Sun, warmth and a life abroad attract many Swedes. But when Swedes themselves are asked what they would miss most when moving abroad permanently, it is not Midsummer, meatballs or sweets that end up at the top of the list – but Swedish tap water.

This is shown by a new survey from Fastighetsbyrån, conducted by Verian.

Almost half of those surveyed, 49 percent, say that Swedish tap water is what they would miss the most. This is followed closely by Swedish nature (47 percent) and the changing seasons (31 percent).

– Many Swedes dream of a home in warmer latitudes where sun, swimming and culture attract. At the same time, the love for Sweden is great and many who live abroad for longer periods are starting to appreciate certain Swedish qualities even more. The fact that tap water is at the top shows how much we value things that feel natural at home, but are not always available in other countries, says Johan Vesterberg, PR and Communications Manager at Fastighetsbyrån.

The real estate agency, which brokers housing in Sweden, Spain and Portugal, notes that the driving forces behind a move abroad vary, but that certain Swedish everyday qualities are only appreciated when they are missing.

The survey also shows clear differences between different groups. Among young women aged 18–29, 34 percent say they would miss Swedish traditions such as Midsummer and Christmas, while 21 percent highlight bulk sweets. Among men, significantly more would miss snus – 13 percent compared to 5 percent of women.

What Swedes would miss most abroad

1. Swedish tap water – 49 %
2. Swedish nature – 47 %
3. The Seasons – 31 %
4. Swedish language – 25 %
5. Swedish traditions – 20 %
6. Swedish food – 18 %
7. Swedish sweets and snacks – 11 %
8. Snuff – 9 %
9. Coffee – 9 %

Seven percent state that they would not miss any of the options.