The Viking period was the next significant era in the country’s history beginning around the 9th century BC. The Vikings of Sweden were not quite a bloodthirsty as their Danish and Norwegian relatives and plundering and pillaging took second place to trade which was facilitated by their advanced ship designs which made long distance travel somewhat easier. The Viking period came to an end and the control of Sweden, along with that of Norway and Denmark, fell to the Kalmar Union. The plague hit the country in the 14th century and it suffered devastating losses similar to those experienced in other European countries. Recovery was gradually seen however and by the 16th century, the country was strong enough to shake off Kalmar Union control and after rejecting Catholicism, it found itself at odds with neighbouring countries. The 20th century saw two world wars, neither of which resulted in military conflict for Sweden which remained neutral throughout. Peace has remained the status quo ever since with the country’s population having doubled since the 18th century. Initially, mass poverty was a result of this population explosion; however the country has since dealt with this and is now known to offer one of the highest standards of living in the world. | 
