In the past few months, the levels of gang-related crime have gone up and the housing market has wobbled. However, hope and ambition in Stockholm remain strong.
According to Statistics Sweden, the Swedish housing market is now struggling, amidst falling property demand and construction activity, coupled with an ailing economy.
During 2023, the national house price index fell by 6.31%, worse than the prior year’s decline of 3.73% and in stark contrast to y-o-y increases of 15.78% in 2021, 10.26% in 2020, and 3.9% in 2019. Last year was the country’s worst showing since 1993. When adjusted for inflation, house prices declined by a huge 11.24% in 2023.
From June, Stockholmers could again, after a lengthy renovation enjoy Vattentorget, a section of the city’s water-lock area connecting the old town with Södermalm in the south. Illustration: DBOX Foster Partners
Sweden now has the highest crime rate in Northern Europe, according to a study compiled and released by the NGO Global Initiative (GI). The study, claims that Sweden had a 4.7 rating out of 10 on its Organized Crime Index, and is the highest of eight Northern European countries, which includes the Scandinavian region and the Baltic states.
The conflict is largely based in the Stockholm region and involves a notorious gang leader known as the Kurdish Fox, real name Rawa Majid, along with his rivals.
According to Statistics Sweden, the Swedish housing market is now struggling, amidst falling property demand and construction activity, coupled with an ailing economy. Photo from Rinkeby – Wikipedia.
Luckily, change could be afoot. The police now have a remit that incorporates national cooperation, which many see as a promising strategy.
Organized crime poses a serious threat to the Swedish society. The deadly violence and the criminal financial structures used by organized crime actors, and parallel social structures at local level, affect the safety and security of Swedish citizens. Also, the impact of organized crime damages citizens’ trust in public institutions. The strategy calls for action and outlines priorities, measures, and objectives, towards further resistance against organized crime.
Sweden now has the highest crime rate in Northern Europe. Photo: Forsvarsmakten/Alexander Karlsson
House prices are ticking steadily back upwards and those hoping to sell are setting their sights on further recovery the next few months.
Meanwhile, the city, which is run by a green-red coalition, will enact the world’s first fossil fuel-free zone later this year, making it a pioneer of implementing robust, on-the-ground climate policies. In the spring of 2023, Stockholm was adopted as one of 100 selected climate cities in the EU. These cities will strengthen the work and contribute to faster transition throughout the union. This is done, among other things, by the city clarifying activities, investments, and collaborations needed to achieve climate neutrality in an EU-level climate contract. This also creates good opportunities for developed European cooperation.
North of Brommaplan and south of Bromma Airport, Riksbydalen is emerging.
From June, Stockholmers could again, after a lengthy renovation enjoy Vattentorget, a section of the city’s water-lock area connecting the old town with Södermalm in the south. Vattentorget opened officially on 6 June at Slussen, a new social place for Stockholmers to gather on the waterside.
Stockholm is a growing city. In 2025, its population is expected to surpass the one million mark. Though housing stock is tight, plans for an entirely new neighborhood are in the works near Bromma Stockholm Airport, a 20-minute drive northwest from the city center. Bromma is one of Stockholm’s most attractive areas, known for its neighborhoods of large villas in garden cities. North of Brommaplan and south of Bromma Airport, Riksbydalen is emerging. When fully developed, the mixed-use neighborhood will house approximately 4,000 new homes, schools, parks, offices and more.
In the spring of 2023, Stockholm was adopted as one of 100 selected climate cities in the EU.
Optimism is high in Stockholm. Smart new restaurants and shops are springing up to capitalize on the good vibes and returning spending power in the capital. Hope and ambition in Stockholm remain strong.
Hope and Ambition in Stockholm, compiled by Tor Kjolberg
Norway is renowned for its high quality of life, and the Norwegian healthcare system is a significant contributor to this reputation. For expatriates, understanding the healthcare system is very important so they can receive the medical care they need while living in the country. Here’s an expat guide to the Norwegian healthcare system.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the healthcare system in Norway, from registering for healthcare to understanding the costs involved.
Step One—The Relocation
Relocating to Norway involves meticulous planning and preparation. One of the key steps is ensuring a smooth move, which is why many expatriates choose to hire experienced international moving pros. The right professionals can handle the complex logistics of your move, take care of your valuable possessions, and allow you to focus on settling into your new home before tackling bureaucracy and the healthcare system.
Overview of the Norwegian Healthcare System
The Norwegian healthcare system is publicly funded and operates on principles of universal access, decentralization, and free choice of provider. Designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services to all residents regardless of their financial situation, the system is primarily funded through taxation.
Designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services to all residents regardless of their financial situation, the Norwegian health care system is primarily funded through taxation. Photo: Internations.
This means most healthcare services are free at the point of use, although some out-of-pocket expenses exist. These expenses are kept relatively low, ensuring that healthcare remains affordable for everyone. The system also emphasizes preventive care and early intervention, contributing to better overall public health outcomes.
What’s more, Norway’s healthcare system is known for its high standards and efficient services, making it one of the best in the world.
Registration for Healthcare Services
When you move to Norway, the first step in accessing healthcare services is registering with the National Registry (Folkeregisteret). This process involves obtaining a personal identification number (personnummer), which is essential for accessing all public services, including healthcare. Once registered, you will be assigned a general practitioner (GP) or fastlege, who will serve as your primary point of contact for medical issues.
Make sure to register with the National Registry. Photo: RDNE Stock project/Pexels
How to Register
To register, you need to visit the National Registry Office with identification, proof of address, and other relevant documents. After obtaining your personal identification number, you can choose a GP through the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (HELFO) website. If necessary, you have the option to change your GP up to twice a year.
Primary Healthcare Services
In the Norwegian healthcare system, the GP plays a central role. They handle routine check-ups, preventive care, and referrals to specialists. If you need medical attention, your first step is to contact your GP, who can then refer you to a specialist or hospital if necessary.
Services Provided by GPs
GPs in Norway provide a range of services, including routine health check-ups, prescriptions for medication, referrals to specialists, and preventive care such as vaccinations. They are also important because:
They act as gatekeepers to the rest of the healthcare system, ensuring patients receive the appropriate care.
GPs are also responsible for managing chronic conditions, offering lifestyle advice, and conducting regular screenings for common health issues.
They provide guidance on mental health concerns and can coordinate care with mental health professionals when necessary.
The relationship with your GP is pivotal, as they are your primary contact within the healthcare system and play a crucial role in your overall health management.
GPs in Norway provide a range of services. Photo: New in Norway
Specialist Care and Hospitals
If your GP determines that you need specialized care, they will refer you to a specialist. Norway has a wide range of specialists covering all medical fields, and you may be referred to either a public or private specialist, depending on your needs.
Public vs. Private Specialists
The public healthcare system covers public specialists, but you may face longer waiting times. On the other hand, private specialists generally offer faster access but come with higher out-of-pocket costs. Public specialists are well-qualified and provide high-quality care, though the waiting period can be challenging for those needing urgent attention.
While more expensive, private specialists often have shorter wait times and may offer more flexible appointment scheduling. Patients sometimes choose private care to avoid delays, especially for non-emergency treatments or elective procedures. It’s important to weigh the costs and benefits of each option to make an informed decision based on your healthcare needs and financial situation.
Hospitals and Emergency Care
Norway has a network of hospitals that provide a wide range of services, from emergency care to specialized treatments. In case of an emergency, you can go directly to the emergency room (legevakt) or call the emergency number (113).
Types of Hospitals
Local hospitals provide general medical services, while regional hospitals offer more specialized treatments. University hospitals conduct research and provide highly specialized care.
The public healthcare system does not cover adult dental care in Norway. Photo: Life in Norway
Dental Care
The public healthcare system does not cover adult dental care in Norway. Children under 18, however, receive free dental care. Adults must pay for dental services, although subsidies are available for certain conditions and low-income individuals.
Dental Services
Dental services in Norway include routine check-ups, fillings and extractions, orthodontics, and emergency dental care. Both public and private dental clinics provide these services.
Mental Health Services
Mental health is taken seriously in Norway, and various services are available to support mental well-being. These services range from counseling and therapy to inpatient care for more severe conditions.
Accessing Mental Health Services
You can access mental health services through a referral from your GP, or in some cases, self-referral without a GP’s recommendation is possible. Private mental health services are also available for those seeking immediate care, though they come at a higher cost.
Costs and Insurance
While the Norwegian healthcare system is publicly funded, there are some costs associated with healthcare services. However, there are annual caps on out-of-pocket expenses to ensure that no one pays an excessive amount for healthcare.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Though both are subsidized, there is typically a small fee for GP visits and higher fees for specialist visits. The public system partially covers prescription medications. Annual caps on out-of-pocket expenses help manage these costs.
Health Insurance
Most residents rely on the public healthcare system, but some expatriates opt for private health insurance to cover additional services such as private specialists or faster access to care.
Register with the National Registry as soon as possible to access healthcare services. Photo: Accenture
Tips for Navigating the Norwegian Healthcare System
To make the most of the local healthcare system, remember the following:
Register with the National Registry as soon as possible to access healthcare services.
Familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities within the system.
While many healthcare professionals speak English, learning some Norwegian can help in communication.
Keep a list of emergency numbers handy, including your GP’s contact information and the emergency number (113).
Be aware of the annual caps on out-of-pocket expenses to plan your finances accordingly.
An Expat Guide to the Norwegian Healthcare System – To Summarize
The Norwegian healthcare system is designed to provide comprehensive and accessible medical care to all residents. By understanding how the system works and taking the necessary steps to register and access services, expatriates can ensure they receive the healthcare they need while living in Norway. From primary care and specialist services to emergency and mental health care, the system is structured to support the well-being of its residents.
Khalid Duncan
An Expat Guide to the Norwegian Healthcare System, written dedicatedly for Daily Scandinavian by Khalid Duncan. Khalid is an expat in Norway with firsthand experience navigating the Norwegian healthcare system. With a background in healthcare communication, he specializes in creating informative and SEO-friendly content to help fellow expatriates. Khalid enjoys sharing practical advice and insights to make transitioning to life in Norway smoother and more manageable.
For the third year in a row, Norwegian insurance company Storebrand is helping travelers at Oslo Airport (OSL) with an ever-increasing problem – bed bugs. This year, the campaign offers a new and exciting twist: “The Horror Bed” (Skrekksenga).
The horror bed is an installation with a bed infested with live bedbugs, located in the departure area at OSL.
“This exhibition is a little scary, but very informative. It shows travelers what to look for when they check in at the accommodation and what precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of bringing stowaways home in their luggage,” says marketing director at Storebrand Camilla Haveland.
“This exhibition is a little scary, but very informative,” says marketing director at Storebrand Camilla Haveland. Photo: Hristian S. Moen/Storebrand
She praises her own employees who, together with the advertising agency Per Høj, have further developed the bed bug campaign which won the PR prize European Excellence awards last year.
Among other things, the installation has a camera where you can clearly see the bed bugs crawling around. At the same time, travelers get good tips for what is smart to do to avoid coming into close contact with bed bugs:
Inspect the room when you arrive and pay particular attention to the bed. Use a flashlight on your mobile and look for dark excrement stains and animals.
If you suspect bed bugs, you should not move in. Ask for another room or choose another hotel.
Feel free to take precautions even if you do not find bed bugs. Place the luggage at some distance from the bed and up from the floor.
Do not unpack and keep the suitcase or bag closed.
Do not leave dirty laundry on the floor or leave the day’s clothes outside the bed.
Bed bugs are a growing problem for travelers all over the world. Photo: Storebrand
Why Scarecrow?
“Bed bugs are a growing problem for travelers all over the world. By showing what these small pests look like, as well as what traces you should look for when you check in to accommodation, Storebrand wants to increase people’s awareness and reduce the risk of travelers bringing bed bugs home,” explains Haveland.
The bed bug campaign which won the PR prize European Excellence awards last year. Photo: Dogpoint Tor Iljar
Past success
“Storebrand has had bed bug control at OSL for the past two years and welcomed travelers when they come home from holiday,” says Marianne Solheim, marketing manager for insurance at Storebrand, who has also led the work this year.
With the help of specially trained dogs, returning tourists have been given the opportunity to check their luggage for bed bugs. Upon discovery, Storebrand has offered free freezing of the infected luggage.
“This measure has been very popular among travelers, and many have received useful help. Our bed bug control will of course be in place this summer as well,” concludes Solheim.
Travelers can find the Horror Bed in Pir Nord at gate D3 from 1 July to 4 August. The bed bug control will be present on arrival from 29 July to 4 August.
The “Horror Bed” at Oslo Airport, based on a press release from Storebrand.
Henri Matisse, the “Wild man” of the avantgarde and possibly the greatest modern art innovator of the 20th century, is world famous. Less known is perhaps that Matisse taught students for three years between January 1908 and 1911. Many of these were from Sweden and Norway. Learn more about these Scandinavian painters in Paris.
The most famous Norwegian painters at the Academie Matisse were Henrik Sørensen, Jean Heiberg, Axel Revold and Per Krohg. Probably a total of almost 30 Scandinavian artists were students at the academy during this three-year period.
Portrait of Henri Matisse by Carl Van Vechten, 1933
The teachings of Matisse consisted of still life, croquis and act painting, and the correction from French teacher was consistently radical. Value painting was to give way to flat color painting. Warm and cold color surfaces, usually strong and unrealistic, were juxtaposed and often framed by a marked contour line.
All Scandinavian students had different experiences, at different periods of their careers, and in turn with different standings today within the canon of modern art; Isaac Grünewald, an 18-year-old prodigy and favorite of Matisse, Mollie Faustman, a young female artist, who would go on to be a founding member of the Association of Swedish Artists, creating equal opportunities for women in art, and Alf Lundeby, a 40-year-old artist at the time of entering the Académie and already well established within Norway, whose palette and technique would be permanently changed by his experience in Paris.
Among the Norwegian Matisse students, Per Krogh was the painter with the closest connection to the French capital. The fact that as a young man he was recognized as a tango dancer on stages in several Nordic capitals further contributed to the impression of a gentleman out of the ordinary. It is also no secret that the young Krogh was so skilled at drawing that even as a child he illustrated his painter father Christian Krogh‘s articles in Kristiania’s (now Oslo’s) most respected newspapers.
Alf Lundeby (1870 – 1961), Study of a nude, 1910, Oil on canvas, 65 x 44 cm. (25 5/8 x 17 3/8 in.)
In Paris, Matisse corrected two to three times a month, during which everyone stood around to receive their “final verdict”. Most was technically permissible, but not all innovations benefitted the overall impression. The painterly result never became completely abstract but gained an expressive character that initially attracted attention and criticism.
Henri Matisse had originally moved to Paris to study law and it was through the Académie Libere system that he developed as an artist. The Académie Julian was the first to be established, in 1868 (particularly important to female painters, who were not accepted to France’s Académie des beaux Artes until 1897). Matisse was admitted as a student in 1891, where he was taught by Gustave Moreau. From here he moved on to the Académie Carière, where he met André Derain and in turn Maurice de Vlamink, two strong influences on his work. It wasn’t until 1904, with the support and foresight of the dealer Ambrose Vollard, that Matisse had his first solo show. Then the famous Salon d’Automne in 1905, where Matisse became the figurehead of a group that would be dubbed ‘les fauves’ (wild beasts).
Richard Bergh (1858 – 1919), The Council of the Society of Artists (Christian Eriksson, Robert Thegerstrom, Nils Kreuger, Karl Nordstrom, Richard Bergh and Eugéne Jansson), 1903, Oil on canvas, 150 x 212 cm. (59 x 83.4 in.), Photographer Asa Lundén, Nationalmuseum Sweden
“In Norway, Per Krogh was convincing as the elegant, modern city person. In the French environment, his sailor’s waltzes on the accordion were slightly exotic, and the drooping side braid, which in Kristiania was considered extremely phat, was in Paris considered as a real typical Viking hairstyle,” explains art historian Trygve Nergaard in his book “Bilder av Per Krogh» (Pictures of Per Krogh).
Henrik Sørensen received enormous attention for his painting “Svartbekken”, which was to be called the world’s first expressionist painting by art critic Roger Fry. This was the prelude, the “Matissians” or the “Parisians” as they were called, and marked the modernist breakthrough in Norway.
The Shadow’ by Per Krogh
It was Matisse’s critiques that were the most daunting for his students, and he is recorded as being stern and limited with his praise. In 1908 Matisse published his article, Notes d’un peintre, where he articulated his seeming contradiction between freedom and tradition within his artistic practice and explained that his plea for a pursuit of expression, l’expression, could be misinterpreted as a plea for complete freedom in artistic expressions. It was his ability to articulate his artistic ideas so eruditely that would be so influential on his students, even over a short time, opening the eyes of so many.
His article spread within Nordic circles and along with those first artists that had started at the foundation of the academy, in particular Swedish Carl Palme, who enticed many to join the Académie’s ranks.
Scandinavian Painters in Paris, written by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top): Painting by Per Krogh in Town Hall, Oslo.
Gallup’s global wellbeing metrics are the first comprehensive measure of the behavioral economics of gross national wellbeing, which lays the foundation for all other measures of a country’s economic strength. With ongoing research projects in more than 150 countries, Gallup is a leader in the collection and analysis of global data and measurements. According to the metrics, Denmark is the most thriving country in Europe.
Gallup asks ordinary individuals for their thoughts and opinions on several topics, including economics, religion, migration, and wellbeing. Gallup’s data provide sound evidence on many issues that more than 98% of the world’s adult population faces. The report says that 82% of Danish adults rated their lives highly enough to be ‘thriving’, while only 17% said they were struggling and only 1% suffering.
In the past 30 years, the country’s capital Copenhagen has undergone a great transformation. From an ageing, indebted city with fleeing industries and inhabitants, it has become one of the happiest cities in the world according to different city rankings. Copenhagen has based its resilience on a dynamic economy and a green and inclusive urban environment for its inhabitants. This has materialized through a comprehensive urban development strategy. The city has launched the revitalization of several declining neighborhoods over the course of decades with the objective of building a liveable city with ambitious economic, social and environmental objectives that offers every citizen a homogenous urban and social fabric. The aim of Copenhagen is to make the city liveable, so all aspects of citizens’ lives are taken into consideration in an inclusive strategy of urban planning, making cities and inhabitants more resilient to shock and stresses.
Home of Carlsberg is just a taster of Copenhagen’s newest attractions.
What has happened in Copenhagen the last 12 months?
Well, unfortunately the capital lost one of its oldest landmarks when Renaissance-era stock-exchange building Børsen burned down in April. However, it will be painstakingly rebuilt.
Home of Carlsberg is just a taster of Copenhagen’s newest attractions. Technically, this experience opened at the end of 2023, but it’s so good it’s worth mentioning in this review. Experience the full history of this iconic brand in the original brewery of Carlsberg, the best beer in the world. Probably?
This year, the Danish capital will open five new Metro stations. Photo: Peter Sørensen
Thriving construction projects have been part of Copenhagen’s wellbeing philosophy for the past three decades This year, the Danish capital will open five new Metro stations and make the growing residential zones even more liveable.
Late last year, Copenhagen opened the new Opera Park beside the Royal Danish Opera House.
By 2050, the population of Copenhagen is expected to have grown by a further 100,000 people to approx. 750,000. The growth will primarily be seen in the new districts and especially along the waterfront, according to forecasts from the City of Copenhagen.
Late last year, Copenhagen opened the new Opera Park beside the Royal Danish Opera House. The Opera Park is a public park on the Copenhagen harbor front designed for recreation, relaxation and contemplation in the middle of the dense city center. A green lung offering a diverse variation of trees, bushes, plants and flowers. Designed by Cove Architects, it is organized with inspiration from the European capitals’ historical gardens with winding paths and carefully crafted viewpoints, The Opera Park consists of six gardens from various parts of the world, a café and greenhouse, underground parking garage for up to 300 cars as well as a covered pedestrian bridge connecting the park with the neighboring Royal Danish Opera. The park will open 27th of October
today, Århusgadekvarteret is seen as a district in its own right.
In 2015, the first residents moved into the newly established Århusgadekvarteret, which today is seen as a district in its own right. About 2,800 people now live there, and the first of many eateries, supermarkets and specialty shops have also opened. In 2020, the Copenhagen Metro opened two stations.
The artificial island of Lynetteholm. Photo: Cowi Architects
The second phase of Copenhagen’s DKK20bn expansion onto the artificial island of Lynetteholm began late last year. Lynetteholm will be built by development company By & Havn (City & Port) using soil from construction projects in Copenhagen and the surrounding area.
Nordhavn’s long history as an industrial port is evident throughout the new development. Old buildings and features have been preserved, and many of the new buildings and projects are inspired by the area’s historical past.
Nordhavn’s long history as an industrial port is evident throughout the new development. Photo: Visit Copenhagen
“Nordhavn exudes maritime industrial history. And this special atmosphere is being maintained and integrated into the district by preserving selected buildings and cultural-historical features. New materials and fixtures are chosen to tie in with the original character of the port. In other words, robust materials such as concrete surfaces, cast iron, cobblestones, COR-TEN weathering steel and hardwood that can all withstand the coastal climate, while patinating beautifully and meeting the functional requirements,” says Kristian Wederkinck Olesen, Communications Manager at By & Havn.
Denmark’s first dedicated children’s hospital is under construction. Photo: 3XN Architects
Denmark’s first dedicated children’s hospital is under construction. ‘Life must be lived – even during serious illness.’ This is the premise for Denmark’s new children’s hospital, Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital, named after HM Queen Mary. In a new partnership between the hospital’s foundation, Børneriget Fonden, idverde, Malmos Landskaber, and Juul Frost Architects, this special test project that will lead to “Mary’s Magical Roof Garden” on top of the new children’s hospital towards Nørre Allé.
The children’s hospital is scheduled for completion in 2026 and is a big investment in families by a city that’s already well known for its human generosity.
Denmark – the Most Thriving Country in Europe, compiled by Tor Kjolberg
The annual Global Wealth Report published by Swiss private bank UBS has found that adults in the Scandinavian kingdom have the 6th highest mean and median wealth in the world. Internationally, global wealth has declined for the first time since 2008. Denmark is reported the 6th wealthiest country in the world.
The annual UBS Global Wealth Report 2024, published in partnership with Credit Suisse for the first time since the two banks merged 1st July 2024, looks at wealth statistics from the world’s major economies in 2023.
With its report, the bank aims to provide “the most comprehensive available information on global household wealth,” defining “wealth” as “the value of financial assets plus real assets (principally housing) owned by households, minus their debts.”
UBS entrance, Paradeplatz. Photo: Wikipedia
This includes assets like savings, insurance, bonds, stocks, and pensions. UBS calculates the total value of all of these financial assets for each country and divides the overall figure by the country’s population to determine the average wealth of citizens in US dollars.
According to these criteria, the 2024 report found Switzerland to be the wealthiest nation on Earth, with adults in the alpine nation owning a mean of 709.612 dollars in 2023. Luxembourg and Hong Kong followed, where the adult population respectively held 607,524 and 582,000 dollars worth of wealth each last year.
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Related: The State of Denmark 2024
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Some of these findings on individual wealth will come as no surprise to most readers, but others may well be highly unexpected.
Wealth disparity is very pronounced, the study stresses
“Western Europe is a mosaic of wealth growth, not a unit. Wildly different outcomes in individual wealth growth are not limited to countries in different continents and at different stages of economic development, however. Even within Western Europe, the evolution of wealth growth could hardly be more diverse. Indeed, by this measure, the continent is more of a mosaic than a unit, which is all the more remarkable given that Western European countries already shared mature and developed economies in 2008 and in most cases were even part of the same trade bloc. Europe’s sovereign debt crisis is one reason for these widely different trajectories in wealth growth,” the report reads.
The rise in wealth that went unnoticed
Some of these findings on individual wealth will come as no surprise to most readers, but others may well be highly unexpected. Many people may not recognize their own country. They may feel like the reported growth or decline in wealth has passed them by without them noticing. There is a good reason for this, namely the difference between average and median wealth. In most markets in the report’s sample, average wealth in 2023 is significantly higher than median wealth per adult. The former exceeds the latter by a factor of four in Switzerland, by more than a factor of two in France and Mexico, almost three in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan and by a factor of five in the United States, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.
Since 2008, inequality in North America has slightly decreased, while it has gone up in Latin America as well as most of Eastern Europe and Asia. Photo: Piggybank/Unsplash
Equality, or the lack of it, is a prominent topic of discussions about wealth. Since 2008, inequality in North America has slightly decreased, while it has gone up in Latin America as well as most of Eastern Europe and Asia, with the notable exceptions of South Korea and Hong Kong SAR. Inequality is measured with the help of the Gini coefficient, a number between zero and 100. A reading of zero means exact equality, i.e., a scenario where everybody owns exactly the same amount of wealth, while a reading of 100 means that one individual owns all of the assets and everybody else owns zero, i.e., absolute inequality
Sweden has increased its inequality by 1.3% since 2008, while this figure for Denmark is 11.3%.
Looking ahead, the report expects wealth per adult to keep growing in almost all markets of the sample.
Number of USD Millionaires – Current and Forecast
Looking ahead, the report expects wealth per adult to keep growing in almost all markets of the sample. The report further forecasts emerging markets’ share of global wealth to break through the 30% barrier in 2024. In some markets, the number of USD millionaires will increase by up to 50% over the next five years, according to estimates.
Sweden is expected to grow its number of USD Millionaires from 575,426 in 2023 to 703,216 in 2028, an increase of 22%. Norway is expected to grow its numbers of millionaires by 22%, from 253,085 to 308,247.
UBS report: The 10 wealthiest countries in the world
Switzerland (709,612)
Luxembourg (607 524)
Hong Kong (582 000)
United States (564 862)
Australia (546 184)
Denmark (448 802)
New Zealand (408 231)
Singapore (397 708)
Norway (382 575)
Canada (.375 800)
For more information about the study, and to see how other nations faired, checkout UBS’ website.
Denmark is Reported the 6th Wealthiest Country in the World, compiled by Tor Kjolberg
Sweden’s generous social services systems now allows parents to transfer a portion of paid leave days to their grandparents. So, Swedish grandparents get paid to take care of grandkids.
Since July 1, Swedish parents can each give 45 days of parental leave to a third party, who will be compensated for looking after the child, a system designed to assist families’ organization.
The development comes after the Swedish parliament, the 349-seat Riksdag, approved last December the government’s proposal on transfer of parental allowance. This comes 50 years after the Scandinavian country became the first in the world to introduce paid parental leave for fathers and not just mothers.
Since July 1, Swedish parents can each give 45 days of parental leave to a third party. Photo: NHI.no
This is not Sweden’s first foray into groundbreaking social services. Swedish citizens pay some of the world’s highest taxes, but in return receive state-financed health care, free education up through college and generous unemployment benefits.
Under the current system, Swedish parents are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave – whether shared between two parents, or all for a single parent. For 390 days, the compensation is set at around 80% of the parent’s income. For the remaining 90 days, it is capped at a basic level of 180 kronor (€16) per day. These leave days must be taken before the child turns 12. During the child’s first 15 months, the parents can stay home together for 60 days; 90 of the 480 days are reserved for each of them.
Swedish citizens pay some of the world’s highest taxes, but in return receive state-financed health care and more. Photo: NHI.no
There are also other benefits for parents in Sweden — they can also work reduced hours until the child is 8 years old, while government employees can get those reduced hours until the child turns 12.
According to New York Times, Sweden’s guidelines are in sharp contrast to the United States, which is one of only a handful of Western countries that does not guarantee any paid maternity or parental leave.
Though parental leave policies in countries like Sweden are seen as the “gold standard,” around the world, such generosity is “not realistic for the United States” because of resistance to higher levels of taxation, said Richard Petts, a professor of sociology at Ball State University and an expert on parental leave.
There are also other benefits for parents in Sweden — they can also work reduced hours until the child is 8 years old. Photo: Besteforeldreaksjonen
According to the latest report from Sweden’s Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan), published in mid-June, for children born in 2021, fathers took 27% of the leave, or 130 days – a 7-point increase over 10 years. For several years now, however, the debate has focused more on the advisability of extending parental leave compensation to other beneficiaries than on gender equality, partly to ease the burden on single mothers.
Swedish Grandparents Get Paid to Take Care of Grandkids, written by Tor Kjolberg
Photographer Inuuteq Storch of Greenland is demonstrating the knotty relationship between the two countries. The photographer from Greenland has taken over Denmark’s pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale.
Storch shares some of his visual explorations of his homeland, Greenland, or rather: Kalaallit Nunaat. Storch connects individual stories within a larger, personal exploration of Greenlandic identity, history, and everyday life. His photographs — from Nuuk, Qaanaaq, Sisimiut, and abroad — convey a raw, poetic, and playful sense of community while also delving into spiritual connections with nature and ancestry.
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You may also like to read: The Father of Eskimology
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Inuuteq Storch is the first Kalaaleq artist to present a major exhibition in the Danish Pavilion. Storch is also the youngest artist ever to represent Denmark in Venice and the first photographer to do so. Nevertheless, his approach to the exhibition is deeply marked by notions of photographic legacy, turning to family albums, archives, histories of Kalaallit photographers and intimate snapshots of everyday life to explore how photography has shaped both personal and national identity in Kalaallit Nunaat.
Take a break in one of the hammocks behind the pavilion to admire an unexpected recreation of the breathtaking view from Storch’s house. The Venice Biennale runs through 24. November.
Photographer from Greenland Has Taken Over Denmark’s Pavilion at This Year’s Venice Biennale, written by Tor Kjolberg.
Tourists participating in certain green initiatives may even dine for free in Copenhagen this year.
While several European cities are exploring innovative ways to manage the influx of visitors, the Danish capital, Copenhagen, has initiated a new initiative through which the city will reward tourists who take part in climate-friendly tasks.
Through 11 August 2024, the “CopenPay” initiative rewards eco-friendly tourists with free meals, drinks, and activity vouchers.
“We must turn tourism from being an environmental burden into a force for positive change,” said Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, the chief executive of Wonderful Copenhagen.
“We must turn tourism from being an environmental burden into a force for positive change,” said Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, the chief executive of Wonderful Copenhagen, the tourism organization for the Capital Region of Denmark. An important step in this transformation, he said, “is to change how we move around on the destination, what we consume, and how we interact with the locals.”
“All our choices have an environmental impact, so why not make conscious decisions that benefit us all and be rewarded for them?” he added.
“One of the things we can change is getting people to act more sustainably at the destination,” says Rikke Holm Petersen, communications chief for Copenhagen’s Tourist Board.
Rikke Holm Petersen, communications chief for Copenhagen’s Tourist Board, explained: “When you travel abroad – if you fly to other places or you travel by car – you pollute. One of the things we can change is getting people to act more sustainably at the destination.”
Through 11 August 2024, the “CopenPay” initiative rewards eco-friendly tourists with free meals, drinks, and activity voucher.
On average, 81 percent of consumers say they want to act more sustainably, but only 22 percent have changed their behavior, according to a 2023 sustainable report by Kanter, a London-based market research group. Copenhagen’s new initiative, CopenPay, aims to bridge the gap between the desire to act sustainably and actual behavior by making climate-friendly action a currency for cultural experiences.
The Tourism Office of Copenhagen claims that “based on the evaluation, we hope to reintroduce CopenPay as a year-round, green payment experience within the economy and broaden the concept to other parts of Denmark and the rest of the world.”
The trust-based pilot program involves 24 local organizations offering rewards such as complimentary meals, drinks, and activity vouchers. No government funding is involved.
Those who arrive by bike or train at CopenHill, an artificial ski slope built on top of a new waste-management center, will be able to go down the rooftop hill for free.
For instance, those who arrive by bike or train at CopenHill, an artificial ski slope built on top of a new waste-management center, will be able to go down the rooftop hill for free. Other sites will allow visitors to volunteer in cleanup efforts. The National Gallery of Denmark will hold workshops to turn plastic waste into pieces of art, while the Copenhagen Surf School will offer a free lunch to surfers who take part in 30 minutes of beach cleaning after their surf course.
Explaining the new application, the office said the purpose of CopenPay was “to encourage sustainable behavior and enrich the cultural experience of visitors and residents in Copenhagen by transforming green actions into currency for cultural experiences.”
Petersen notes that while the scheme is a “little step towards the green transition,” its impact could be significant: “Imagine if we could have people taking a greener mindset back with them – if that was the souvenir they got – that would be amazing.”
Dine for Free in Copenhagen, written by Tor Kjolberg
TripAdvisor’s site (or app) is a useful tool for finding hotels and restaurants. However, in this article I’ll share with how I use TripAdvisor for booking tours.
I use TripAdvisor most for filtering landmarks I want to visit and tours I want to experience. On the site or in the app, you can enter your destination and look for attractions that interest you in that particular location. In order to find the right tour, you have to decide which tours include the landmarks you wish to see. This will take a little time and research, but it pays to know which attractions you would like to visit before committing to a tour. Here is how to use the app to find the attractions that may appeal to you:
On the TripAdvisor Mobile App, type in the name of the city you will be visiting.
On the TripAdvisor Mobile App.
1. Type in the name of the city you will be visiting.
2. A list of matching cities will pop up. Click on the correct city. 3. Click on “Things to do”.
4. The bottom row will say “Top Attractions” on the left.
5. Click on “See all” on the bottom right.
6. The attractions will appear in order of popularity.
7. If you want to narrow the results, click on “Filter” at the bottom middle of the screen.
8. Click on “Attraction Category” and filter the results with the following options:
I also read the reviews from other travelers to see if I need to be aware of any pluses or minuses.
On the TripAdvisor website
1. Type the name of the city you will be visiting.
2. A list of matching cities will pop up. Click on the correct city.
3. Click on “things to do”.
4. Click on “Attractions” toward the center of the screen.
5. The attractions will appear in order of popularity.
6. If you wish to narrow the results, notice the “Types of Attractions” on the left side of the screen.
7. Check the appropriate attraction category to filter the results.
Once you select a landmark. you can learn more about it. Tourists have uploaded their pictures of each of the landmarks, so I scroll through the pictures of each landmark to determine whether or not I want to visit it. I also read the reviews from other travelers to see if I need to be aware of any pluses or minuses. Sometimes I will decide to pass on a landmark if too many of the reviews indicate there is not much to see.
Be aware of the duration of the tour.
Landmarks of interest
Once I compile a list of the landmarks of interest. I click on the map function on TripAdvisor (on the website this is in the middle of the screen on the right) and group the landmarks by location in case I want to visit them on my own, without a tour. If it costs too much to get transportation between the landmarks, or if I desire a deeper historical context from a guide, I consider booking a tour that includes as many of the landmarks on my list as possible.
Pay special attention to the reviews of the individual tours before choosing one. As always read the one-star reviews first to see if there are any major concerns and use common sense to filter out the complaining morons that plague apps such as TripAdvisor, Expedia, Yelp, and other online platforms. Also, be aware of the duration of the tour. Some tours will pick you up at your hotel, while others will require you to go to a meeting place.
Procedures to be aware of
Now that you are ready to book a tour, enter your destination on TripAdvisor and click on “Things to Do”. Next, click on “Tours” on the website (“Tours & Sightseeing” on the app). Once you are ready to purchase a tour package, click on the “book” button. The link will take you to Viatour, TripAdvisor’s sister company that specializes in booking tours. From there, you can book in advance with a credit card. Viator will send you a confirmation email with a voucher for the tour. Some tour operators accept a voucher on your phone, while others will require a voucher to be printed out.
In order to find the right tour, you have to decide which tours include the landmarks you wish to see.
The confirmation email gives you a contact number for the tour company (usually on WhatsApp). You should contact your tour company a few days after booking and a few days before travel to confirm the tour and details such as start time, meeting place or hotel pickup since occasionally discrepancies exist in the information listed in the tour description. If you do not confirm the tour a few days before travel, you run the risk of missing the opportunity to take the tour. This is more common when you are traveling off the beaten path due to internet connectivity issues or simply poor administrative skills on the part of the tour operator. After you take a tour, leave a review on TripAdvisor to help the tour company grow. If you enjoyed the experience, if you had a lackluster or unpleasant experience, leave specific reasons in your review to inform travelers who follow your path.
How I use TripAdvisor When Booking a Tour, written by Tor Kjolberg
