Sweden, a monarchy since 1523, has developed a parliamentary representative constitutional democracy, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Sweden’s political system has been a variety of constitutional monarchies since 1772. A bicameral parliament was introduced in 1866 and lasted until 1971, when the Riksdag became unicameral.

Political System

The Kingdom of Sweden is considered a parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Stockholm. The country originally obtained its independence on June 6, 1523 when Gustav Vasa was elected king. The national holiday is National Day, celebrated on June 6.

Sweden’s current constitution was originally adopted on January 1, 1975. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Kingdom of Sweden consists of 21 counties (lan):

• Blekinge
• Dalarna
• Gavleborg
• Gotland
• Halland
• Jamtland
• Jonkoping
• Kalmar
• Kronoberg
• Norrbotten
• Orebro
• Ostergotland
• Skane
• Sodermanland
• Stockholm
• Uppsala
• Varmland
• Vasterbotten
• Vasternorrland
• Vastmanland
• Vastra Gotaland

Executive Branch

King Carl XVI Gustaf is Sweden’s chief of state, assuming the position on September 19, 1973. His heir apparent is his daughter, Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree, born on July 14, 1977. Currently, Victoria is the only female heir apparent to a royal throne.

The head of government is the Prime Minister, elected by the Parliament following legislative elections. Fredrik Reinfeldt, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on October 5, 2006. Reinfeldt’s Deputy Prime Minister is Maud Olofsson.

All cabinet ministers are appointed by the Prime Minister. The current ministers are:

• Agriculture - Eskil Erlandsson
• Communications - Asa Torstensson
• Culture - Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth
• Defense - Sten Tolgfors
• Education - Jan Bjorklund
• Elderly Care and Public Health - Maria Larsson
• Employment - Sven Otto Littorin
• Enterprise and Energy - Maud Olofsson
• Environment - Andreas Carlgren
• EU Affairs - Cecilia Malmstrom
• Finance - Anders Borg
• Foreign Affairs - Carl Bildt
• Health and Social Affairs - Goran Hagglund
• Higher Education and Research - Lars Leijonborg
• Integration and Gender Equality - Nyamko Sabuni
• International Development Cooperation - Gunilla Carlsson
• Justice - Beatrice Ask
• Local Government and Financial Markets - Mats Odell
• Migration and Asylum Policy - Tobias Billstrom
• Social Security - Cristina Husmark Pehrsson
• Trade - Ewa Bjorling

Legislative Branch

The Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) is a unicameral body consisting of 349 officials. Members are elected by popular vote via proportional representation to four year terms. To enter the Riksdag, political parties must win at least four percent of the vote.

The current structure of Parliament, by political party is (number of seats):

• Social Democratic Party - 130
• Moderate Party - 97
• Center Party - 29
• People's Party - 28
• Christian Democratic Party - 24
• Left Party - 22
• Environment Party, the Greens - 19

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court (Hogsta Domstolen). Judges are appointed by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Legal System

The Swedish legal system is based on civil law, influenced by customary law. The country has accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction with reservations.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

The Government and the Government Offices of Sweden Official Website.

Swedens County Administrative Boards - Lansstyrelserna Official Website.