One of the Scandinavian countries. Few Jews lived there until the late 18th century. Jews have since played an important part in the life of the country, especially in the arts, and the old residents are well integrated in Swedish life. The rate of intermarriage is probably higher in Sweden than in any other country in Europe. Sweden received a large number of refugees from the Holocaust. In 2006, the Jewish population of 18,000 was more than double that of 1933. About 7,000 live in Stockholm and vicinity, 2,500 each in Goteborg and Malmo, 350 in Boras, and 250 in Narrkoping. There is a central Council of Mosaic Communities. The Jewish community as a whole, including the “Vikings,” as the old families are called, are keenly interested in Israel.