More information about Sweden is available on the Sweden Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-SWEDEN RELATIONS

Relations between the United States and Sweden are built on a shared heritage that dates back to 1638 when the first Swedish immigrants arrived on the shores of Delaware. Sweden was one of the first countries to recognize U.S. independence in 1783 and the two countries have maintained a strong bilateral friendship since then, based on shared values and mutual interests. Sweden is an Enhanced Opportunities Partner (EOP) of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and plays an active leadership role on the international stage, from its long-term investment in Afghanistan to its role as a global peacemaker. Sweden is also a member of the Counter-ISIL Coalition and participates in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Sweden’s commitment to promoting global democracy, human rights, gender equality, and international development and sustainability makes it a respected moral leader in international affairs. The United States has collaborated with Sweden to strengthen Internet freedom in countries emerging from oppressive and autocratic regimes to more effectively promote and protect freedom of expression. The United States also works closely with Sweden to combat corruption and support sustainable economic and human rights-based political development around the world. Sweden is one of the world’s largest humanitarian aid donors and gives approximately one percentage of its Gross National Product annually. Over the past several years Sweden has become one of USAID’s most important bilateral partners, particularly in exploring a number of innovative approaches to engage development actors and seek creative approaches to the world’s development challenges.

U.S. Assistance to Sweden

The United States provides no development assistance to Sweden.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Sweden is a member of the European Union (EU). The U.S. economic relationship with the EU is the largest and most complex in the world, and the United States and the EU continue to pursue initiatives to create new opportunities for transatlantic commerce, such as supporting the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP).

Sweden is highly dependent on exports, is strongly pro-free trade, and has one of the most internationally integrated economies in the world. The government has been expanding its export base away from the traditionally European market, seeking to grow in Asia, South America, and the United States, but the bulk of Sweden’s exports still remains within the EU. The United States is Sweden’s 4^th largest export market, capturing 7.1% of Swedish exports valued at an estimated $10.2 billion. Sweden is the 11^th largest investor in the U.S. and one of the largest investors on a per capita basis. Swedish FDI in the U.S. amounts to roughly $56 billion and creates nearly 330,700 U.S. jobs.

Combined with a well-educated labor force, outstanding infrastructure, and a stable political environment, Sweden has become more competitive as a choice for U.S. and foreign companies establishing a presence in the Nordic region.

Sweden participates in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Sweden's Membership in International Organizations

Sweden and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, the Arctic Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Sweden also is an observer to the Organization of American States and a participant in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Enhanced Opportunities Partner (EOP) program.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Sweden is Azita Raji. She was nominated by the President on January 8, 2015 and confirmed by the Senate on February 12, 2016. Other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Sweden maintains an embassy in the United States at 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 (telephone: 202-467-2600). The ambassador of Sweden to the United States is Bjorn Lyrvall.

More information about Sweden is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Sweden Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Sweden Page
U.S. Embassy: Sweden
History of U.S. Relations With Sweden
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Country Reports on Terrorism
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Travel and Business Information