Stefan Ingvarsson: One of the Ingredients for Swedish Success is Literacy

11:04, October 25, 2018

Counselor for Culture of Swedish Embassy in Russia met with UrFU students

Sweden has evolved from one of the poorest countries in Europe to one of the richest countries in the world, thanks in large part to literacy, says cultural advisor to the Swedish Embassy in Russia, Stefan Ingvarsson. The diplomat introduced the history of the Scandinavian state to UrFU students and told how Peter the Great helped its development.

'Sweden was a very poor northern country. We were surrounded by developing countries, and it went on until Peter the Great 'kicked us out'. After the Poltava Battle, Sweden embarked on a 'journey' and became one of the richest countries in the world. This process took many years, and, of course, several factors influenced this,' the adviser on culture says. 'An important component of Swedish success is literacy. Education has become a staple.'

According to Stefan Ingvarsson, the basis of universal education was the idea embodied in the traditions of Protestantism. It was that each person could read the Bible. In the 19th century, scientific discoveries contributed to the development of the country. The trend continued in the 20th century, when scientists immigrated to Sweden during World War II.

'The Protestant tradition of education has borne fruit: there are a lot of Swedes among the Nobel laureates,' Stefan Ingvarsson concludes.