STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, and consequently the site of its Government and Parliament as well as the residence of the Swedish head of state, King Carl XVI Gustaf.
With its location on the east coast of Sweden at the mouth of Lake Mälaren, by the Stockholm archipelago, it is widely renowned for its beauty.
Stockholm is located on Sweden's east coast, where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. The central parts of the city consists of fourteen islands, all part of the archipelago. The geographical city centre is virtually situated on the water, in the bay Riddarfjärden.
For details about the other municipalities usually considered part of Stockholm, see respective municipality. North of Stockholm Municipality: Järfälla, Solna, Täby, Sollentuna, Lidingö, Upplands Väsby, Österåker, Sigtuna, Sundbyberg, Danderyd, Vallentuna, Ekerö, Upplands-Bro and Vaxholm. South of Stockholm: Huddinge, Nacka, Botkyrka, Haninge, Tyresö, Värmdö and Salem.
Due to the city's high northern latitude, the climate of Stockholm is extremely varied with distinct seasons. At the winter solstice in late December, the day lasts about six hours, whereas at the summer solstice in late June, Stockholm's daylight period extends beyond eighteen hours. As a result, Stockholm is exposed to cold winters and mild summers. The highest temperature ever recorded in Stockholm was +38°C (100°F); the lowest was -32°C (-26°F). While unevenly distributed during the year, the number of annual sun hours usually amounts to over 1,800.
The vast majority of Stockholmians work in the service industry, which accounts for roughly 85% of jobs in Stockholm. The almost total absence of heavy industry makes Stockholm one of the world's cleanest metropolises.
The last decade has seen a significant number of jobs created in high technology companies. Large employers include IBM, Ericsson, and Electrolux. Arguably one of the world's leading IT centres is located in Kista, in northern Stockholm.
Stockholm has a humid continental climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Due to the city's high northerly latitude, daylight varies widely from more than 18 hours around midsummer, to only around 6 hours in late December. Despite its location, Stockholm has relatively mild temperatures and much warmer and sunnier weather throughout the year than most other places at similar latitude, or even somewhat further south, mainly because of the influence of the Gulf Stream. The city enjoys 1,981 hours of sunshine annually.
Summers are warm & pleasant with average daytime high temperatures of 20 - 22°C (68 - 72°F) and lows of around 13°C (55°F), but temperatures frequently exceed 25°C (77°F). Winters are cold with average temperatures ranging from -5 to 1°C (23 - 33°F), and rarely drop below −10 °C (14 °F). Spring and autumn are generally cool to mild.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Stockholm was 34.4°C (94°F); the lowest was -28.3°C (-19°F).
Annual precipitation is 539 mm (21.2 inches) with 164 wet days and light to moderate rainfall throughout the year. Snow mainly occurs from December through March.
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