Posted on 06/11/2010 8:45:53 AM PDT by WesternCulture
Sweden is simply the best. And don't take our word for it - this is the conclusion of a whole range of global rankings, write Bo Ekman and James Wine from the Tällberg Foundation.
Three years ago, the Tällberg Foundation set out to find the answer to a question: which countries and which social models have created the best societies? Which can work as tried and tested visions in the development of the evermore integrated globalized civilization?
To find an answer we collated the results of the most frequently quoted of the many indexes and ranking lists that compare how countries have succeeded in various important ways.
We have chosen sixteen lists, which represent a broad range of aspects of societal development and which are among the most frequently cited. These indexes have been compiled by the UN, universities, international organizations and independent foundations. None of them are based in Scandinavia.
We combined the countries placings in the various lists into an overarching ‘meta-index’. Just as when we last did this three years ago, Sweden comes in first place, averaging 4.6. The other Nordic countries take the next four positions. Other countries on the list include Germany, which averages 15.0, the UK on 18.9, the US on 25.4, Russia 72.9, China 82.0 and India 90.6.
These surveys of everything from competitiveness to human rights, the environment and democracy are based on systematic comparative analyses. The fact that Sweden and the other Nordic countries are strengthening their lead is interesting in such a rapidly changing world. Their leading positions strengthen the image of Sweden and the Nordic region as the national park of the global society.
Modern Swedish society is built on various traditions: the right of public access, village councils, private ownership, the social movements, social solidarity - all of which have represented a continuous struggle for a better society, and which are now doing the same on a global level.
But every period has its own vocabulary to describe the underlying trend. Sweden’s 20th century ideal of the ‘People’s Home’ (Folkhemsideal) and the mixed economy have in the 21st century been converted into the ideal of social entrepreneurialism: that investments, innovation and the building of a good and just society are inextricably linked.
What Swedes have little tolerance for is big social and economic divisions between citizens. Some of today’s executives are pushing the boundaries of people’s tolerance.
The analysis shows that Sweden is not a typical country, if there is such a thing. It shows that we have developed a societal model that combines self-interest and solidarity, and a solidarity that includes living in balance and harmony with nature and the eco-system.
Governments of many different colours have occupied, maintained and strengthened Sweden’s position in this table, so there is no need to get too worried by political rhetoric in the current election campaign. Whatever politicians say, no government will be able to pursue policies that diverts the country from the middle ground of the past century. However, one area Sweden has fallen back somewhat since our last analysis: the ease of doing business. Sweden is in 18th place, and this is Sweden’s only ranking outside the top ten.
Among the range variables that define business climate, the only one in which Sweden comes in the top ten is trade. Sweden is only the 43rd best place to start a company, the 18th best place to wind up a company, 117th best place to employ workers, 57th best at protecting investors and 71st best for obtaining credit. This ranking list is published by the World Bank.
It is very Swedish to refrain from blowing your own trumpet. Self-congratulation sounds bad to Swedes. But this ranking list is a sign of how others perceive us.
Our top placement might not have been sought, but it is ours nonetheless. It obliges us to be a good example, and good examples are sorely needed as the world tries to face up to its greatest challenge - getting people and nature to live together for the rest of time.
The Tällberg Foundation is an independent non-profit organization that works to deepen our understanding of issues related to leadership and change in society and business. The Foundation’s main focus of activity is to gather leaders from around the world and from a variety of backgrounds for discussions and reflection on how the world has changed and what we can do.
The Soviet Union didn't quite fancy that tiny Sweden had developed nuclear power just some few years after they had.
The US leaders were annoyed with the fact that many European nations back then seemed to look up more to “the Swedish Model” than American free market principles.
Today, Russia is still in chaos, America is rich although mismanaged and many young Europeans grow up without having first hand experiences of what things like an economic boom, or even an employment actually is.
Sweden still is far too Socialist and far too PC. But I honestly think many countries could learn a lot from us:
Cue the pictures of the Swedish Bikini Team!
Uh. Ya. Sounds like paradise.
Indeed, where are the pics? On another note,isn’t really hard to immigrate to Sweden?
Wow! I didn’t know about the motercycle rape gangs.
I see the England vs Sweden pubs video is just one click away though!
While the rest of scandinavia and the world expended blood and treasure to defeat the Nazis, Sweden supplied them with iron ore. The only good thing about Sweden is its women.
In other words, don't be a high achiever and don't stick out. It really is a shame. I think most of the entrepreneurs like my grandfather left Sweden in the 20th century. Now all that's left are socialists.
The Swedish Bikini Team certainly sets a high standard.
Swedish girls with guns... (and firearms)
Blondes are purported to be history by ca. 2100.
All you need to do is change your name to Mohammed and say that you want to kill infidels and establish sharia law in Sweden. They'll probably let you right in ...
From the article: “Sweden is only the 43rd best place to start a company, the 18th best place to wind up a company, 117th best place to employ workers, 57th best at protecting investors and 71st best for obtaining credit.”
Sounds like a dream. /s Guess it depends on which measures they chose to emphasize.
We're going to miss you guys at the World Cup. ;)
Ya, sure...
Conversely, if it becomes a more zealous fanatic for PC ideology, I am afraid it will be doomed.
- Good point.
On the other hand, I suspect that particular ranking was based much more on how easy it is to start a company in Sweden (could take some time and red tape admittedly) than how easy it is to get hold of the money in order to start a business in my part of the world.
Most citizens of, for instance, India could easily start a company of their own (if they just bribe the right kind of people) but it's kind of difficult to get anywhere on a global scale when you don't earn Volvo/Ericsson/ABB wages (and thereby could build up a capital of your own) and enjoy first class education and so on.
Furthermore, I don't believe in total laissez-faire economic policy anywhere, anytime.
I normally don't defend Swedish bureaucracy, but perhaps there is a good reason for having some restrictions, even at a societal level?
IMO, Conservatism doesn't mean advocating a society built on the absence of rules and traditions.
Without any sort of restrictions of or business life, we Swedes would face an overabundance of shady transactions of capital between Sweden and places like Russia and the Cayman isles etc.
That, I don't believe would promote national prosperity in my corner of the World.
Last I heard, Sweden had the highest suicide rate in the world.
Gorgeous women, though.
I am reading the "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" trilogy which takes place in Sweden. It is written by an obvious leftist but it's a good mind candy book to unwind with. One of the minor characters in the book is a cop who is on disability while waiting a long time to get surgery for a slipped disc. Another minor character complains that he is doomed to a certain death because he'll never get a kidney (liver?) in time.
I have also seen "After the Wedding"-an excellent flick from Denmark. Highly recommend it. A major character has a serious health issue (I don't want to spoil the flick) and his wife asks him "Can't you seek treatment in America">
These writers probably don't realize that an American audience would immediately pick up on the poor health care in Scandanavia.
It sounds like a nice country. I’d like to visit someday.
“While the rest of scandinavia and the world expended blood and treasure to defeat the Nazis, Sweden supplied them with iron ore”
- 1. Which two countries were succesful in fighting Stalin in WWII?
2. Did the Allies sell fuel to Luftwaffe during WWII?
Breathlessly awaiting.....
Sounds like paradise all right.
Yes, we’d all like to learn how to have entire cities like Malmo.
- You're most welcome.
Sweden is a very open and tourist friendly part of Europe even though the language is pretty difficult to comprehend, despite the fact Swedish in fact is rather closely related to English. No need to worry though, most people below the age of 90 speak decent English.
The best time of year to visit Sweden is in May-September and generally it is agreed the most interesting parts are Gotland, Stockholm, Dalarna, Swedish “Lakeland”, the West Coast and Skåne/Scania.
Lapland/Laponia, the Northern Light and the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi offer fascinating experiences in wintertime.
Sweden is so much more than bikini teams and safe Volvos:)
Sweden has had no historic built-in social segment problems, otherwise known as minorities, although it may be starting to develop a Muslim one. To its credit it is an insular society with strong national identity, good work ethic and good moral character. It helps when families recognize their commitment to support their own aged.
Most importantly it has a miniscule defense budget. Sweden could repel invasion from say Luxembourg, or even Norway perhaps, but beyond that it is defenceless. Its reliance for its security is dependent on NATO, that is to say the US. If threatened by a larger power the Swedes will do what they did in WWII - sink to their knees and beg neutrality.
1. Collect lots of social and economic data.Those who do these surveys often see somewhat socialist democracies as ideal, so (surprise, surprise) they end up with the best scores.
2. Pick which countries you want to win.
3. Calculate the weighting factors on the data needed to give the best score to the countries you like.
4. Check for unwanted side effects such as countries you don't like (often the U.S. for those doing this type of study) coming in too high on the rankings.
5. Tweak weighting factors as needed.
- I personally think Sweden has let in far too many immigrants from Muslim countries.
But Malmö is not like Detroit or the Muslim ghettos surrounding Paris. It's probably the worst slum in rich Scandinavia, but it's not exactly like Compton was 20 years ago.
Explore it yourself.
Choose “Malmö” below (Rosengård is the worst area by the way) and don't hesitate to check out other Swedish cities at street level while you're at it as well:
Are you in Sweden?
I am currently reading the Millenium Series books by Steig Larson (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Girl Who Played with Fire).
They take place in Sweden. Great books. I have learned a lot about the culture.
I am reading the books now, too.
Did you see the movie? It was pretty good.
Aside from the 65% marginal tax rates and the Islamist gangs rioting and burning things, I’m sure its lovely
Well put.
I claim Sweden is an exceptionally good country to live, work and run a business in and so on, but I’d never claim there is any way to prove this aided by statistics.
Apart from this, unaware Socialists around the Globe keep pointing to Sweden as a shining beacon of Socialist success.
But Sweden has been moving away from Socialism for many decades.
Unlike most other OECD coutries, Sweden is reducing taxes and promoting free market solutions in more or less every segment of society.
Sweden has more companies on the Forbes Global 2000 List than any other nation per/capita and two of the World’s 15 richest men are Swedes despite a population size of a mere 9.3 million.
Perhaps Swedes know something about Capitalism.
Ok, now this thread is complete.
Hmmmm, the Tällberg Foundation I guess is Swedish. Kind of like the Nobel Committee, i.e. Al Gore, Barack Obama, Yassar Arafat, Paul Krugman, etc. An intelligent person might question the analysis.
Say you want to kill Jews. Infidels would include most Swedes.
“It shows that we have developed a societal model that combines self-interest and solidarity, and a solidarity that includes living in balance and harmony with nature and the eco-system.”
####
Feel good fluff and nonsense.
Not to mention some good old-fashioned condescension at BETTER, more just, market-based, capitalistic economies.
“Are you in Sweden?”
- Yes. I’m a Swede living in Sweden.
I haven’t read the books, but the TV-series were pretty good.
I don’t know if they have been on American television yet.
Regards from Sweden,
Western Culture
Sweden is best-
As long as you don’t live in Malmo or any other area with a high population of followers of the “Religion of Peace”.
I haven’t had a chance and am really looking forward to it. How was the actress who played Salander?
She was good. Can’t say that she nailed it, because Salander is such a complex character. But I thought she pulled it off.
I saw the movie before reading the book, and it was an excellent movie on its own merits. I am still pleased after having read the book. The omitted very little.
The other two movies were released in Sweden last year as well and will be here in the fall.
In addition, Hollywood is making an English version of the movie. I hear that Daniel Craig (James Bond) will be playing Blomkvist. The contenders for Salander are Ellen Paige (Juno) and Kristin Stewart (Twilight).
Paige is talented, Stewart is terrible, so between the two I would say its a no brainer. But they should seriously consider a no name for the part. A character like Lisbeth would be aided by not having a recognizable face, in my opinion.
I am half way thru Girl Who Played With Fire, and then I will begin Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. My wife read all three already. Really liked them. As do I.
How about some Victoria Silverdst pics...she’s swedish!
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