Swedes are famously brainy, producing noted inventions like dynamite and ATMs (the burglars of the world thank you) and renowned scientists like Alfred Nobel and Carl Linné (a pioneer in botanical studies). The Swedish love of literature (everything from Pippi Longstocking to Miss Julie) is only matched by the love of fish and strong liquors.
The best known members of Sweden's artistic community have been writers: chiefly the influential dramatist and author August Strindberg and the widely translated children's writer Astrid Lindgren, creator of Pippi Longstocking. The Gustavian balladry of Carl Michael Bellman, rarely heard outside Scandinavia, speaks directly to the Swedish soul. Vilhelm Moberg, a representative of 20th century proletarian literature, won international acclaim with The Immigrants and The Emigrants.
Hungry Swedes tuck into fish, which is usually poached or fried in lard. Pickled herring is especially popular and the potato is basically indispensable. As well as being the vegetable of ubiquity, spuds are critically important in the production of excellent Swedish aquavit.
Culture in Sweden
