Group: | Bosniaks in Sweden |
Native Name: | |
Flag: | |
Pop: | 94,000 (2020) |
Langs: | SwedishBosnian |
Rels: | Sunni Islam |
Related-C: | Other South Slavs in Sweden |
Bosniaks in Sweden (Swedish: Bosniaker i Sverige) ancestry can be traced to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sandžak region. The vast majority of Bosniaks immigrated to Sweden during and after the Bosnian War which lasted from 1992 to 1995. The largest Bosniak population can be found in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and other bigger cities in Sweden.[1] [2]
According to Statistics Sweden, there were approximately 94,000 people of Bosnian descent living in Sweden in 2020.[3]
The history of Bosniaks in Sweden dates back to the 1960s when the Swedish government began recruiting foreign workers to help address the country's labor shortage. Many Bosnians, including Bosniaks, immigrated to Sweden in search of better economic opportunities. The majority of Bosniaks settled in the urban areas of Sweden, particularly in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
In the early years of Bosniak immigration to Sweden, they faced significant challenges in adapting to Swedish society. Most Bosniaks settled in urban areas, primarily in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, where they formed close-knit communities to support each other.
During the 1990s, the Bosnian War led to a significant influx of Bosnian refugees into Sweden, including many Bosniaks. The Swedish government granted asylum to many of these refugees, and they became a significant part of the Bosniak community in Sweden.
Today, the Bosniak community in Sweden is estimated to be around 90,000 people, making it one of the largest Bosnian communities in Europe. The community has established several organizations and cultural centers, including the Islamic Association in Sweden, which serves as a hub for religious and cultural activities.
The Bosniak community in Sweden has also played an essential role in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in the country. They have participated in interfaith and multicultural events, such as the Stockholm Interfaith Dialogue, to promote dialogue and understanding among different communities in Sweden.
In recent years, the Bosniak community in Sweden has faced some challenges, including rising Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment in Swedish society. However, the community continues to strive for acceptance and understanding and has made significant contributions to Swedish society in various fields, including business, science, and the arts.