Since the founding of New Sweden in 1638, Swedes and Swedish Americans have contributed to the US’s scientific, economic, and cultural development in countless ways. Today, Swedish entrepreneurship remains a vital part of the American economy, with Sweden ranking as the 9th-largest foreign investor in the United States and the 4th-fastestgrowing source of foreign direct investment, supporting more than 400,000 jobs across all 50 states and reaching 97% of congressional districts.
Sweden was among the first countries to recognize the United States as an independent nation in 1783. Today, the United States is Sweden’s largest trading partner outside Europe, reflecting the deep and enduring economic ties that continue to strengthen the partnership between our nations. Between the mid-19th and 3,335,811 US residents identify as being of Swedish ancestry, representing 1.0% of the total U.S. population. early 20th centuries, economic hardship led approximately 1.3 million Swedes to emigrate to North America—nearly one-third of Sweden’s population at the time. Many settled in the American Midwest, where Swedish heritage and traditions still flourish.
The impact of Swedish immigrants on American business remains significant. Notable U.S. companies founded by individuals of Swedish origin include Greyhound, Nordstrom, and Walgreens. Innovation is another powerful bond between Sweden and the United States. Both countries consistently rank among the world’s leading innovators, and generations of American researchers, scientists, and institutions have been honored with Nobel Prizes awarded in Sweden since 1901. Together, Sweden and the United States continue to drive advances in science, technology, medicine, and sustainability that improve lives around the world.
