Sweden1. State (additional background information is also included): Sweden, a fairly small country, located in northwestern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula, borders Norway on the right and Finland on the left. The northern region of Sweden lies within the Arctic Circle, while the south is more temperate with heavily cultivated fertile land. It is known for its cold winters and large forests. It is ranked 83rd in the world's population with over 8.9 million people. It is a highly urbanized country with an urban population distribution of 84.7% (84.7% of people live in urban areas, cities, towns, etc.). The capital of Sweden is Stockholm. Sweden is a homogeneous country with a small Sami minority (around 15,000 nomadic reindeer-herding Sami people located in the north). 12% of their population is made up of immigrants from other European nations. The official language spoken is Swedish (with the Sami and Finnish populations maintaining their own languages), although English is widely and fluently spoken in the cities. The dominant religion is Evangelical Lutheranism (94%), but also includes those who practice Roman Catholicism (1.5%) and Pentecostalism (1%), while the remaining 3.5% practice various religions. The climate in Sweden is generally milder than in other countries located at the same parallel. Their average summer temperature is about sixty-four degrees and their average winter temperature is about twenty-seven degrees. Daylight hours are short in winter and almost continuous in summer. Most rainfall occurs in early spring and autumn. Sweden, at 173,686 square miles, is 6.2% cropland, 1.2% permanent pasture, 62.3% forest/woodland, and… half paper. .. ..the concept of "neutrality" will no longer be adequate or sufficient. Sweden is not yet a member of any military alliance, with the responsibility to personally and independently defend and protect its own country and people. Sweden is now taking steps to adhere to a European identity in foreign policy. Sweden has applied to join the EU and has made efforts to develop contacts with new emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe. In addition to strong support for the United Nations (a cornerstone of their foreign policy), Sweden actively participates in international cooperation. Other concerns that Sweden faces at the moment are the promotion of better human rights (which is constantly paid attention to if circumstances require it), international disbarment (which Sweden supports) and a greater focus on the environment..