Swedish in Russia


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Swedish people—known as Swedes (Svensk)—are believed to be descended from the Indo-European Battle Axe culture in the coastal areas of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In the 1000s, they were among the Viking raiders/pirates who terrorized the British Isles and mainland Europe. Some migrated further east, where they were instrumental in establishing Russia as a nation state.

In the 17th century, Sweden became a powerful force in Europe. There was rapid population growth during the 18th and 19th centuries, and around the turn of the 20th century, more than one million migrated to the United States. At present, those who immigrate tend to choose Nordic nations surrounding Sweden, particularly Finland. Swedes now live in 20 countries including Russia.

They have their own language, Swedish, which is similar to nearby languages. Swedish has different dialects. The southern Swedish dialect is related to Danish and can be hard even for other Swedes to understand.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Many adults are employed in industrial occupations and office work in the public sector. The majority of Swedes, nearly one-quarter, are employed in the service industry.

Swedish women play a lead role in government, professions, and technical trades. Marriage choices are left to individuals, and the family is largely nuclear rather than extended. Swedes value calmness and clear thinking. On a social level, they are noted for being reserved, which makes evangelism challenging. Typically, Swedes have a small circle of close friends. Depression is a problem for many.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Historically, Swedes practiced Norse paganism. They were exposed to Christianity in the 1000s, but stayed with their traditional gods for 200 years, believing them to be more powerful than a God who would allow his son to be crucified. After the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church was abolished, and Protestantism was widespread. The main religion is Lutheran, and most Swedish children are baptized as infants. In recent decades, secularism has surged, and today, many Swedes consider themselves either nonreligious or atheists.


What Are Their Needs?

Swedes need a fresh and powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit. Like most people groups today, they are focused on their families, their careers, and on temporal happiness. They need to recognize and receive God’s gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ.


Prayer Items

Pray for the blinded minds and deaf ears of the lost among the Swedes to be open to the good news.
Pray for them to realize their need for a savior and accept God’s offer of forgiveness and salvation.
Pray they will move beyond a mindset of self-sufficiency that is trusting in self instead of God.
Pray for a reawakening and a revival in this once largely Christian people group.
Pray that soon Swedish disciples in Russia will make more disciples.


Scripture Prayers for the Swedish in Russia.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedes
https://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Sweden.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden
Curtis Musser, et al


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Swedish
People Name in Country Swedish
Alternate Names Swede
Population this Country 7,300
Population all Countries 9,469,000
Total Countries 20
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 3
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 15148
ROP3 Code 109650
Country Russia
Region Europe, Eastern and Eurasia
Continent Asia
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Country Russia
Region Europe, Eastern and Eurasia
Continent Asia
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked

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Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.60 %)
54.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
46.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Swedish (7,300 speakers)
Language Code swe   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Swedish (7,300 speakers)
Language Code swe   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Swedish

Primary Language:  Swedish

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1523-1991)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1526-1996)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1541-2023)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Swedish Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Walk with the Prophets and meet the Messiah Al Massira
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Kärnbibeln General / Other
Mobile App Android Bible app: Swedish YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app from Google Play Store Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Swedish YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Bible Gateway scripture Bible Gateway
Text / Printed Matter Cartoon Gospel tract General / Other
Text / Printed Matter tools for gospel conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Anonymous 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.