Jante’s Law, an unspoken code of ethics that rejects distinguishing oneself from the rest, is still very strong in many fields and areas in Sweden, while Elitism usually encounters strong criticism. This approach goes hand-in-hand with the respect of humbleness and modesty, and the Swedish lagomhet (appraisal of modesty and humbleness). Swedes often express themselves in modest terms. Especially since the 19th Century, a strong urge towards more individualist values took over the more collectivist ones. In turn, a strong attitude of tolerance towards same-sex relationships and racism has resulted in a country with little xenophobia. Hard work and honesty are encouraged by the atmosphere of merging capitalist values and Swedish agrarian modesty. Sweden is generally a country of low corruption, and animal protection and environmentalism are important values.

Sweden boasts one of the most famous national film industries in the world, partly due to innovation in its early days. Mauritz Stiller and Victor Sjostrom were gifted visionaries of the silent period, who also gained international interest to Swedish filmmaking. Famous Swedish actors and actresses include Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Stellan Skarsgard, Max Von Sydow, Lena Olin, Ingrid Thulin and Peter Stormare.