City of Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden's second city, was founded in 1621 by the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus II. Over the years the city has consistently retained its international character. Shipping and trade dominated the industry in Gothenburg for a long time and the city became the centre for the East India trade.

Throughout the 1900s, Gothenburg was dominated by a large number of successful industrial enterprises and during the 1960s the city was one of the world's largest shipbuilding and repair centres. Today Gothenburg has a highly diverse industrial structure with an emphasis on transport and biomedicine.

Gothenburg has a population of almost half a million. There is a distinct maritime atmosphere, with a mixture of older, well-preserved districts and exciting new developments. There is considerable emphasis on ensuring that the people in the city live in a good secure environment. The city is also a centre for major events and congresses. Interaction between the city, industry and the research/development community is a cornerstone in Gothenburg's development.