With one of the oldest populations in the world, Sweden needs its citizens to reach out and help each other in informal, neighbourly ways. New research shows a dramatic rise in the number of Swedes who are doing exactly that.
The Scandinavian welfare system is recognized worldwide for its generous benefits and cradle-to-grave care. But not everyone benefits equally: Norwegians who pursue higher education and then can't find work are rarely eligible for unemployment benefits.
Multiple sclerosis is an expensive disease, with payouts for drugs by Norwegian patients upwards of €30 million per year. The government pays for most of these expenses, with the surprising result of saving money over the long run.
There is a close link between the current EU debt crisis and the extensive corruption taking place in several southern European countries, according to new research on corruption.
Women's incomes take the hardest hit after a divorce. In Norway the welfare state eliminates the difference between husband and wife by subsidising single parents.
Denmark is now discussing a break with the philosophy of universalism, although social expenditure in the Nordic countries is no higher than in Germany or France.
