February 12, 2012
From classic Scandinavian functionality to naked men and goats, Stockholm Design Week has something for everyone. Here's The Local's pick of the weirdest and best designs on display this year. READ (5 COMMENTS) »
Check out The Local's guide to the main attractions and events in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö - in association with DoToday. READ (22 COMMENTS) »
As Swedes get set to watch the premiere of the Swedish version of the hit TV sitcom “The Office”, The Local's Oliver Gee learns how producers took an innovative approach to ensure the show's humour wasn't lost in translation. READ (13 COMMENTS) »
As Sweden's indigenous Sami celebrate their National Day on February 6th, The Local offers up a few video clips highlighting their unique vocal traditions. READ (9 COMMENTS) »

Like any other country, Sweden comes with its own laws, tax regulations and social traditions. From getting registered with the right authorities to finding a job, here are 10 things to take care of once you've arrived in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Read more »
With four Stanley Cup victories to his name, Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidström already belongs to an exclusive circle of Swedish NHL players. Last year the defenseman turned 40, but the thirst to win is still there. Read more »
The Swedish food landscape has changed over the last decade. The Swedish chef, once only known as a character in The Muppet Show, is no longer a laughing matter thanks to top-class cooking and innovative use of raw materials. Marcus Samuelsson is one of our internationally renowned chef. Why not try some of his recipes (see left column)? Read more »
Are core values like "democratic fashion, authenticity and ethics" the key to success for Swedish denim brands? In the last 10 years, Sweden has seen an explosion of denim labels such as Cheap Monday, Acne and Nudie Jeans. Read more »
Swedish fashion is changing. Just like in the design arena as a whole, many fashion designers have moved on from the long-established focus on function. While H&M still spreads affordable Swedish style around the globe, a number of cutting-edge designers are leading the way toward a more individual creative expression. Read more »
With various Swedish movies raking in over 150 international awards at well-known festivals ranging from the Tribeca Film Festival in New York to the Berlin Film Festival in 2009 alone, it seems the world is craving more than just pop music, minimalist design, and sturdy cars from Sweden. Thrilling films with solid storylines are quickly becoming the country's newest and trendiest export. Read more »
Updated November 7, 2008 All over the world, Pippi Longstocking (Långstrump) has encouraged generations of girls to have fun and to believe in themselves. In the process, she has done wonders for equality between the sexes. Read more »
As Sweden is gearing up for the fest that is the Melodifestivalen, Swedish living rooms are being prepared for Sweden’s greatest television event invading the country for six weeks every year. READ (3 COMMENTS) »
Sweden is about to be tossed into the frenzy that is ”Melodifestivalen”, the musical contest where the next artist to represent Sweden in Eurovision Song Contest 2012 will be selected. READ (5 COMMENTS) »
Sweden’s only 'Swenglish' comedian, Ben Kersley, talks to The Local about his latest comedic venture, The Tuesday Chinwag, starring ‘three bespectacled English guys’ and music by Swedish Idol’s Nicholas Perry. READ (2 COMMENTS) »
Is there any truth in the image of Sweden portrayed in the Millennium books and films? Stockholm University ethnologist Jonas Engman argues that the stories have tapped into Swedish fears that their society’s success is not all they had been brought up to believe. READ »
Sweden’s best male stand-up comedian is a Kiwi from London, and the last two and a half years of Al Pitcher's exile in Sweden have been the best in his career, contributor Jacob Sundberg discovers. READ (7 COMMENTS) »
A mysterious Facebook message and a curious cab driver helped twin sisters separated just after birth in Indonesia find each other almost 30 years later in Sweden, living just 60 kilometres apart, The Local's Oliver Gee discovers. READ (13 COMMENTS) »
As Chinese people around the world prepare for the start of the 'Year of the Dragon', a Stockholm museum is doing its part to celebrate the Chinese new year in the Swedish capital. READ (2 COMMENTS) »
Tired of navigating the minefield of unspoken rules and social codes required to be accepted in Sweden? Then check out The Local's guide on how to rub Swedes the wrong way. READ (66 COMMENTS) »
An underground Swedish band with a suggestive name has launched a technological treasure hunt through which fans can discover their new song by finding computer memory sticks hidden in public places around the world. READ (8 COMMENTS) »

As diverse as Sweden is, there are a few societal norms that are distinctly Swedish. Understanding a handful of them will hopefully prepare you culturally before you relocate. When you're invited home to a Swede, you better be on time and take your shoes off, writes expat Lola Akinmade-Åkerström. Read more »
Sweden is a country where almost everyone can speak English. So why bother to learn Swedish? Edina Varnagy from Hungary managed with English for a whole year but then found that Swedish could open doors – to a job, a social life and greater understanding. Read more »
"Remember how your kids used to dance around the room to The Gummy Bears and Astid Lindgren? And now, since they started gymnasium, they listen to guitar or electronic music, or reggae, or hip hop, or Sean Banan?? That's not proper music! They are clearly junkies!" READ »
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fin
adjective
Fin means anyhting from sweet to proper. When someone says, Du är så fin it's quite a compliment.
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