Sweden and the world

Representing the blue and gold

Sweden's embassies and other overseas properties are the face of our country abroad. They show off Sweden to the world and aim to reflect Swedish culture, design, traditions and quality. They should also reflect and represent Swedish trade. Visiting a Swedish Embassy should convey an impression of meeting the very soul of Sweden. The country and the people should reflect an image of what we in our country are proud of.

National Property Board Sweden (SFV) manages Sweden's state-owned overseas properties worldwide, which includes embassies, consulates and ambassadorial residences. The tenant for these properties is usually the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (UD). In some countries, the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Swedish Institute also rent space in SFV buildings.

Not all embassies and consulates are state-owned. The UD rents some buildings directly from a local property owner. The owner is generally responsible for managing that particular building.

Designed for dialog

The Embassy often acts as a meeting-place where the Swedish buisness community can cement new international contacts. It is also a political satellite where representatives of the government and the country can hold discussions and negotiations. The Embassy can also provide a link to the home country for Swedes living abroad. It can also work as security for Swedish people temporarily away from home.

In addition to meeting-rooms, the embassies also have offices for Ministry personnel. They are sometimes also official residences for ambassadors and their families.