Swedish Roma
Towards the end of the 19th century a new group of Romani arrived from Russia and France. They are referred to as Swedish Romani, and earned their living as coppersmiths, tinkers, silversmiths and musicians. They were not expelled from Sweden but were nevertheless refused permission to stay in one place for any length of time. Nor could they rent accommodation, but were referred to certain appointed areas where they could raise their tents. Their children were not admitted to Swedish schools. These conditions were eased only in the 1960s.

Swedish Roma lived for a long while outside society. They travelled about or lived in camps. Swedish Roma are the ones often termed gypsies.
Illustration by Karin Enberg.