Ethnic and economic segregation worsens in Sweden

The Local:

Though the majority of Swedish residents have experienced improved living conditions since 1990, more have also become marginalized, according to a report submitted on Tuesday to the Swedish government by the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen).

More Swedish residents are working, compared to figures from 1990, and fewer are receiving welfare subsidies.

But between six and seven percent of the population remains marginalized from Sweden’s labour market and social security net, indicating a polarization of social welfare, according to the report.

Ethnic segregation is increasing in large city regions, which is coinciding with economic segregation, the report concludes.

"The differences between where poor and rich live correspond to the differences between where poor southern Europeans and non-European immigrants live and where better-situated native Swedes and other immigrant groups live," the National Board of Health and Welfare stated.

Record investment in integration