This welfare state has been the most comprehensive in the western world, resulting in high taxes and a difficult environment for small companies. The standard of living is among the highest in the world. There is a universal system of free education for everyone who is a resident of Sweden. Most schools and institutions for higher education are public. Medical costs, like hospitalization, doctors visits, and medication, are heavily subsidized by the government.
Unemployment benefits are among the highest in the world.
Unemployment rates are fairly low, in March of 1990 they were 1.3 percent. That number has increased to 7.6 percent in February of 1995 because of the international depression. It was a major power in Europe between the middle of the 16th century and the beginning of the 19th century, with possession all around the Baltic Sea. Sweden had a well established reputation as a trading and exploring nation. Between 1814 and 1905 Norway was brought into formal union with Sweden under the Swedish Crown.