Stockholm Maps

Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden, situated on 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. The city proper has a population of about 985,000 inhabitants (2023), while the metropolitan area is home to over 2.4 million people.

Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm has been Sweden's political, economic, and cultural center since medieval times. The city's historic district, Gamla Stan (Old Town), features well-preserved buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, including the Royal Palace, which remains the official residence of the Swedish monarchy. This palace, with its 608 rooms, is one of the the largest still in use for its original purpose.

Stockholm serves as the seat of the Swedish government and parliament (Riksdag). The city is also home to numerous cultural institutions, including more than 100 museums. The Vasa Museum, housing a nearly intact 17th-century warship, attracts over a million visitors annually. The Nobel Museum in Gamla Stan commemorates the Nobel Prize and its laureates, while the annual Nobel Prize ceremony takes place in the Stockholm Concert Hall.

The city is renowned for its innovative technology sector and startup scene, earning it the nickname "Europe's Silicon Valley." Stockholm is home to several successful tech companies, including Spotify and Klarna. The metropolitan area produces approximately 30% of Sweden's GDP.

Stockholm's public transportation system is extensive and efficient, consisting of the Stockholm Metro (Tunnelbana), buses, commuter trains, and ferries. The metro system, often called "the world's longest art gallery," features artistic installations in many of its stations. Arlanda Airport, the city's main international airport, handles over 26 million passengers annually.

Environmental sustainability is a key priority for Stockholm, which was named Europe's first Green Capital in 2010. The city aims to be fossil-fuel-free by 2040 and implements various eco-friendly initiatives, including extensive bicycle infrastructure, and green building practices. Stockholm's water is so clean that people can fish in the city center and swim in its waterways.