Sweden's rural areas play a big part in the country's economy. Here are the main ways they contribute:

1. Agriculture:

   • About 61% of Sweden's land is used for farming.
   • Farmers grow many types of crops, with sugar beets, barley, and wheat being the most important.
   • Raising animals is also important, especially for milk and beef.

2. Forestry:

   • Sweden has large forested areas that cover around 69% of the land.
   • The forestry industry makes about $20 billion every year for the economy.
   • Sweden is one of the biggest exporters of timber, and this sector provides jobs for about 100,000 people.

3. Tourism:

   • Rural tourism attracts people for activities like hiking, skiing, and discovering Swedish culture.
   • In 2022, this kind of tourism brought in over $10 billion to local economies.

4. Renewable Energy:

   • Sweden is a leader in renewable energy.
   • Rural areas have wind farms and produce bioenergy.
   • About 54% of the energy used in Sweden comes from renewable sources.

5. Fishing:

   • The fishing industry is very important, particularly in coastal rural areas.
   • Sweden exported over $1 billion worth of fish recently, mainly herring, salmon, and cod.

These activities show how vital rural areas are to Sweden's economy, benefiting both local communities and the entire nation.