Sveriges Riksbank

The Riksbank stands in Stockholm as Sweden’s central bank, the world’s oldest still working. It was set up in 1668 by the Riksdag and took over duties from an earlier private bank that had failed. The name comes from the Swedish word for realm, showing its national purpose. A paper-mill at Tumba was built to stop counterfeit notes in the 18th century. The bank once issued credit-notes and later gained the sole right to print money in 1897. Its history shows how Sweden shaped modern money. The first branch opened in 1824, and by the 19th century it handled trade and credit across the country. In 1992 the fixed exchange rate broke, so the bank created a new policy with help from the Bank of Canada. Today its policy teams guide inflation and stability with about half of its 350 staff. Visitors find a working institution with a Latin motto meaning strength and security. The bank awards the Economics Nobel Prize each December in Stockholm. Inside, rooms hold records from centuries of monetary decisions. Outside, the building sits near the city centre, a quiet guardian of Sweden’s financial order.