Stockholm is the capital of the Kingdom of Sweden. It is the largest city in the country and throughout Scandinavia. The metropolis is located on the eastern shore of Lake Mälaren. It hosts the Swedish parliament and government, as well as the residence of the Swedish king.
History
Since XIII century, Stockholm has become an important economic center of the country. This city was built on 14 unconnected small islands. The territory where the city was built was very important for Sweden: the new settlement controlled the Stockholm archipelago and Lake Mälaren, which significantly strengthened the state’s position in the region.
Stockholm is a rather ancient capital. The first mention of this settlement is found in Viking sagas. Due to its advantageous geographical position, Stockholm became an influential trading city, which conducted active trade with the Hanseatic cities and Lübeck.
The city played an important role at a time when Sweden was under the Danish crown. In the sixteenth century, after the revolt of Gustav Vasa, Sweden gained independence.
In 1912, the capital hosted the Summer Olympic Games.
Today , the city continues to expand; not so long ago, new areas were built - Tensta and Rinkeby.
Economy
The local population mainly works in the service sector. Stockholm - the capital is environmentally friendly, since there is no heavy industry. Recently, a lot of companies have been created in the region that are engaged in the development of the latest technologies.
Stockholm is an important financial center. Here are the headquarters of the largest banks in Scandinavia - Handelsbanken, Swedbank and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken.
Stockholm is of great interest among tourists. Over the past 15 years, travelers have significantly replenished the treasury of the city. Every year, at least 7.5 million tourists visit the capital.
Education
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, boasts a large number of educational institutions. The most prestigious institutions are: Royal Technical College, Stockholm University, Stockholm School of Economics, Royal University of Fine Arts and others.
Culture
The megalopolis has many cultural institutions, including world-class ones. There are three places in the city that are under the protection of UNESCO: Forest Cemetery, Drottningholm Palace, as well as Birka and Hovgorden.
Architecture
Stockholm is the capital of unique architecture. The oldest areas are located on small islands in the city center. It also houses such famous buildings as the Bonde Palace, the House of Elders, the German Church, and the Oxenstrin Palace. Stockholm's oldest building is the Knight's Church, which was built in the 13th century.
Museums
The city has 70 museums. The most visited place is considered the National Swedish Museum, which houses a huge collection of paintings, as well as handicrafts. Equally popular is the Museum of Modern Art, which houses the work of geniuses such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.
Recently, a study was conducted in which passers-by were asked: "Stockholm - the capital of which country?" Unfortunately, many either could not answer at all, or answered that it was the capital of Finland or Norway. But you now know that this unique northern city is the capital of the beautiful kingdom of Sweden.