Swedish Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Sweden is a large Scandinavian country, stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Circle, known for its forests, lakes and design. Its capital is Stockholm. Swedes in Birmingham include academics, engineers, business professionals, students and families.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 99 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Swedish; and 259 residents gave Swedish as their main language. Main language figures leave out the many bilingual residents who use English day to day, so the number who speak the language at home is higher still.

Working for Birmingham

Swedish residents work in engineering, research, technology, healthcare and business, and Swedish academics contribute to the city's universities. Sweden's strong manufacturing and technology companies have operations across Britain, and Swedish professionals bring expertise in design and sustainability.

Every community that has settled in Birmingham has helped to shape it. Newcomers have filled gaps in the workforce, opened shops and restaurants, and raised children who have gone on to become the city's doctors, teachers, engineers and entrepreneurs. The Swedish community is part of that tradition of hard work and ambition, and of the city's own motto: Forward.

Culture and community life

Lucia Day on 13 December, when girls in white carry candles, and Midsummer, with its maypole dancing, are much-loved traditions. Fika, the coffee break with cinnamon buns, is a way of life, and Swedish meatballs, crispbread and herring are familiar favourites.

Like so many of the communities that make up modern Birmingham, the Swedish community shows how a city can be home to many cultures at once. Its members are proud of where they come from, and just as proud to be Brummies.