Sweden has played a big part in helping people all around the world. Let’s take a closer look at how they do it.
A Little History
- Staying Neutral: Since the early 1800s, Sweden has not been involved in military conflicts. This neutral stance helps them focus on helping others without being distracted by war.
- Swedish Red Cross: This organization started in 1865 and is one of the oldest in the world. They help during tough times both in Sweden and in other countries.
Giving Money
- Aid Budget: In 2021, Sweden gave about $6.3 billion to help with international development. This is around 1% of what they earn as a country.
- Support for the UN: Sweden is one of the biggest donors to the United Nations. They provided about $550 million for humanitarian help in 2020.
Helping Hands
- Refugee Support: Sweden welcomes many people looking for safety. In 2020, they took in over 20,000 asylum seekers, showing their dedication to helping those in need.
- Working with Others: Sweden teams up with groups like UNICEF and the World Food Programme to support projects that help people globally.
Smart Programs
- Helping Poor Countries with Climate Change: Sweden puts money into projects that help countries deal with climate change. Between 2018 and 2020, they spent $450 million on these efforts.
- Supporting Women’s Rights: They also invested around $400 million in programs that aim to improve women’s rights and gender equality, especially in places affected by conflict.
Learning and Raising Awareness
- Educational Programs: The Swedish government encourages schools and communities to teach people about global issues, like climate change and the struggles refugees face.
Through these actions, Sweden has become an important and trusted helper in global humanitarian work, making a real difference in many parts of the world.