Buddhism is a relatively small religion inSweden. In April 2020, the number ofBuddhists was estimated in to be around 57,000 people,[1] around 0.7% of Sweden's population, making it Sweden's third largest religion afterChristianity andIslam.
Many practicing Buddhists in Sweden have Asian (mostlyThai,Chinese andVietnamese) heritage.
Evidence of Buddhism in Sweden dates back to theViking era. A6th century Buddha statue made of bronze and presumed to have been made inKashmir was found atHelgö in Sweden.[2]
One of the first texts in Swedish concerning Buddhism was Victor Pfeiff's translation ofEdwin Arnold'sLight of Asia, published in 1888 with the titleAsiens ljus. The book is a story in verse about the life and teachings ofGautama Buddha. The Swedish edition contained an introduction byViktor Rydberg.[3]
Among the first in Sweden who developed an interest in Buddhism wereAugust Strindberg,Dan Andersson,Karin Boye,Harry Martinson andKata Dahlström.[4][5][6]
TheSwedish Buddhist Community is a national umbrella organisation for variousBuddhist associations and congregations that are registered in Sweden. It currently has more than 25 member organisations.[7]
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