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| indicator | value | unit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10.0 | mil. |
| Visitors per year | 16 | mil. |
| Renewable energy | 35.6 | % |
How’s Life?
Sweden performs well in many dimensions of well-being relative to other countries in the Better Life Index. Sweden outperforms the average in income, jobs, education, health, environmental quality, social connections, civic engagement, safety and life satisfaction.
Money, while it cannot buy happiness, is an important means to achieving higher living standards. In Sweden,the average household net-adjusted disposable income per capita is USD33 730 a year, more than the OECD average of USD30 490 a year.
In terms of employment,about 75% of people aged 15 to 64 in Sweden have a paid job, above the OECD employment average of 66%. Some 77% of men are in paid work, compared with 74% of women.In Sweden, 1% of employees work very long hours in paid work, below the OECD average of 10%.
Good education and skills are important requisites for finding a job. In Sweden,84% of adults aged 25-64 have completed upper secondary education, higher than the OECD average of 79%. However, completion varies between men and women, as 83% of men have successfully completed high school compared with 85% of women. In terms of the quality of the education system,the average student scored 503 in reading literacy, maths and science in the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). This score is higher than the OECD average of 488. On average in Sweden,girls outperformed boys by 14 points, well above the average OECD gap of 5 points.
In terms of health,life expectancy at birth in Sweden is around 83 years, two years higher than the OECD average of 81 years. Life expectancy for women is 85 years, compared with 82 for men.The level of atmospheric PM2.5– tiny air pollutant particles small enough to enter and cause damage to the lungs –is 5.8 micrograms per cubic meter, below the OECD average of 14 micrograms per cubic meter. In Sweden, 97% of people say they are satisfied with the quality of their water, higher than the OECD average of 84%.
Concerning the public sphere, there is a strong sense of community and high levels of civic participation in Sweden, where94% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need, more than the OECD average of 91%. Voter turnout,a measure of citizens' participation in the political process,was 87% during recent elections, higher than the OECD average of 69%. Social and economic status can affect voting rates; voter turnout for the top 20% of the population is an estimated 85% and for the bottom 20% it is an estimated 80%.
When asked to rate their general satisfaction with life on a scale from 0 to 10, Swedes gave ita 7.3 grade on average,higher than the OECD average of 6.7.
For more information on estimates and years of reference, seeFAQ sectionandBLI database.
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OECD in Action
OECD Economic Surveys: Sweden
OECD’s periodic surveys of the Swedish economy. Each edition surveys the major challenges faced by the country, evaluates the short-term outlook, and makes specific policy recommendations. Special chapters take a more detailed look at specific challenges. Extensive statistical information is included in charts and graphs.
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Sweden in Detail
Housing – Sweden expand
Key Findings
Living in satisfactory housing conditions is one of the most important aspects of people's lives. Housing is essential to meet basic needs, such as shelter, but it is not just a question of four walls and a roof. Housing should offer a place to sleep and rest where people feel safe and have privacy and personal space; somewhere they can raise a family. All of these elements help make a house a home. And of course there is the question whether people can afford adequate housing.
Housing costs take up a large share of the household budget and represent the largest single expenditure for many individuals and families, by the time you add up elements such as rent, gas, electricity, water, furniture or repairs. In Sweden, households on average spend20% of theirgross adjusted disposable income on keeping a roof over their heads, in line with the OECD average.
In addition to housing costs it is also important to examine living conditions, such as the average number of rooms shared per person and whether households have access to basic facilities. The number of rooms in a dwelling, divided by the number of persons living there, indicates whether residents are living in crowded conditions. Overcrowded housing may have a negative impact on physical and mental health, relations with others and children's development. In addition, dense living conditions are often a sign of inadequate water and sewage supply. In Sweden,the average home contains 1.7 rooms per person, in line with the OECD average. In terms of basic facilities,100% of dwellings sampled in Sweden contain private access to an indoor flushing toilet,compared with an OECD average of 97%.
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Indicators
Income – Sweden expand
Key Findings
While money may not buy happiness, it is an important means to achieving higher living standards and thus greater well-being. Higher economic wealth may also improve access to quality education, health care and housing.
Household net adjusted disposable income is the amount of money that a household earns each year after taxes and transfers. It represents the money available to a household for spending on goods or services. In Sweden,the average household net adjusted disposable income per capita isUSD 33 730a year, higher than the OECD average of USD30 490.
Household net wealth is the total value of a household's financial and non-financial worth, such as money or shares held in bank accounts, the principal residence, other real estate properties, vehicles, valuables and other non-financial assets (e.g other consumer durables). In Sweden,the average household net wealth ishigher than the OECD average of USD 323 960.
For more information on estimates and years of reference, seeFAQ sectionandBLI database.
Better Policies for Better Lives
Improving information on pensions
The Min Pension website helps Swedish people get an overall picture of their earned pension rights, on a daily basis, and allows them to make a projection on their old age pension. There are more than 2.1 million registered users and more than 12 million pension agreements collected in the database covering about 99% of existing pension funding. The website is also complemented by a smartphone application.
A survey showed that after a visit to the site, the share that considered themselves "well informed in the pension area" increased from 13% to 43%.
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Indicators
Jobs – Sweden expand
Key Findings
Having a job brings many important benefits, including: providing a source of income, improving social inclusion, fulfilling one's own aspirations, building self-esteem and developing skills and competencies. In Sweden,75%of the working-age population aged 15 to 64 has a paid job. This figure is higher than the OECD employment average of 66%.
Unemployed persons are defined as those who are not currently working but are willing to do so and actively searching for work. Long-term unemployment can have a large negative effect on feelings of well-being and self-worth and result in a loss of skills, further reducing employability. In Sweden,the percentage of the labour force that has been unemployed for a year or longer is currently 1%, lower than the OECD average of 1.3%.
The wages and other monetary benefits that come with employment are an important aspect of job quality.Swedish people earnUSD47 020 per year on average, slightly less than the OECD average USD 49 165.
Another essential factor of employment quality is job security, in terms of expected loss of earnings when someone becomes unemployed. This includes how likely you are to lose your job, how long you are likely to remain unemployed and how much financial assistance you can expect from government. Workers facing a high risk of job loss are more vulnerable, especially in countries with smaller social safety nets. In Sweden,workers face an expected 4.4% loss of earnings if they become unemployed, lower than the OECD average of 5.1%.
For more information on estimates and years of reference, seeFAQ sectionandBLI database.
Better Policies for Better Lives
Supporting displaced workers in times of crisis
In Sweden, Job Security Councils work with Public Employment Services to provide continuous and tailored services to displaced workers. Initially established following massive job losses in the 1970s, these Councils have maintained relevance in helping workers in times of crisis and are considered an example of best practice. The Councils are based on collective agreements between social partners and are actively involved in restructuring and providing advice to employers and trade unions. They give displaced workers transition services and guidance after their positions have been made redundant after job losses. The risks and costs of restructuring the labour market are shared among its members. Around 80% of participants find a solution through employment or retraining within seven months. These results were sustained even during the financial crisis of 2008-10, helping a significant number of people transition into work.
Supporting jobseekers
Jobbtorg is an employment service for youth, immigrants, and other people who are not eligible for unemployment benefits. The service is run by local governments in association with the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen). Jobseekers are offered coaching, matching and guidance counselling once they register with the employment service. In Stockholm, Jobbtorg services help about 3 000 out of 6 000 clients find a job or education every year.
Jobbstart is an associated service that offers clients with training in a job-like situation. This programme includes a three-week training course followed by three months of on-the-job training. Upon completion trainees can be hired on for a full year. About 50 out of 100 participants get hired on through this programme every year. Participants also benefit from courses, job-testing and further job-training. People with social problems, drug abuse, or previous convictions can access specialised services to help them enter the labour market.
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Indicators
Community – Sweden expand
Key Findings
Humans are social creatures. The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being.
A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities. In Sweden,94% of people believe that they know someone they could rely on in time of need, above the OECD average of 91%.
A weak social network can result in limited economic opportunities, a lack of contact with others, and eventually, feelings of isolation. Socially isolated individuals face difficulties integrating into society as a contributing member and fulfilling personal aspirations.
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How's Life?: Measuring Well-being OECD Insights: Human Capital
Indicators
Education – Sweden expand
Key Findings
A well-educated and well-trained population is essential for a country's social and economic well-being. Education plays a key role in providing individuals with the knowledge, skills and competences needed to participate effectively in society and in the economy. Having a good education greatly improves the likelihood of finding a job and earning enough money. Swedes can expect to go through19.7 years of educationbetween the ages of 5 and 39, more than the OECD average of 18 years and one of the highest levels in the OECD.
Graduating from upper secondary education has become increasingly important in all countries, as the skills needed in the labour market are becoming more knowledge-based. High-school graduation rates therefore provide a good indication of whether a country is preparing its students to meet the minimum requirements of the job market. In Sweden,84%of adults aged 25-64 have completed upper secondary education, higher than the OECD average of 79%.
But graduation rates, while important, speak little to the quality of education received. The OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reviews the extent to which students have acquired some of the knowledge and skills that are essential for full participation in modern societies. In 2018, PISA focused on examining students' reading ability, skills in maths and level in sciences, as research shows that these skills are more reliable predictors of economic and social well-being than the number of years spent in school.
The average student in Sweden scored 503 in reading literacy, maths and sciences, above the OECD average of 488. The best-performing school systems manage to provide high-quality education to all students.
Better Policies for Better Lives
Improving Sweden’s upper secondary completion rate
The national programme Plug In aims to halve the level of dropouts who fail to complete upper secondary school, from 24% to 12% by 2017. Plug In operates through more than 100 projects at local or regional level, to cater to specific needs of at risk students in different communities. The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions co-ordinates at national level.
For example, certain projects provide students with individual support and tutoring, mental health support, and links to specialised services. Broader strategies emphasize improving systems and processes and offering adult education. Evaluations are currently underway to determine the success of these co-ordinated efforts.
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Indicators
Environment – Sweden expand
Key Findings
The quality of our local living environment has a direct impact on our health and well-being. Outdoor air pollution is one important environmental issue that directly affects the quality of people's lives. Despite national and international interventions and decreases in major pollutant emissions,the health impacts of urban air pollutioncontinue to worsen, with air pollution set to become the top environmental cause of premature mortality globally by 2050. Air pollution in urban centres, often caused by transport and the use of small-scale burning of wood or coal, is linked to a range of health problems, from minor eye irritation to upper respiratory symptoms in the short-term and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer in the long-term. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable.
PM2.5 – tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung – is monitored in OECD countries because it can harm human health and reduce life expectancy. In Sweden,PM2.5 levels are 5.8 micrograms per cubic meter, one of the lowest levels in the OECD where the average is 14 micrograms per cubic meter and lower than the annual guideline limit of 10 micrograms per cubic meter set by theWorld Health Organization.
Access to clean water is fundamental to human well-being. Despite significant progress in OECD countries in reducing water pollution, improvements in freshwater quality are not always easy to discern. In Sweden,97% of people say they are satisfied with water quality, one of the higherst the OECD, where the satisfaction level is 84%.
Better Policies for Better Lives
Reducing nutrient pollution
The Swedish Environmental Code regulates the impact of agriculture on water habitats and the government has subsidised measures for reducing nutrient leaching. The 2007-13 rural development programme allocated about SEK 510 million for this purpose. TheSwedishAgency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) manages the funds for marine and aquatic environments. Out of these funds, SEK 310 million was allocated in 2013 to work with water management, liming, fish conservation, action plans for threatened species and local water projects. Measures to reduce nutrient losses to surrounding water bodies have yielded good results: a study of 65 streams in southern and central Sweden show a downward trend in concentration of nitrogen and phosphorous, directly related to implemented measures. Overall, use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers has dropped during the decade, contributing to reducing nitrogen surplus per hectare of agricultural land to below the OECD average and the level of many other Nordic and Baltic countries.
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How's Life?: Measuring Well-being OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050
Indicators
Governance – Sweden expand
Key Findings
Trust in government is essential for social cohesion and well-being. High voter turnout is a measure of citizens' participation in the political process. In the most recent elections for which data are available,voter turnout in Sweden was 87% of those registered. This figure is much higher than the OECD average of 69%.
Broader public engagement in the decision-making process is also important for holding the government to account and maintaining confidence in public institutions. The formal process for public engagement in developing laws and regulations is one way to measure the extent to which people can become involved in government decisions on key issues that affect their lives. In Sweden, the level of stakeholder engagement in developing regulations is 2.0 (on a scale between 0 and 4); slightly lower than the OECD average of 2.1.
For more information on estimates and years of reference, seeFAQ sectionandBLI database.
Better Policies for Better Lives
Increasing public involvement in service delivery
Involving people in the services available and facilitating their ability to take action increases both transparency and engagement. In Stockholm, the city’s Compare Services website allows residents to compare a range of city services and rate their quality. More than 4 000 facilities were mapped across the city with comparable criteria and regularly updated information regarding quality, location and services.
The Compare Services tool helps people make choices based on what best suit their needs and has also led to improvements in service management. For example, parents can use this tool to access information on preschools and make an informed decision based on information on location, pedagogic methods and activities offered, and class size and child-teacher ratios. The website also allows parents to either apply to the school online or contact the city district administration to find a placement for their child.
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How's Life?: Measuring Well-being Regulatory Policy Outlook: Sweden
Indicators
Health – Sweden expand
Key Findings
Most OECD countries have enjoyed large gains in life expectancy over the past decades, thanks to improvements in living conditions, public health interventions and progress in medical care.Lifeexpectancy at birth for the whole population in Swedenstands at 83 years, two years above the OECD average of 81 years.Higher life expectancy is generally associated with higher health care spending per person, although many other factors have an impact on life expectancy (such as living standards, lifestyles, education and environmental factors).
When asked "How is your health in general" 76%of people in Sweden reported to be in good health, more than the OECD average of 68%. Despite the subjective nature of this question, answers have been found to be a good predictor of people’s future health care use. Gender, age and social status may affect answers to this question.
Better Policies for Better Lives
Integrated health services for better outcomes
Sweden takes an interdisciplinary approach to good health by providing integrated medical and vocational rehabilitation. Navigator Centres were piloted in 2005-07 as a one-stop shop to offer young people aged 16-25 co-ordinated employment, education and health support. The integrated approach of these centres helps young people enter the labour market while addressing mental health and educational challenges. Clients can access educational and vocational counselling, preventive health care, and mental health services. Though evaluations are not yet available, evidence from the first pilot suggests this is a good model for co-ordinated services. Between 45% and 70% of the 2 000 young people placed in the centres have moved on to education, employment or work experience.
Programme DELTA was established to meet the diverse needs of the Swedish working population. It focuses on employment challenges related to mental ill-health, musculoskeletal disorders, social problems and long-term work incapacity. DELTA facilitates financial co-ordination between the national employment service, the regional health authority, the municipal social service and the national social insurance department to support medical and vocational rehabilitation. These rehabilitative activities aim to shorten patient treatment, speed up return-to-work, and avert sickness absence and social exclusion. Evaluations show the programme has had success in reintegrating workers with 8 out of 10 unemployed participants gaining and maintaining employment and 2 out of 3 were no longer sick-listed.
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Indicators
Life Satisfaction – Sweden expand
Key Findings
Happiness or subjective well-being can be measured in terms of life satisfaction, the presence of positive experiences and feelings, and the absence of negative experiences and feelings. Such measures, while subjective, are a useful complement to objective data to compare the quality of life across countries.
Life satisfaction measures how people evaluate their life as a whole rather than their current feelings. When asked to rate their general satisfaction with life on a scale from 0 to 10,Swedes on average gave ita 7.3 grade,higher than the OECD average of 6.7.
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Indicators
Safety – Sweden expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example?In Sweden, about 79% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night,more than the OECD average of 74%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country's safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data,Sweden's homicide rate is 1.1, lower than the OECD average of 2.6
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Indicators
Work-Life Balance – Sweden expand
Key Findings
Finding a suitable balance between work and life is a challenge for all workers, especially working parents. The ability to successfully combine work, family commitments and personal life is important for the well-being of all members in a household. Governments can help to address the issue by encouraging supportive and flexible working practices, making it easier for parents to strike a better balance between work and home life.
An important aspect of work-life balance is the amount of time a person spends at work. Evidence suggests that long work hours may impair personal health, jeopardise safety and increase stress. In Sweden,about1%of employees work very long hours in paid work, one of the lowest rates in the OECD, where the average is 10%.
The more people work, the less time they have to spend on other activities, such as time with others, leisure activities, eating or sleeping. The amount and quality of leisure time is important for people's overall well-being, and can bring additional physical and mental health benefits.In Sweden, full-time workersdevote a similar amount of their day on average to personal care(eating, sleeping, etc.)and leisure(socialising with friends and family, hobbies, games, computer and television use, etc.) to the OECD average of 15 hours.
Better Policies for Better Lives
Easy access to parental benefits
The service 'My Pages' offers Swedish people online information on what types of benefits they are eligible for. The government launched a smartphone application so that parents, instead of filling out papers for temporary parental leave when staying home with their ill child, can apply for those benefits on line.
Now, approximately 43% of all the log-ins to My Pages come through the App. The 1.2 million users now log-in 80% more often than before the application. In addition, 24% of all the applications for temporary parental leave are now done via the App. Finally, the self-service level for temporary parental leave has increased from 62% to 80% from the date when the application was launched. Parents have expressed high customer satisfaction and the App was downloaded more than 200 000 times in the first three months alone.
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