Administrative divisions: 24 provinces (lan, singular and plural);
Alvsborgs Lan, Blekinge Lan, Gavleborgs Lan, Goteborgs och Bohus Lan,
Gotlands Lan, Hallands Lan, Jamtlands Lan, Jonkopings Lan, Kalmar Lan,
Kopparbergs Lan, Kristianstads Lan, Kronobergs Lan, Malmohus Lan,
Norrbottens Lan, Orebro Lan, Ostergotlands Lan, Skaraborgs Lan,
Sodermanlands Lan, Stockholms Lan, Uppsala Lan, Varmlands Lan,
Vasterbottens Lan, Vasternorrlands Lan, Vastmanlands Lan
Independence: 6 June 1809 (constitutional monarchy established)
National holiday: Day of the Swedish Flag, 6 June
Constitution: 1 January 1975
Legal system: civil law system influenced by customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir
Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the King
(born 14 July 1977)
head of government: Prime Minister Ingvar CARLSSON (since 6 October
1994); Deputy Prime Minister Mona SAHLIN (since 6 October 1994)
cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameral
Parliament (Riksdag): elections last held 18 September 1994 (next to
be held NA September 1998); results - Social Democrats 45.4%, Moderate
Party (Conservatives) 22.3%, Center Party 7.7%, Liberals 7.2%, Left
Party 6.2%, Greens 5.8%, Christian Democrats 4.1%, New Democracy Party
1.2%; seats - (349 total) Social Democrats 162, Moderate Party
(Conservatives) 80, Center Party 27, Liberals 26, Left Party 22,
Greens 18, Christian Democrats 14; note - the New Democracy Party did
not receive a seat because parties require a minimum of 4.8% of votes
for a seat in parliament
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Hogsta Domstolen)
Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party, Ingvar
CARLSSON; Moderate Party (conservative), Carl BILDT; Liberal People's
Party, Maria LEISSNER; Center Party, Olof JOHANSSON; Christian
Democratic Party, Alf SVENSSON; New Democracy Party, Vivianne FRANZEN;
Left Party (VP; Communist), Gudrun SCHYMAN; Communist Workers' Party,
Rolf HAGEL; Green Party, no formal leader but party spokesperson is
Birger SHLAUG