Cultural Overview Of Sweden

Despite the fact that Sweden’s terrain is not exactly conducive to the spread of culture (a sizeable part of the population lives in far-flung areas where getting hold of even a book may be difficult), a very definite `Swedish’ culture has managed to evolve. Literature seems to be one of the most prominent expressions of this culture- writers like August Strindberg, Astrid Lindgren and Vilhelm Moberg are known internationally. Besides this, the country’s theatre, dance and cinema are highly developed. The Royal Dramatic Theatre, which has produced icons like Ingrid Bergman, Greta Garbo and was once headed by Ingmar Bergman, is the premier theatrical institution, while the Royal Opera of Stockholm is its counterpart as far as music goes. Smaller troupes and performing groups throughout the country stage everything from children’s theatre to ballet and opera, with some folk art also thrown in.

Traditional Swedish handicrafts, although influenced to some extent by international modern trends, have a certain distinctive style, most obvious in the glass, pottery, furniture and textiles produced in the country. Of these, among the best known is the beautiful glassware manufactured by glassworks such as Kosta Boda and Orrefors.