There are some aspects that show the connection between France and Sweden. Both nations are members of the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Also, France fully confirmed Sweden’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership application in August 2022. Add to that, they share fondness for coffee and gambling.
In this article, we are exploring both nations’ passion for coffee (culture) and gambling.
The Art of Fika and the French Café Culture
Fika, pronounced as “fee-kah”, is a typical Swedish tradition that makes you take a break or pause to enjoy a hot drink. The hot drink can also be a good cup of Swedish coffee. Kaffi as it is called in Sweden, is paired with a snack, pastry, or the usual cinnamon bun.
Fika is a very significant ritual in Swedish culture, giving people a moment to take things slow and socialize. It stimulates and refreshes the brain and strengthens relationships with co-workers, friends, and family.
The main factor that makes it unique from a typical coffee break is the way that coffee unites with the state of mind. It is a ritual that encourages mindfulness, relaxation, and human interaction.
Similarly, café culture in France goes in the same manner. The French like to slow things down. A three-hour lunch or dinner is typical. They value simple things in life like quality time with family and friends, self-care, good food, and a good cup of coffee.
Gambling in Sweden and France
They allow multiple forms of gambling that operate domestically in Sweden. However, you must be 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets, play slot machines, or gamble online. There are many forms of gambling in local bars like slot machines or blackjack. Although it is allowed, the Swedish Gambling Authority regulates gambling in Sweden.
In France, land-based casinos are allowed to operate While internet sports and horse racing betting platforms can only do so if they have a licence. As expected, the 18-year-old rule that bans the young ones from gambling still applies.
Online gambling in France became legal just before the 2010 World Cup. Consequently, gamblers opened over 1.2 million accounts on licensed sites during the first month.
Bets have reached €83 million. This amount was twice more than what was there in 2009 when the only choice for legal online betting was the state-owned betting website.
Conclusion
So, if you are in France or in Sweden, have a cup of coffee to be one with their cultures. Enter a world where your mind relaxes, get to interact with people, and clear our mind from every day life’s toxicity.
Fika is not just a having a coffee. It being at ease with life and the environment that makes it different from the normal coffee drinking. On the side, you can think of other things that can make you relax double time and that is indulging in short-term gambling.
Sweden is among the top European destinations where the gambling industry is thriving. We can tell this by looking at their high disposable income. France on the other hand has made gambling of any form legal.
Therefore, the connection is real and quite obvious.