A move abroad often brings about changes in your own habits, with many people finding themselves slowly becoming more Swedish in a whole host of ways after making the move here.
It may not the easiest time to be an immigrant to Sweden. But life is full of highs and lows, and today, we'd like to hear about your highs. Shared joy is doubled joy, so tell us something nice that happened to you in the past year.
At the Ålidhem language café in Umeå, people of all ages and cultural backgrounds come to learn Swedish – and about each other. In a political landscape where immigration is often seen as a problem, community spaces like this tell a different story.
Some joke that the best way to piss off a neighbour in Sweden is to try to start a conversation. But streets and blocks of apartments in Sweden can actually be quite friendly places. Here's how to make it work.
Sweden is often rated as a difficult country to make friends in. We asked those who've been there, done that – or in other words, The Local's readers – how they met their closest friends in Sweden.
Italians get worked up when discussing pasta sauces. The Brits and French have arguments for fun. But in Sweden, raising your voice is a bit like taking a glass and smashing it onto the floor. Here is The Local's guide to the delicate art of having a discussion with a Swede.
Sweden’s summer holidays are long, but for people who haven’t made friends here yet, time off work without daily contact with colleagues can also be lonely.
Here at The Local we’re always recommending that people join Swedish clubs as a way of becoming more integrated. Paul O’Mahony decided it was finally time to practise what he preached – and met some inspiring fellow chess-lovers along the way.
American rap artist Azealia Banks, who moved to Sweden in March, has slammed Stockholm's nightlife, calling it “ridiculous” in a post on X. She also had a lot to say about Swedish style, shopping and Swedish laundry rooms.
Sweden has more than 200,000 voluntary clubs and associations and the majority of Swedes are involved in at least one of them. How can you start your own?
We've had more than 100 responses to our survey on the cultural challenges faced by foreigners in long-term relationships with Swedes, and one thing that is abundantly clear is that a lot of you find it hard work! Here's what you had to say.
We asked The Local's readers to tell us about something good that happened to them in Sweden last year. From new babies to residence permits, here are the stories they shared.
While Sweden can be a tough country to adapt to, Swedes are typically ranked among the happiest people in the world. Here are some local habits you should consider picking up this year.
The Local's reader Ravi Bagri shares a heartwarming story of how an encounter with his neighbour left him feeling more at home in Sweden – and more motivated than ever to learn Swedish.
As we head into the darkest months of the year, we're sure we're not alone in wanting some feel-good stories to put us in a better mood. Let's talk about the good things that put a spring in our steps this month.
Foreigners arriving in Sweden get advised to join a club or association to help make friends and get integrated. But how open is Sweden's 'club life' for foreigners? The Local spoke to researcher Niklas Hill.
August and September in Sweden mean it's time for traditional crayfish parties. The Local explores the origins of the 'kräftskiva' and explains the ingredients for a perfect feast.
One of the toughest things about settling in a country is finding and making new friends. We'd like to hear your advice on how to get over this obstacle in Sweden.
Sweden is regularly ranked one of the hardest places to find new friends. But does it really have to be such a struggle? The Local's reader Gemma Casey-Swift shares her best advice for people looking to expand their Swedish friendship circle.
