Economy of Sweden

5. Iron and steel industry.

• By the mid-18th century, Sweden has become a leading steel producer in the world before the industrial breakthrough mid-19th century. Most of the smelters are concentrated in central Sweden, which are privately owned. More than half of steel output up special steel - alloyed and high-carbon. The largest producers of special steels are such companies AvestaPolarit, Sandvik Steel, Ovako Steel and Uddeholm Tooling.

6. Machinery.

• In recent years this industry has developed more intensively than any other. Very important are the automotive and aerospace industry. Volvo's and SAAB produce both vehicles and aerospace products. SAAB produces, in particular, civil and military aircraft.

7. Construction.

• It is the industry most severely affected crisis of the early 90s. The consequences of the situation late 80s - early 90s are still being felt. Then constructed real estate remains unclaimed. The most intensive recovery occurs in three major cities - Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo, and in several other cities. But the volume of housing construction continues to remain at an unprecedentedly low level.

8. Communications and information technology.

• These two industries have become the engine of economic growth in Sweden in the late 90s, when Sweden has set the tone for the practical use of new technologies. In 2000 and 2001, Sweden was awarded the title of the world's leading powers in the field of information technology. It is widely known Swedish company Ericsson, which supplies system for mobile telephony and digital exchange of information on all markets around the world. The company ranks second in the world in the field of telecommunications.

9. Chemical industry.

• Initially, the industry produced mainly, matches and explosives. After the Second World War, a large share of production accounted for paints and plastics. Over the past 20 years very intensive development of the pharmaceutical industry. More than 90 percent in Sweden produced drugs are exported. Currently, the largest are Astra Zeneca, and Pharmacia & Upjohn.