Smaland (literally meaning small lands) has been christened 'the Crystal Kingdom' in honour of the famous glassworks that exist there in places like Orrefors and Kosta.

Sweden is an enchanting country, not as cold as one might imagine situated as it is in the high latitudes, and is well worth exploring whether along the meticulously maintained roads or on the extensive high-speed train system.

Sweden's climate varies from north to south, but in general it is temperate due to the offshore Gulf Stream waters. Summers in Sweden are warm and pleasant. The best time to visit Sweden is in the summer months from June to August, when the days are long and warm and the open-air museums and restaurants are open. As summers are the most busy and expensive time to visit Sweden however, consider going in the spring or autumn, which are both very pleasant times and much less crowded. Winters in Sweden are very cold, particularly in the north where days are shorter and heavy frosts and bountiful snowfalls can be expected.

Swedish is the main language, with Lapp being spoken by the Sami population in the north. Most Swedes speak and understand English. Many also speak German and French.

The Swedish monetary unit is the Kronor/Krona or Crown (SEK), which is divided into 100 öre. Banks exchange money during business hours from Monday to Friday. At other times money can be changed at airports, ferry terminals, post offices and Forex exchange offices, which are open daily. There are numerous ATMs throughout the country, most of which accept MasterCard and Visa. Travellers cheques and most major credit cards are widely accepted for payment throughout Sweden.

All visitors are required to have visible means of support as well as tickets and documentation for return or onward travel. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Ireland

Irish nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey.

Irish Embassy, Stockholm: +46 (0)8 5450 4040.

United Kingdom

British nationals may enter Sweden with a passport, and no visa is necessary for passport-holders endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British Subject for a stay of up to three months. Other British passports require a visa.

British Embassy, Stockholm: +46 (0)8 671 3000.

Canada

Canadians require a passport to enter Sweden, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey.

Canadian Embassy, Stockholm: +46 (0)8 453 3000.

United States

To enter Sweden, US citizens require a passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey.

United States Embassy, Stockholm: +46 (0)8 783 5300.

New Zealand

New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to three months in any six-month period. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey.

New Zealand Embassy, Stockholm: +46 (0)8 459 6940.

South Africa

South Africans require a passport as well as a visa for entry to Sweden. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey. The Swedish Immigration Authorities do not recognise temporary South African passports.

South African Embassy, Stockholm: +46 (0)8 824 3950.

Australia

For entry to Sweden, Australian citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey.

Australian Embassy, Stockholm: +46 (0)8 613 2900.

There are no health risks associated with travel to Sweden, but visitors should guard against ticks when travelling to forested areas or the southern coast, including the Stockholm archipelago. Medical care in the country is excellent, and reciprocal health agreements exist with other European Union countries, including the United Kingdom. UK citizens in possession of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will be entitled to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Swedish nationals. Outbreaks of bird flu have been detected in wild birds around the country, but the risk to travellers is low and no human infections have been reported. As a precaution all egg and poultry dishes should be well cooked and close contact with live birds should be avoided.

Sweden is an extremely safe country to visit. There is some petty crime during the summer months in the cities where tourists congregate, but crime is at much lower levels than elsewhere in Europe. Most visits to Sweden are trouble free.

230 volts, 50Hz. Standard European two-pin plugs are used.

Sweden hosts the headquarters for many multinational companies. Sweden is the adoption of an egalitarian mindset - Scandinavians, and Swedes in particular, value the inherent equality and dignity of all people. Most companies use flat reporting lines and consensus and compromise is valued in decision-making processes. However, decisions often take a long time to be made as all opinions are considered.Avoid overt displays of wealth or status. Business practice and personal conduct should always be rational, calm, and disciplined. This may makes Swedes come across as slightly unfriendly, but it also makes business meetings quick, efficient and to the point.

The business world in Sweden draws a strict line between work and social gatherings so don't expect many post-work social events or dinner invitations. The best way to circumvent the reserved nature of most Swedes in the business environment is at the twice-daily 'fika', or coffee break, when the general rules regarding business behaviour are relaxed a little. Punctuality is vital it is a point of pride for many Scandinavians and illustrates mutual respect. It is important to schedule an appointment in advance and have it confirmed shortly before any engagement. Keeping one's cool and not showing too much emotion is also vital.Handshakes for men and women are common after introduction and often first names are used instead of surnames.

Dress codes are conservative and smart, but suits are not always necessary. Business people in Sweden should endeavour to show honesty, transparency, professionalism and mutual respect in all business dealings. Sweden is one of the least corrupt countries in the world making it a pleasure to do business there. Business hours run from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. The language of business is Swedish, but English is generally spoken throughout the country and many multinationals will use it as the language of business when necessary.

The country code for Sweden is +46, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 08 for Stockholm. Public telephones are available and there is good coverage across the country for mobile telephones, which use different GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Internet cafes can be found in all the cities and towns.

Travellers to Sweden over 18 years from non-EU countries and residents who arrive on a commercial flight, from a trip exceeding 20 hours do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cheroots, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco, or a proportional mix of these. 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 2 litres fortified or sparkling wine, and 2 litres of non-sparkling wine and beer are allowed duty free; other goods to the value of 1,700kr are also allowed. Prohibited items include drugs, other than those for medical or scientific purposes; and potatoes that are grown outside the EU.