Studies have reported that Sweden is one of the most antisocial countries in the world and one of the most difficult countries to make friends in.
People from all over the world relocate to Sweden for various reasons. They may come to Sweden for education, a job opportunity, a relationship or to simply live in a country they have admired from afar. Some may move to Sweden to be with family. Others may have relocated to seek asylum. Some move willingly and some move unwillingly.
Once arriving to Sweden it is fairly quick that many newcomers notice the antisocial culture and experience challenges when trying to connect with their new community. They find people will not say hello, make eye contact when walking by in the streets or even accept invitations to meet and get to know each other better.
As a result many people who have relocated to Sweden feel alone and disconnected from their community. They lose hope with trying to make friends in their new country.
The antisocial atmosphere in Sweden has been one of the main challenges for me as an immigrant. I would continuously complain to my Swedish partner about how difficult it was to start new activities in my community and how existing events were disappearing. One day I realized it didn’t help to make the same complaints to the same person.
This is what led me to launch Vent About Sweden, a project where people can air their grievances about Sweden and be heard. We hope to provide support to those who feel lost and alone. We would also like this project to contribute to research and studies to improve the social atmosphere of Sweden not just for foreigners but also for native Swedes themselves.
– Lauren Ell
Founder of Vent About Sweden
The beginning of Vent About Sweden
