Sweden

As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with one of the highest standards of living, and some 85 percent of the population living in urban areas, Sweden has managed to introduce a generous social security system ahead of most other countries in the world, maintained by relatively high taxes. Its system of income distribution has become known as the Nordic Model, which also became the social model for Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, embracing a free-market economy and a welfare state. During the Viking period, many Swedes were forced to leave their homes and take part in raiding parties because of relative poverty in their homeland. Sweden, under King Magnus Eriksson, became one of the first countries to abolish both slavery and serfdom ...