Sweden is known as the largest Scandinavian country and its climate and location are largely responsible for the development of its cuisine. In the olden days, the Swedes stocked their food supplies as a preparatory step before the long cold winters by preserving meats, fishes, fruits and vegetables. [...] During our study, as part of the International Exchange Programme of Parvatibai Chowgule College, I came across several traditional and modern techniques of food preservation practices that have been passed on from generation to generation.

The first initiative for a summer democracy festival on a remote Baltic island dates back to legendary Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme. Fifty years and a social media revolution later, assembly democracy is great again – at least for a few days in summer across Scandinavia.

In a country that awards the Nobel Peace Prize each year and delights in its reputation for tolerance, the rebranding of Vikings from violent thugs to peaceable craftsmen is part of a broader resurgence of interest in a historical period previously embraced mostly by far-right nationalists.

Bloom Consulting’s fourth edition of their survey uses six objectives (or dimensions). These are attraction of investment (trade), attraction of tourism, and attraction of talent.  Strengthening national pride (increase of national pride), strengthening public diplomacy (increase of public diplomacy efforts), and strengthening exports (increase of exports) are considered as well.

It is a country known for ABBA, meatballs and flat-pack furniture - and Sweden is hoping its latest export will be just as easy to recognise.  The Swedish government has launched a national typeface based on 'Scandinavian minimalism' that it hopes will give its posters, signs and websites a cohesive look.