Russia–Sweden relations

Russia-Sweden relations refers to the bilateral foreign relations between the two countries, Russia and Sweden. Both countries had a history of war, and reastablishing diplomatic missions. Today, both countries remain close trading partners. Russia has an embassy in Stockholm and a consulate in Gothenburg, and Sweden has an embassy in Moscow and consulates in Saint Petersburg and Kaliningrad. Both countries border the Baltic Sea and are members of the Council of Europe.

History

The founding of new states in Russia

A group of Swedish vikings called Varangians found new states in Russia.

The Russo-Swedish Wars

Most of the Russo-Swedish Wars were due to Russia's alliance with other countries. One was also due to the territory of Finland. In the Great Northern War, some Swedish prisinors were sent in considerable numbers to Siberia. They numbered perhaps 25 % of the population of Tobolsk, the capital of Siberia, and some settled permanently.

The Swedes deportation to New Russia

When Estonia was under Swedish rule in 1558–1710, the territory was later ceded to Russia in 1721. All Estonian-Swedes from the island of Hiiumaa were forced to move to New Russia (present day Ukraine) by Catherine II of Russia. They formed their own village, Gammalsvenskby.

Russia and Sweden today

Both countries are close trading partners. It was also estimated that 8,900 Russians reside in Sweden. Russian Orthodox Churchs can be seen around Gothenburg, Stockholm, Umeå, Uppsala, and Västerås.

ee also

*Foreign relations of Russia
*Foreign relations of Sweden

External Links

* [http://www.swedenabroad.com/Page____28799.aspx Swedish embassy in Moscow]
* [http://www.swedenabroad.com/Page____28855.aspx Swedish embassy in Saint Petersburg]
* [http://www.ryssland.se/ Russian Embassy in Stockholm]