Government

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy. The constitution of 1972, which became effective in 1975, confirmed an already existing situation by formally limiting the king's position to that of a symbolic head of state with purely ceremonial powers and no influence on the affairs of the country.

Executive power rests with the cabinet, led by the prime minister and including the heads of the various government ministries and a number of ministers-without-portfolio. The prime minister is chosen from the majority party or coalition in parliament; the prime minister selects the other cabinet members.

Sweden has a one-house parliament, the Riksdag. Its 349 members are elected directly by all citizens 18 years of age and older to serve three-year terms.

The judicial branch of government includes the highest tribunal in the nation, the Supreme Court of Judicature; six courts of appeal; and numerous district courts, which handle both civil and criminal cases.

For regional administration, Sweden is divided into 21 counties. Each has a governor, appointed by the national government, and an elected county assembly. Within each county are a number of municipalities, each having an elected assembly.

Military service is compulsory for men between the ages of 18 and 47, who usually serve a period of 7 to 15 months and then are subject to recall for brief periods. Military forces include the Royal Swedish army, navy, and air force. There is also a trained but ordinarily inactive force called the home guard, made up of volunteers.