Lonely? Call a Swede!
A phone number created by Sweden’s tourism bureau connects the world to random Swedes.
Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty
+46 771 793 336.
Enter that number into your phone, and save it under “Random Swede.”
This is a real thing. If you call that number, you will be connected to any of the untold number of Swedish citizens who have downloaded an app called “The Swedish Number,” created by the Swedish Tourist Association.
A Swede will pick up, and you can talk to him or her about anything you want. If you can’t think of anything, the STA has suggestions, including the Northern Lights, politics, and meatballs. But beware: International calling fees do apply.
Sweden created the app to promote tourism, and to celebrate the 250-year anniversary of its ban on censorship. So far, it is the only country in the world to have its own national phone number.
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So if you ever have a burning question about IKEA furniture or Swedish Fish, you know who to call.
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