Political overview
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy where the monarch has primarily ceremonial and representative duties. Sweden’s Parliament (Riksdag) consists of 349 members and parliamentary elections are held on the second Sunday of September every four years. The Prime Minister is elected by the Parliament and appoints the Cabinet.
Foreign policy
Swedish foreign policy is based on the principle that security is built in solidarity with others, and threats against peace and security are averted in cooperation with other countries or organisations. Nordic-Baltic cooperation is an important aspect of Sweden's foreign policy.
An active commitment to the United Nations has been a cornerstone of Sweden's foreign policy since it became a member in 1946. Sweden is a founding member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 1960), the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE, 1973) and the World Trade Organization (WTO, 1995). In 2024, Sweden joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a significant change to its long-held policy of non-alignment in military alliances.
Sweden joined the European Union in 1995, including the Schengen Area in 1996, however is not in the Eurozone.
Bilateral relations
Australia and Sweden established full diplomatic ties in 1963 with the establishment of embassies in respective capitals, and maintain a close bilateral relationship based on shared values and historical links. In 1770, Swedish botanist Daniel Solander visited Australia on Captain James Cook's Endeavour and assisted Joseph Banks in describing and collecting plant specimens.
Australia and Sweden cooperate on a range of issues in international forums. We share a commitment to democratic values, human rights, gender equality, disarmament, strengthening internationally agreed rules and norms and trade liberalisation.
Fast facts
- Swedish visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals - 2024) – 29,260
- Australian visitors to Sweden (resident returns - 2024) – 19,890
- Swedish citizens granted Australian Working Holiday Maker visa (July 2023 – June 2024) - 2,184
- Resident Australian population born in Sweden (2021 census) – 10,847
- Australian residents of Swedish descent (2021 census) – 46,699
High level engagement
- 2024 – Minister for Social Services, The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP visited Sweden.
- 2023 – An Australian Parliamentary Delegation visited Sweden
- 2023 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel visited Australia, accompanied by Mr Johan Forssell, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.
Agreements and arrangements with Sweden
Australia and Sweden have several bilateral agreements including a Double Taxation Agreement (1981) and a Working Holiday Maker Arrangement (2001).
A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts are available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
The Australian Embassy in Stockholm actively promotes Australia's commitment to liberal democratic values, multilateralism and respect for human rights. Activities include supporting cultural and research exchanges. The Embassy participates in Stockholm Pride.
The Embassy engages in a range of activities to promote Australian culture, creativity and artistic excellence. Activities include support for events which showcase our First Nations heritage and strengthen Australia's relationship with Sweden's Sámi Community. The Embassy also hosts and participates in events supporting Australian artists, films, and sport.
Economic diplomacy
Australia and Sweden have strong trade and investment links. In 2024, two-way goods and services trade was valued at $4.1 billion. Australia's major exports that year included coal, recreational travel, and telecom and ICT services. Major imports from Sweden included telecom and ICT services, copper, and civil engineering equipment and parts.
In 2024, the stock of Australian investment in Sweden was valued at $13.3 billion. Swedish investment in Australia was valued at $13.2 billion.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Sweden economic and trade factsheet.
Business
Australia and Sweden have strong business links. More than 100 Swedish companies are present in Australia, including Ericsson, IKEA, Volvo Group, AstraZeneca and ABB. Swedish health, civil security and telecommunications companies have potential to build on existing investments in Australia.
Australian companies established in Sweden include Ramsay, Macquarie, CSL Cochlear, Computershare, ALS Laboratory Systems Group, Dragon Mining and Orica Mining Services, Worley, and Talga Group.
Austrade's Stockholm Office aims to attract foreign direct investment into Australia.
Australian Embassy in Stockholm
Travel
See Smartraveller for Information on travelling to Sweden.