Sweden

Meghan Z., Kelsey P., Brittni I.

Stockholm

• Sweden’s capital• Built on 14 islands

Lifestyles of the Past

• 500 years ago there lived a family in Sweden named “Sture.” They were among the most powerful people of the land from 1470-1520.

• There were a lot of bloody battles.• Many historians identify the “Goths” who spread over Europe to

have originally migrated from Sweden.• They say that there’s one thing about people from Sweden- they

are always on the move.• Sweden is a center of Viking activity (traders and soldiers)• Family and Friends were of great importance to them• 19th century onward, Sweden transformed from old-fashioned

agrarian society to a modern industrial nation

Lifestyles of the Present Day• The Sture family is now extinct, but on of its branches, the Oxenstiernas, has

continued to be on of Sweden’s most famous aristocratic dynasties.• Sweden today is among the world’s greatest promoters of peace and full

freedom for all churches and religions.• A population of only a little over 9 million is projected by the year 2010.• Average life expectancy is seventy-four years for males and eighty years for

females.• Swedes are friendly people with hospitable manners, clean homes and a feeling

for what is right and beautiful. • Quality workmanship is found in their manufactured products.• Celebrate birthdays, marriages, anniversaries, baptism, confirmation, and many

holidays.• Recreation

– Sports– Mass Media (TV)– Folk dances & heritage festivals– Outdoor life (sailing, parades, outdoor theatre, entertainment in the park)

Health Care - Organization

• Socialized/public health care• Divided into 7 sections• Decentralized into 21 counties• Financing– 71% - local taxation (average 11%)– 16% - state contributions – 3% - patient fees– 10% - other (contributions ands sales)

Patient Fees

• Fees for outpatient care are decided by county councils

• There is a high-cost ceiling• Prescribed medications

Care for Elderly

• Life expectancy– 80.5 years vs. U.S. 77.5 years

• 93% of elderly persons live in ordinary housing.

• 290 Municipalities• Responsibilities:– Housing– Employment– Support for people with psychiatric disabilities

Maternity

• Maternity leave• Milk banks• Low infant mortality– 3.0 vs U.S. 6.0

Criticism of health care system

• Waiting times• Depends on where people live• Too conservative

Biotechnology

• Sweden had the fourth largest biotechnology industry in Europe, after Germany, the UK and France.

• In the 1990s there was a new start-up with biotechnology companies and the increase in availability of researchers.

• SwedenBIO is one of the Europe’s largest industry organizations representing more than 170 exciting member companies in Sweden. – Goal: is to promote an environment for a successful and growing life science

industry.• Because of the fast development in biotechnology Swedish

Research Council proposed that a special governmental agency for inspection of biotechnology should be started.– They would investigate all new activities in biotechnology and not specialize

in any other field of research.

Biotechnology

• The Swedish biotechnology industry can be segmented into ten different fields – Agrobiotechnology– Bioinformatics– Bioproduction– Biotechnology Equipment (second largest)– CRO– Dentistry– Diagnostics– Health products/Functional Food– Medical Device (second largest)– Pharmaceuticals/Therapeutics (which is the largest field)

Sweden’s Nutrition

Sweden’s Nutritional History

In 1953, a working group of medical, agricultural, and food industry representatives outlined, on their own initiative, the organization of a National Institute of Human Nutrition, financially supported in part of the institute were presented to the Government in 1955

Active interest in and support of nutrition research in Sweden formulated the Nutrition Foundation modeled in principle on the American Nutrition Formation

The Swedish Nutrition Foundation established by 14 food and related industries and associations at a meeting in Stockholm in December of 1961

The purpose of the Swedish Nutrition Foundation is to further scientific (Näringsforskning) = “nutrition research” of interest to food industry and to other producers or unions of producers, who have to take not of the development within this field of research

The seventh volume of the series, dealing with nutrition in pre-school and school aged children has just appeared with the support from leading nutrition scientists from United States and other countries

Swedish Nutrition Foundation has, during its 18 years of existence, exerted a strongly stimulating influence on the general interest in nutrition science in Sweden and effectively contributed to the development of the field in country—the foundation fulfill important functions to this day

Swedish Nutrition Foundation

Swedish Nutrition Foundation is a non-governmental organization supported by about 40 companies and organizations covering all branches from agriculture to main retailers

In 1990, Sweden was the first country to issue and implement a voluntary Code of Conduct regarding health claims on foods entitled “Health Claims in the Labeling and Marketing of Food Products”

The Food Industry’s Rules (Self-Regulating Program) promotes and accepts by authorities, and SNF got an advisory and coordinating role in programs

Awaiting EU-regulation, the Code was revised in 1997 and 2001—it now includes “product-specific physiological claims” subject to human studies with the product in question, and pre-marketing evaluation of the scientific documentation—a Ninth Genetic Claim: regarding whole grain and risk for heart disease was also included in 2003

National Nutrition Board has 5 Different levels of Nutrition work: Support, local research, teach circle or pyramid, and teach keyhole

Example: Plate divided into thirds. One third is pasta and rice, one third is vegetables/fruits and one third is meat (smallest which should never be increased)

Sweden’s Nutrition Diagram

Sweden’s Market Values

Sweden has no quantitative constraints on food imports

Swedish standards on food are very strict and imported foodstuffs must meet these requirements

Sweden’s tariffs are very low, but many imported agricultural commodities are assessed a variable import levy which protects domestically produced foods

According to Swedish Government figures, U.S products accounted for about 7% of the Country’s total agricultural imports, by value

Swedish trade data indicate that high-value imports totaled $3.0 billion in 1992

Sweden’s Government

Sweden’s Government Offices

• Prime Minister's Office The Prime Minister's Office directs and coordinates the work of the Government Offices. It is furthermore responsible for coordination of Sweden's EU policy, coordinates sustainable development work in the Government Offices and is responsible for constitutional policy and election issues.

• Ministry of Agriculture The Ministry of Agriculture has a wide range of responsibilities, including matters relating to agriculture, fisheries, reindeer husbandry, Sami affairs, animal welfare, food and hunting and game management.

• Ministry of Culture The Ministry of Culture is responsible for culture, the media and sports.

• Ministry of Defence The Ministry of Defence aims to fulfil the objectives set by the Government and Riksdag for defence policy, for national accident prevention and preparedness, and for preparedness for severe peacetime emergencies.

• Ministry of Education and Research The Ministry of Education and Research is responsible for matters relating to schools, universities and colleges, research.

• Ministry of Employment The Ministry of Employment is responsible for labour market policy and working life policy.

Continued … Sweden’s Government Offices

• Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications The area of responsibility of the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications comprises issues of crucial importance for growth - for people, companies and regions. The Ministry deals, for example, with matters relating to the business sector, energy, IT, communications and infrastructure, and regional development.

• Ministry of the Environment The Ministry of the Environment is responsible for environment issues and construction. The ministry also has the overall responsibility for coordinating the Government's work on sustainable development.

• Ministry of Finance The Ministry of Finance is responsible for matters relating to economic policy, the central government budget, taxes, banking, security and insurance, international economic work, central, regional and local government.

• Ministry for Foreign Affairs The task of the foreign service is to assist in realising the Government's overall goals in matters of foreign policy. The Ministry is also responsible for coordinating Sweden's foreign policy in the Government Offices.

• Ministry of Health and Social Affairs The areas of responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs relate to social welfare: financial security, social services, medical and health care, health promotion and the rights of children and disabled people.

Continued … Sweden’s Government Offices

• Ministry of Integration and Gender Equality The Ministry of Integration and Gender Equality is responsible for consumer affairs, democracy issues, gender equality, human rights, integration issues, metropolitan affairs, minority issues, Non-Govermental Organisations and youth policy.

• Ministry of Justice The Ministry of Justice is responsible for matters relating to the police authorities, judiciary system, prisons service, migration and asylum.

• Office for Administrative Affairs The Office for Administrative Affairs acts as a joint resource for the Government Offices and is responsible for administrative matters of a cross-ministerial nature.

• Permanent Representation of Sweden to the European Union The Permanent Representation of Sweden to the European Union is the extended arm of the Government Offices in Brussels. Staff of the Permanent Representation are recruited from all 'ministries & are engaged in pursuing Sweden's standpoints on EU policies.

• About the Government Offices The Government Offices form a single, integrated public authority comprising the Prime Minister's Office, the government ministries and the Office for Administrative Affairs.

How is Sweden Governed?Swedish legislation:

Each year, the Swedish Government lays some 200 legislative proposals, normally in the form of a government bill, before the Riksdag (Swedish parliament). Some bills contain proposals for new legislation, requiring extensive deliberation and debate before a vote can be taken, while others consist of proposals for policy guidelines or major or minor amendments to existing laws.

A growing proportion of legislation affecting Sweden is enacted by the European Union. Some of these laws apply directly, without prior sanction by the Riksdag, while others must be implemented in existing Swedish legislation before they can take effect.

This section contains:a description of how laws are enacted in Sweden a list of Swedish statutes that have been translated into English, French or German

Sweden’s Democratic SystemSweden is a parliamentary democracy, which means that all public power proceeds from the people. At the national level, the people are represented by the Riksdag which has legislative power. The Government implements the Riksdags decisions and draws up proposals for new laws or law amendments.

Elections are held every 4 years = Swedes’ value expression and how they live in a democracy

7 million people in the country vote, take part in referendums, joining a political party or by sending in comments on reports presented by the Government

Basic provisions defining how Sweden shall be governed are enshrined in the Constitution and these fundamental laws are the relationship between decision-making and executive power set out and the freedoms and rights enjoyed by citizens

Freedom of Press Act-the principle of public access to official documents is set out in order to guarantee an open society with access to information about the work of the Riksdag, the Government and public agencies

Areas Of

Responsibility

Agriculture, forestry, fisheriesAsylum, Migration and IntegrationCentral, Regional and Local GovernmentCommunications, Infrastructure and ITCulture, the Media, Leisure ActivitiesDefense, Emergency Management and SafetyDemocracy, Gender Equality and Human RightsEducation and ResearchEmbassies, Consulates and Consular AffairsEmploymentEnvironment, Energy and ClimateEU Issues and Policies (Trade and Investments)Health Care, Health and Social/InsurancesHousing and ConstructionLegislation and JusticeNational Economy and BudgetSustainable Development

Focus Area # 13:Health Care, Health and Social/Insurances

Health and medical care is a core part of the welfare system and is one of the issues in society that the Swedish people are most concerned about. Swedish health and medical care is based on the principles that care should be provided on equal terms and according to need, that it should be under democratic control and financed on that basis of solidarity.

Care and treatment should be provided in consultation with the patient

The Swedish Health and Medical Services Acts States as follows: “ Health and medical services are aimed at assuring the entire population of good health and of care on equal terms. Care should be provided with

due respect for the equal worth of all people and the dignity of the individual Priority shall be given to who are in the greatest need of health

and medical care

Continued….Focus Area # 13:Health Care, Health and Social/Insurances

Social Insurance forms the Heaviest element of Swedish Social Welfare Policy

Social Insurance is defined to include: health, dental, and parenthood insurance, partial, basic and supplementary pensions as well as compulsory injuries insurance and voluntary unemployment insurances

“ALL” Swedish citizens and foreign nationals residents in Sweden—adults and children both—are insured under the National Insurance Act

Conventions signed between Sweden and other Nordic countries: Great Britain, Italy, and Austria; also applies to International Labor Organizations which has ratified its Convention No. 118 on social security—Swedish citizens who are entitled to medical benefits only if the need for care has arisen in course of a temporary sojourn in a mother country

A “Uniform Tariff” – applies to the public out-patient services (as provided by district medical officers and at hospitals)—this means the patient pays SKr 15 for visiting the doctor (private care visits is SKr 25+)

Continued….Focus Area # 13:Health Care, Health and Social/Insurances for

“Children”“ For the purpose of the present convention a child means every human being below the age of 18 years unless, under the law applicable to the child majority is obtained earlier.” (Article #1 from The Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Sweden in 1990)

If you are under 18 and exposed to physical, mental or sexual abuse, bullying, serious adolescence conflicts, loneliness etc. it is often necessary to talk to an adult for advice or help. Then you can always choose to contact The Child’s Help Line, run by BRIS-Children’s Rights in Society

“State Parties shall take ALL appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.” (Article # 19)

Sweden has a legal obligation to protect children from any kind of abuse in the best interests of the child. It requires an extensive ability to apprehend and take care of the special needs of maltreated children.

The primary commitment of “BRIS,” is to unconditionally stand on children’s side

Swedish legislation also includes a system of mandatory reporting to social authority when a child is suspected to be exposed to any kind of violence or neglect

“ State Parties shall assure the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weigh in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.” (Article # 12.1)

Children have the right to be informed that they are allowed to tell someone when they are having difficulties and that they are entitled to support and help

Free Time Activities• Gamla stan (Old Town)• Skansen – open air museum• Globen - world's largest

spherical building• The Kaknastornet or Kaknas

Tower• Junibacken

Free Time Activities

• Bike rentals – 100SKr daily• Stallmastaregarden• Operakallaren• Hamngaten, Biblioeksgatan,

Sturegallerian

The Ice Hotel

Works Cited• International Nutrition-Editor: Robert B. Bradfield, Ph.D “The Swedish Nutrition Foundation”

by Gunnar Blix (The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition-Vol. 23, No. 2, February, 1970, pp. 210-211-printed in U.S.A) http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/23/2/210.pdf

• Health Grain (Industrial Platform) : The European Community’s Sixth Framework Programme http://www.healthgrain.org/pub/partners.php?oid=31;sort=a#31

• Swedish Government OfficesSE-103 33 Stockholm, SwedenSwitchboard +46 8 405 10 00 http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/576

• Encyclopedia: Swedish Market Values http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-14298021.html

• BRIS: Barnens Rātt I Samhāllet—Children;s Rights in Society of Sweden (From Betty Larson) • Fact Sheets on Sweden: Published by-”The Sweden Institute-Statistical data April 1977

• http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthcare_in_Sweden• http://www.sweden.se• http://www.sweden.gov

Work Cited• Foder’s, Europe. Pages 1038-1068• Wallpaper City Guide- Stockholm• AltAssets: Biotechnology in Sweden

http://www.altassets.com/casefor/countries/2002/nz3292.php• SwedenBIO: Working for a successful life science industry

http://www.swedenbio.com/• Fiske, Arland O. (1992). Stories from The Swedish Heritage.• Swahn, Jan-Ojvind. (1994). Swedish Institute: Swedish Holidays and

Traditions