About Gothenburg

Gothenburg is located on the Swedish west coast. It is Sweden's second largest city with almost 500,000 inhabitants. The Gothenburg region is a commercial and industrial center where world-famous and multinational companies, such as Volvo, SKF, Astra Zeneca, Nobelpharma, Hasselblad, Saab Ericsson Space and others, have headquarters or main offices. Several of the companies representing the New Economy of the IT revolution are also situated here. In addition, Chalmers University of Technology and Göteborg University are known for engaging many of the best scientists in the world. The research activity is enormous, and collaboration projects are characteristic of the city.

Brief history

The Gothenburg region is an old and exciting cultural area. The many ruins in the area prove that people were already living here 8,000 years ago.

Gothenburg, which was granted its charter in 1621, was intended to act as Sweden´s gateway to the west. Its position was strategic, the area around the mouth of the River Göta having been an important trading center since the 12th century. The city was built according to Dutch patterns, with streets and man-made canals in a strictly-designed system, and a large square, the current Gustaf Adolfs Torg, next to the Grand Canal.

An excellent business climate

Business Region Gothenburg offers an excellent business climate. The central position, equidistant from Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, makes the area a natural meeting point. You will find 50% of Scandinavia’s industrial capacity within easy reach of Gothenburg. This proximity to different markets, in combination with an efficient infrastructure, is attracting a steady stream of international investors.  

Limits on collaboration between technical colleges, universities, the business community, and public authorities have long been removed. 

Business Region Gothenburg has a long and successful tradition of industry and trade. Several of the most renowned industrial concerns in Scandinavia such as Volvo, SKF, ESAB and Hasselblad originate from and have their head offices here.

In recent years, the growth in research and knowledge-intensive, high-technology companies has increased rapidly. Consequently, the region benefits from advanced levels of research, on-tap expertise, high quality standards, and a strong international orientation.

Study in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is one of the most popular choices among university students in Sweden.
The city has a lot to offer and is suitable for many different types of student. 
The breadth and quality of the education, a good labor market after graduation, and an attractive environment are some of the reasons behind the city's popularity. Entertainment, culture, and nature are all close at hand for students in the city. The cosy café scene, especially in the quarters around Vasastan and Haga, wouldn't be the same without all the students.
There are around 48,000 students in all at Gothenburg University and Chalmers University of Technology.

Culture and Attractions

The theaters draw packed houses. The music scene is flourishing. Gothenburg boasts a rich diversity of culture and many places of interest. 

The Poseidon statue presides imposingly over Götaplatsen square, the city's cultural hub. Some of Gothenburg's 17 museums, 25 theater stages and 38 cinema screens are located nearby. But the city is not only home to established venues such as the City Theater and Folkteatern, and gems like the Gothenburg Opera House, the Art Museum and Concert Hall with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. You will also discover many free theaters and an active free cultural scene.  Most of the places of interest are within walking distance of Avenyn. They are easy to find if you go on a sightseeing tour, or take the tram and explore the city yourself with your Gothenburg Pass and a map.