Sweden has a wide and vast history, spanning from the Stone Age and continuing to the modern day. Sweden became recognized as a country on June 6th, 1523 under the ruling of King Gustav Vasa. The 1700s brought with it the Great Northern War (1700-1721), fought against Denmark, Poland and Russia as a means to gain control of Swedish owned provinces and ports. The defeat of the war caused Sweden to lose its territory on the other side of the Baltic sea, what is today considered Lavia, Finland, Estonia, and parts of Northern Germany. The population at this time was about 1.5 million in 1721, but having a rapid growth through the 1700s.
“ I am a Dane, Swede, or Frenchman at different times; or rather fancy myself like the old philosopher, who upon being asked what countryman he was, replied, that he was a citizen of the world.” (Addison).