There are many beautiful countries in the world, but not many can claim to have nearly 300,000 islands.

       One European country, not too far from the UK, holds the record for the most islands anywhere on the planet.

       That country is Sweden, which is home to 267,570 islands - more than any other nation.

       While most of these islands are uninhabited, they play a huge role in Sweden’s landscape and culture. Even the capital, Stockholm, is built across 14 islands and linked by more than 50 bridges.

       Just a short trip from the city, the Stockholm archipelago stretches out with around 30,000 islands, islets, and skerries, attracting visitors looking for everything from luxury retreats to quick nature escapes.

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       Sweden’s island count is significantly higher than its Scandinavian neighbours. Norway comes in second with 239,057 islands, while Finland has 178,947.

       Many of Sweden’s islands are along the coastline, but there are also freshwater islands in its many lakes. Lake V？nern, the largest lake in the country, is home to Europe’s biggest freshwater archipelago.

       Despite its size, Sweden has a relatively small population of around 10.6 million people, with most living in cities.

       The country’s landscape is dominated by forests, lakes, and coastal islands, making it one of the most scenic countries in Europe.

       The country experiences dramatic seasonal changes, with long summer days in the north where the sun never fully sets, and dark, snowy winters with the northern lights often visible.

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       Sweden has a constitutional monarchy, with King Carl XVI Gustaf serving as head of state. However, his role is largely ceremonial, as the government is run by elected officials.

       The Swedish Parliament, known as the Riksdag, consists of 349 members who are elected every four years. The parliament is responsible for passing laws and selecting the prime minister, who then appoints members of the cabinet.

       Sweden is a member of the European Union but has chosen to keep its own currency, the Swedish krona, rather than adopting the euro.

       The country is also known for its long-standing neutrality, having stayed out of both World Wars and maintaining a policy of non-alignment for most of its modern history.

       The country’s history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation as early as 10,000 years ago. Early Swedes were hunters and gatherers who later established trade links with the Roman Empire.

       Around 500 A.D., the Svea tribe became a dominant force in the region, giving Sweden its name - Sverige, meaning "land of the Svea."

       During the Viking Age, which lasted from around 800 to 1050 A.D., Swedish Vikings explored and raided coastal areas across Europe.

       Some settled in new lands, while others established trade routes that connected Scandinavia to the rest of the world.

       Sweden was once a powerful kingdom that ruled over parts of modern-day Finland and Norway. Until 1544, Swedish kings were elected, but the system changed to hereditary rule under King Gustav I.

       Today, Sweden is known for its strong social welfare system, high quality of life, and commitment to environmental sustainability.