Living in Rural Northern Sweden

 

Life in rural areas

People have always been moving around to one town to the other. Most people move out around 18-25 years of age, and often to study or work. Then there are people who want to move to rural areas. The main reason, according to studies are trust, simplicity and openness found in smaller societies. Many people value these qualities. One feels safe knowing that everyone knows who other people in the town are. And also joy everyday life and routines that make life structured.

Joining in the rural society is simple. By engaging yourself in associations you can quickly make friends while learning skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life. The proximity of everything makes distances between destinations short, this means one saves time and energy getting from one place to another. You’ll find breathtaking views right outside your house regularly, and all kinds of outdoor activities are within arms reach all year round. There is an openness in a small society that makes people sociable even if you’ve not met before. You quickly feel like a part of the community, it’s easy to build contact with others and as a new resident you’ll be made to feel welcome.

Those who choose rural life know that the needs they have can and will be filled, which makes for great life quality. Especially families with children. Child care is easy available, school classes are small, which means each student recieves good attention. Kids get to know each other fast and have fun with others who are both their age and in different school years. A trip into the forrest with the whole family, making a fire and grilling a hot dog, or fishing in lakes are great everyday joys. One of the wonderful things in the north of Sweden is that the outdoors is beautiful.


What is a rural area?

The word rural is not easy to define, it is widely considered unanimous with countryside. Largely; it entails towns and villages which are not a “big city.”

2016 Antal invånare Landareal Invånare per kvkm: 
Vilhelmina 6 815 st 8 048 km2 0,85
Storuman 5 950 st 7 299 km2 0,82
Norsjö  4 171 st  1 739 km2  2,4
Malå 3 102 st 1 598 km2 1,94
Arjeplog 2 868 st 12 557 km2 0,23
Åsele 2 834 st 4 223 km2 0,67
Dorotea 2 738 st 2 764 km2 0,99
Sorsele 2 551 st 7 367 km2 0,35