16 Fascinating and Surprising Facts About Life in Sweden (16 photos)

Everyone knows Sweden boasts an exceptionally high standard of living. But the country is also full of unique innovations and quirks you won't find anywhere else. Here are just a few examples, put together by locals who know the country inside out.





Sweden Has Trash Cans With Free Wi-Fi



"Great if I ever need Wi-Fi. I can just hang out next to a trash can for a couple of hours!"

Sweden Uses Its Own Unique Units of Volume





"This is a centiliter. A standard soda can here is 33 cl, which equals 0.33 liters."

Insurance Companies Refund Customers If They Make Too Much Profit



"I got a letter from my insurance company saying, 'Last year we made way more money than expected, so we're returning part of the profit to our customers. We've transferred 245 SEK back to your account.' I was totally blown away."

Abandoned Bikes Get a Second Life in Sweden



"Sweden wouldn't be the same if it didn't recycle everything. Once a year, any bicycles left out on the street get tagged with an orange sticker. If the owner doesn't claim the bike, a municipal service picks it up. They're then sent to second-hand shops where anyone can buy a cheap ride. Everyone wins, and the streets stay clutter-free."

In Uppsala, There's a Road Sign That Warns: "Caution, Mother Cat and Kittens Crossing"



Only in Sweden Will You Find Ice Cream Tubs Reminding You to Recycle Them



A Key Element of Sweden's Eco-Friendly Urban Design Is Underground Pneumatic Tubes for Sorting Waste



Supermarkets Use Paper Bags Instead of Plastic. They Are Thick and Can Later Be Used for Compost



"We also collect organic waste separately. As you can see, you can throw meat, fish, tea bags, coffee grounds, veggies, and bread right into this bag. It's super convenient."

The Swedish Island of Vrångö Is Completely Car-Free



"This island is just an hour away from Gothenburg. Cars are strictly banned, and the entire population is only around 400 people."

This Is What a Standard Recycling Station Next to an Apartment Building Looks Like



"Our apartment buildings have dedicated waste collection rooms, plus these cool drop chutes for trash, compost, and paper or newspapers."

Buying Pick 'n' Mix Candy in Sweden Is Always a Wild Card



"These candies and gummies are sold in bulk. They can be sweet, sour, salty, super salty, or spicy—and there are vegan options too. Then there's licorice, which can also be sweet, salty, or spicy!"

Sweden: A Little Free Library Right Outside a Supermarket. Swedes Absolutely Love Books



Swedish Home Interiors Always Look Amazing—It's Like They're Taught Interior Design in School



Almost All Pets in Sweden Are Insured and Registered, and Dogs Don't Wear Muzzles



"Since there are virtually no stray animals in Sweden, getting a pet is a massive commitment and a serious responsibility. Most people buy pet insurance because vet clinics are insanely expensive."

In Sweden, Ice Cream Trucks Drive Around All Year Round



"Honestly, that alone makes me want to move there."

And Finally—Sweden Is Just Breathtakingly Beautiful