Swede Facts

In preparation for my trip, I've spent a lot of time researching Sweden. My students (and my wife) were the main recipients of all this newfound knowledge, whether they wanted to hear it or not. Whenever we study other countries and cultures in my classes, I encourage my students to focus on the similarities as much as the differences. So, here's a brief look at Sweden and North Carolina, incorporating both aspects:

• Sweden and North Carolina both have a population of approximately 10 million, with North Carolina being slightly larger. In terms of physical size, however, Sweden is substantially larger than the state of North Carolina--almost nine times larger in fact.

• The Swedes have one of the oldest monarchies in the world. It includes 11 dynasties that date back a thousand years. Sweden's current monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf, is the seventh king of the House of Bernadotte. North Carolina's current dynasty comes in the form of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, who just won its seventh national championship this past April.

• Both Sweden and North Carolina have a small but significant indigenous population. The Sami are historically a semi-nomadic people living in the far northern stretches of Sweden who made a living breeding reindeer, though they are now spread throughout the nation. North Carolina has the largest Native American population east of the Mississippi River, with eight officially recognized tribes. 

• Sweden has not engaged in a major military campaign since the Napoleonic Wars two centuries ago. North Carolina's citizens have played a major role in several global conflicts in that time, and the state is home to the most populous military base in the world (Fort Bragg).

• Some popular Swedish phrases:
• Lagom, meaning just enough or just the right amount
• Fika, a coffee break 
• Kanelbulle, a cinnamon roll
• Skal, cheers
• Some popular North Carolina phrases:
• Hey yall, a proper greeting
• Pig Pickin, a social gathering around chopped or pulled pork
• Tobacco Road, a reference to the major basketball schools
• Cajun Filet Biscuit, just yes

• Despite being in the European Union, Sweden uses it own currency, the krona. One U.S. dollar is currently equal to 8.7 Swedish krona. 

• The Swedish have arguably the most generous, progressive, and extensive welfare state in the world. North Carolina, um, no comment.

• Stockholm is Sweden's capital and largest city. North Carolina's capital is Raleigh, and Charlotte is its largest city.

• Both Sweden and North Carolina have a strong tradition of popular music. The Swedish band ABBA is the fourth-best selling music act in history, after only Elvis, the Beatles, and Michael Jackson. The Scandinavian nation has also been home to popular acts such as Roxette, Europe, Ace of Base, The Cardigans, Eagle Eye Cherry, The Hives, and Robyn, as well as a number of producers who are behind many chart-topping global hits. North Carolina has a proud tradition of music as well, crossing genres from older styles like bluegrass, country, and jazz to newer styles like rock, punk, and rap. Famous musical acts from North Carolina include Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Nina Simone, John Coltrane, James Taylor, Ben Folds, Tift Merritt, Eric Church, Petey Pablo, and the Avett Brothers.