If war comes, are you ready? How Sweden is preparing its people for the threat of war

Sweden-Finland War Brochure: Sweden and Finland have issued updated survival guidance for citizens to enhance preparedness for war, natural disasters, and other crises. Sweden is distributing over five million copies of a booklet titled "If Crisis or War Comes," while Finland has launched an online crisis preparedness resource. These measures reflect growing concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both nations, now NATO members, are emphasizing resilience, with advice covering emergency supplies, evacuation, and mental health support during crises.

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Amid heightened security threats and geopolitical tensions, Sweden and Finland have issued updated guidance to prepare their citizens for potential crises, including war, extreme weather, and power outages. Both nations, recent NATO members, are prioritizing public readiness as part of a broader effort to bolster regional security. Sweden Distributes Crisis Booklet to Millions The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has begun distributing the latest edition of its crisis preparedness booklet, "If Crisis or War Comes," to over five million households.

The 32-page booklet, first introduced during World War II, has been updated to address contemporary threats such as cyberattacks, terrorism, and extreme weather events. MSB Director Mikael Frisell explained the significance of the initiative: “The security situation is serious, and we all need to strengthen our resilience to face various crises and ultimately war.” The booklet provides practical advice, including stockpiling water, food, and other essentials, preparing for power and communication outages, and handling anxiety during crises.



Specific recommendations are tailored for vulnerable populations, such as preserving baby food and medication for infants and ensuring pet care during emergencies. It also emphasizes national unity and resistance: “If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never give up. All information suggesting that resistance is to cease is false.

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A significant portion of the population has already accessed the digital version, with over 55,000 downloads since its October release, according to MSB. Finland Introduces Online Crisis Guidance Finland’s Ministry of the Interior has taken a similar approach by launching a new crisis preparedness website. The resource offers detailed advice on coping with prolonged power cuts, telecommunications disruptions, and military conflicts.

The initiative aligns with similar measures taken earlier this year by Norway and Denmark, which distributed updated wartime guidance to their citizens. A Coordinated NATO Effort Both Sweden and Finland joined NATO after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, abandoning their longstanding policies of neutrality. This shift underscores a growing regional focus on collective defense and crisis readiness within the alliance.

The security challenges facing Europe are starkly outlined in the Swedish MSB’s statement: “The state of the world has worsened drastically in recent years. War is being waged in our vicinity. Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common.

Terror threats, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns are being used to undermine and influence us.” The Global Security Landscape The Russia-Ukraine war has prompted many European nations to reevaluate their defense strategies. Both Sweden and Finland have significantly increased military spending and introduced comprehensive public awareness initiatives to build societal resilience.

Additionally, the Swedish brochure highlights preparations for extreme scenarios, such as nuclear, biological, or chemical attacks. It advises citizens: “In the event of an attack with nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, take cover in the same way as in an air attack.” The distribution of updated materials in Nordic countries reflects a broader effort to prepare citizens for an increasingly uncertain future.

This unified approach aims to reinforce public awareness and national resilience against a range of potential threats. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel ).