Sweden is a very well organised country, due largely to the fact that the population is only 9 million. Locally, getting to and from any place is a pleasure with very light traffic on all roads. Hospitals, public service offices, shops and supermarkets are uncluttered and one very seldom has to stand in a queue. There is very little that can't be bought in the local shops (except Marmite). There is a large selection of satellite TV stations available and one is able to get World and British news channels. Most films shown on Swedish TV are in English with Swedish subtitles. One can also view Premier League football on the week ends. The health care is amongst the best in the world and as both Britain and Sweden are part of the EU, reciprocal healthcare arrangements exist. General living expenses are in many respects less than in the UK. The houses are built to withstand the cold and the country does not grind to a halt when it snows.

Most Swedes speak very good English and enjoy the opportunity to practice it (unlike the rest of Europe where if you can't speak the native language you have a very difficult time). Swedish language lessons are available, free of charge, at the local college. They are very friendly people and you are made to feel welcome wherever you go. This has made our move here a real pleasure and settling in much easier than we could have imagined and we have already made some good local friends.

'Sweden is very expensive!!!' This is not true. Having lived here for almost 4 years and having lived in Britain for more than 20 years we can say that we have not found this to be so. Taxation is high if you work here, but this is not a consideration if you are retired or own a holiday home. Our weekly trip to the supermarket is in fact less expensive than it was in the UK. We find that we come out better on our pensions here, where in the UK we needed to be very careful, and it was getting worse. Don't let this misconception mislead you.