Sweden Reports GDP Growth, Lower Inflation, and Drop in Shootings
9 reported
According to a Bloomberg column by Adrian Wooldridge, Sweden is experiencing economic growth alongside social policy changes. The country’s GDP is projected to grow by 1.8% to 1.9% this year, with headline inflation at 1.5% and a debt-to-GDP ratio just above 35%. However, the economy has recently faced a bout of stagnation, unemployment stands at 9.4%, and Sweden has one of Europe’s highest rates of household debt. The business environment remains healthy, with the highest number of unicorns per capita in Europe, including Spotify, and a strong manufacturing and engineering sector. Sweden also recorded its first net emigration in 50 years, attributed to higher minimum wages for labor visas, tougher citizenship tests, and financial payouts of up to $37,000 for refugees who volunteer to leave. The country has made progress against violent crime, with shootings falling by 63% from 390 in 2022 to 147 by the end of 2025, following increased police numbers, toughened penal code, expanded stop-and-search powers, and a lowered age of criminal responsibility to 14.
What’s reported
GDP is projected to grow by 1.8% to 1.9% this year.
Headline inflation stands at 1.5%.
Debt-to-GDP ratio is just above 35%.
Unemployment is at 9.4%.
Sweden has the highest number of unicorns per capita in Europe, with notable successes such as Spotify.
Sweden experienced its first net emigration in 50 years.
Financial payouts of up to $37,000 are offered for refugees who volunteer to leave.
Shootings fell by 63%, from 390 in 2022 to 147 by the end of 2025.
The age of criminal responsibility was lowered to 14.
Key figures
Adrian Wooldridge, author of a Bloomberg column and a new book on liberalism.
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
