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 APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090023-1

Transportation and Telecommunications

A. Appraisal (C)

Transportation and telecommunications (telecom) in Sweden are excellent, fully capable of meeting economic needs and of supporting moderate to heavy military operations. In proportion to the population, the density of both systems is probably the highest in Europe. Geography and the broad dispersal of the population have influenced the pattern of the networks. Most of the major ports and by far the greater portion of railroad, highway, and inland waterway mileage are located in the south (Figure 8). Except in the Kiruna iron ore area, the land in the north, especially above the Arctic Circle, is considerably less developed. In most of the country the cold winter climate affects transportation and telecommunications, presenting problems in construction, maintenance, and operation.

Railroads are the primary means of long-distance transportation, but competition from highway transport is continually increasing. Stockholm is the focal point of the rail network, with lines radiating to the larger ports and major cities. Three lines connect Stockholm with the north, west, and south; another, a connecting route, permits north-south traffic to avoid the latest lakes without having to make major east-west diversions. Train-ferry connections are made with Denmark, West Germany, East Germany, and Finland.

Highway transport provides short-haul feeder service to the railroads and is the country's leading passenger carrier. In many sections of central and northern Sweden, highways afford the only means of transport; however, the network there is inadequate because of the steady growth of traffic and the paucity of alternative routes. Of the 1970 total freight traffic of 34 billion ton-miles, highways accounted for 19 billion ton-miles. Highway transport handled about 98% of all short-haul traffic, which accounted for 80% of the total highway traffic. Principal commodities moved were manufactured and semimanufactured goods and agricultural products. Inland waterway transport plays a significant role in the economy. Although handling only 2% of the annual total freight tonnage moved by the three modes, waterways account for about 14% of the total ton-miles.

Ocean transport is vital to Sweden's economy. More than 160 ports are scattered along the long coastline, and the merchant fleet ranks high in deadweight tonnage among the nations of the world. About 80% of the merchant fleet is engaged in profitable trade between foreign countries. The fleet carries nearly 30% of the nation's international seaborne exports.

Civil aviation, supported by an extensive system of excellent airfields, is becoming increasingly significant to the expanding economy. The government views air transport as a means of developing commerce, tourism, and international good will. Sweden has 65 major aircraft registered.

Telecom facilities are among the best in the world and satisfy the requirements of the public, government, and private enterprise. Telephone is the

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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090023-1