Sweden explained to kids

Sweden is a country located in northern Europe. It is the third largest country in the European Union by area, and has a population of over 10 million people. Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, and is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, and the Council of Europe. The Swedish economy is one of the strongest in the world, and is diversified into several sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, and tourism. Sweden is known for its high standard of living, and its citizens enjoy a generous social welfare system, which provides free education and healthcare. Sweden has a long history, dating back to the Viking Age. The country was ruled by the Swedish Empire for centuries, and later became a constitutional monarchy. In the 20th century, Sweden experienced a period of rapid industrialization and economic growth. Today, Sweden is a modern, prosperous country with a strong economy and a high standard of living. It is a leader in many areas of social reform, and is known for its progressive policies on gender equality, environmental protection, and LGBT rights.