Sweden has a population of roughly 10.5 million people and is one of Europe's least densely populated countries because of its large land area. Population is concentrated heavily in the south and in metropolitan areas, especially Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, while large northern territories remain sparsely inhabited.
Population growth in recent decades has been influenced both by natural change and by immigration. Sweden has become significantly more diverse over time, with residents tracing origins to many parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This diversity is especially visible in the major cities and suburban municipalities.
## Population characteristics
- **Urbanization:** A strong majority of residents live in urban areas or metropolitan regions. - **Age structure:** Like many European countries, Sweden has an aging population, though immigration and family policy have partly moderated this trend compared with some peers. - **Gender balance:** Broadly balanced overall. - **Households:** Many one-person households, especially in cities, alongside families in suburban and regional communities.
## Languages and identity
- **Official language:** Swedish - **National minority languages:** Sami languages, Finnish, Meänkieli, Romani Chib, and Yiddish have recognized status in Sweden. - **Widely spoken additional language:** English is very widely understood and used in education, business, and public life.
## Religion
Historically, Sweden was overwhelmingly Lutheran under the Church of Sweden. Today, the country is much more secular in public life, though Christian traditions still shape holidays and institutions. Islam, Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, free churches, Judaism, and other faith communities are also present due to historical minorities and more recent immigration.
## Education, income, and work
Sweden generally has high educational attainment, high labor-force participation, and a relatively strong social safety net. Employment is concentrated in services, public administration, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, education, and trade. Income levels are high by global standards, though cost of living is also high in major metropolitan regions.
Precise national demographic breakdowns change regularly with official statistical updates. For the most current figures, Statistics Sweden is the primary reference source.
