Swedish News

Swim school starts in Sweden. Working out with man's best friend. Volvo goes electric. Sweeping streets clean. Home ownership may become more expensive. 

  • Sweden is charging forward with a search for more precious minerals such as cobalt and lithium, key battery components among makers of electric vehicles. According to some surveys the interest in electric and plug-in hybrid cars is now on par with that of pickup trucks. Here, the new Volvo XC90 T8 is "filled up."

  • Swim school starts in Sweden
    Gothenburg now offers free swim classes to children enrolled in preschool, it is included as part of the curriculum. With the ability to swim 200 meters as part of the 9th grade national exam requirements, many children are at risk of failing, especially in areas where private swim lessons are not something parents can afford. The hope is this new program with help all Swedish children learn how to swim and keep themselves safe in the water.

  • A good example of a plank. Gabby Ury attempts to break a record for holding the position, and though her dog isn't on her back at the time of the photo, they are great exercise partners. photo denverpost.com

  • Working out with man’s best friend
    A new trend in Sweden has humans exercising alongside canines. With a combination of strength, balance, fitness and obedience training, an average class takes place outdoors with two instructors, approximately 15 participants and their dogs. One popular exercise is the “plank” where humans stretch out, supporting themselves on their forearms and feet while their dogs climb on their backs and balance there. Seen as a way to exercise both man and man’s best friend, this concept is gaining in popularity.

  • It's a national requirement that children successfully swim 200 meters in 9th grade, so Swedish preschools are introducing the skill in their curriculum. Photo pinterest

  • Volvo goes electric
    By 2025, Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars, says the company will have rolled out one million electric cars. Volvo hopes to produce two hybrid versions of each model in the Volvo lineup to meet consumer demand for electric vehicles. The first all-electric car is expected to appear in 2019. Popular models such as the Volvo V60, the new XC60, V90, S90 and XC90 will eventually all include hybrid options.

  • The newest Swedish traffic sign shows where you can charge your electric car.

  • Sweeping streets clean
    In an effort to crack down on the staggering amount of litter related to snus and cigarette use across Sweden, over 50 authorities are in agreement that more needs to be done. Many suggest implementing immediate fines for lawbreakers, but some urge caution that education may be more effective in deterring littering in general.

  • Swedish authorities agree that more needs to be done to manage the staggering amounts of litter left by cigarette and snus users. Photo via yourcommonwealth.org

  • Home ownership may become more expensive
    With interests rates projected to rise, the amount of money homeowners in Sweden are used to paying may increase by a significant amount. Lenders are encouraging people to take a careful look at the source of their loans in order to be prepared.