Politics
Sweden: The Last of the Lanthandel
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The Lanthandel, or general store, is most often the center of community life, in many ways taking the place of the village pub. It sells fresh produce, household goods and tools. It serves as a post office and even a pharmacy. But as young people migrate to the cities in search of jobs, their clienteles are dwindling. EU subsidies and fiber optic cables, however, are bringing many of these little shops into the modern age. Now, customers can even do their banking or submit building applications at the Lanthandel.