Sweden occupies the territory of the southeastern part of the Scandinavian peninsula and the adjacent islands on the Baltic Sea: Gotland and Öland. The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is located in the eastern part of the country on the coast of the Norstrom duct and the adjacent islands. In total, the city is located on 14 islands. The first mention of the settlement of people in these places dates back to the 2nd century AD. But the city itself was founded by Birger Jarl only in 1252. At this time, he received the status of a city and by the end of the next century became an important economic and political center of the country.
The reason for this was the opening of the first craft workshops here in 1356. Therefore, Stockholm gradually became a center of craft production and an important port for trade. From the beginning of the 14th century, Stockholm was chosen as the permanent residence of the Swedish king, and this played an important role in its development. However, he was not recognized as the capital while Sweden was subordinate to Denmark. Only in 1523 Sweden terminated the Kalmar Union and was able to proclaim Stockholm the capital of an independent Swedish state.
Since then, the capital of Sweden begins to grow and develop; by the end of the 17th century, the city has become the largest export center for iron and cast iron. Over the next two centuries, industry is booming: a railway is being laid, large-scale industry is developing, and private banks are opening. The number of inhabitants in the city reached 300 thousand by 1900, which was three times the number of 1850. Already at the beginning of the 20th century, the capital of Sweden acquired a rather important role in the world economy and politics. Various world congresses and congresses began to be held here.
Stockholm is not just the cultural center of Sweden, it was also declared the European Capital of Culture in 1998 . Therefore, the city is very attractive for tourists coming here to meet new surprisingly interesting experiences. It is striking that here you can move away from the bustling city life and enjoy the silence and beauty of the wild. The location of the city on 14 islands gives it the right to be called "beauty on the water." An amazing feeling is given by the combination of the lyricism of ancient cathedrals with the rigor of modern structures made of concrete, glass and iron.
Parks, squares, greenery throughout the city create a beautiful look of the city. The Royal Castle, Stockholm City Hall and medieval interesting streets attract the constant interest of city guests. Perfect order and cleanliness are always maintained in all areas, therefore the capital of Sweden is rightfully fighting for the title of the cleanest city in Europe. Residents of the city do not know such a thing as environmental pollution, they bathe and fish right in the center of the city. The capital of Sweden, together with the surrounding cities, forms a large conglomeration in which more than 1.6 million people live. This represents approximately 20% of the country's population.
In the capital itself, only 700 thousand people live directly. The Old Town, which is located on the island of Staden and is connected with other parts of the city center by numerous bridges, is very beautiful. Tourists here besides their desire plunge into the amazing atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Here, cobblestone pavements, antique shops, cast-iron coats of arms over the entrances to houses and a real aura of antiquity have survived to this day. But, despite the cleanliness and comfort, Stockholm is a major center of international tourism. Tourists from most countries around the world already know from their own experience how to get to Stockholm. For example, from Russia you can get here not only by plane or car. It is very convenient and quick to get to the capital of Sweden by sea by ferry from Helsinki.