In 1999, Sweden legally recognized five minority languages of Sweden due to its adoption of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. These minority languages are:
Although Sweden has no official language, Swedish is the national language and de facto official language of the country, totally dominating commercial and cultural life. The indigenous Finno-Ugric languages were repressed well into the 1960s.
The Sami language, spoken by some 7,000 people in Sweden, may be used in government agencies, courts, preschools and nursing homes in the municipalities of Arjeplog, Gällivare, Jokkmokk and Kiruna and its immediate neighbourhood.
Similarly, Finnish and Meänkieli can be used in the municipalities of Gällivare, Haparanda, Kiruna, Pajala and Övertorneå and its immediate neighbourhood.
Romany and Yiddish have the position of "historical minority languages" throughout the country, and thus the Swedish state acknowledges a certain obligation to preserve them.
See also