The Baltic Sea has always played an important role in trade for Sweden.

Challenges:

• Conflicts with Neighbors: Controlling the Baltic Sea has caused arguments with nearby countries, which can hurt trade.
• Severe Weather: Cold winters can freeze shipping paths. This makes it hard to move and deliver goods.
• Piracy and Smuggling: These problems have made trade difficult, slowing down economic growth and causing mistrust between trading partners.

Possible Solutions:

• Building Better Relationships: By improving connections with countries around the Baltic Sea, Sweden can reduce conflicts and create better trade deals.
• Upgrading Ports and Equipment: Making ports better and investing in icebreakers would help keep shipping routes open all year.
• Improving Sea Safety: Having more naval patrols can help fight against piracy and illegal activities, making the sea safer for trading.

While the Baltic Sea has created challenges for Sweden's trade in the past, solving these problems can lead to better international relationships and more successful trade in the future.